Life-space mobility is associated with frequency of hospitalization in adults with cystic fibrosis.

Introduction And Objectives:   The Life-Space Assessment can be used to measure a patient's level of mobility. This study evaluated the relationship between life-space mobility and frequency of hospitalization in the previous year and other clinical markers of health among adults with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods:   The Life-Space Assessment was administered to ambulatory adults with CF in clinic or by telephone. Life-space mobility was correlated with the most recent forced expiratory volume in one second as a percent of the predicted value (FEV(1) % predicted), body mass index (BMI) and number of hospitalizations in the previous year.

Results:   Forty-eight subjects completed the Life-Space Assessment. Subjects had a life-space score of 88 ± 26, FEV(1) % predicted of 66% ± 26% and BMI of 22.5 ± 3.3. There was a statistically significant negative linear correlation between the number of times a subject was hospitalized in the previous year and life-space mobility (P = 0.001, R(2) = 0.20). This association was independent of FEV(1) % predicted and BMI.

Conclusion:   The life-space mobility score is associated with frequency of hospitalization in adults with CF. A prospective study should be undertaken to assess the ability of the Life-Space Assessment to predict hospitalization and other outcomes in adults with CF.