Role of Sociodemographic Variables in the Association Between Physical Performance and Balance Disorders in Older Adults

Background: Aging is associated with decreased physical and cognitive functions, increasing the risk of balance disorders and falls in older adults. Physical performance is a key early indicator of frailty and disability, and balance disorders impair the ability to carry out daily living activities. This study aimed to determine whether sociodemographic factors modify the association between physical performance and balance disorders among older adults in Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using secondary data from two cohorts: the CEMENA Frailty Study (n = 1896) and the ANDES-FRAIL Study (n = 453). After excluding participants with incomplete data, 2200 older adults aged ≥ 60 years were analyzed. Physical performance was measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and balance disorders were assessed with the functional reach test (FRT). Crude and adjusted Poisson regression models stratified by sociodemographic variables were performed, adjusting for multimorbidity and functional dependence. Results: Of the participants, 52.09% had impaired physical performance, and 44.05% exhibited balance disorders. Impaired physical performance was significantly associated with balance disorders. Associations were observed among individuals aged ≥ 80 years (PR: 2.72; 95% CI: 2.23–3.32), men (PR: 2.59; 95% CI: 2.22–3.04), those with < 11 years of education (PR: 2.43; 95% CI: 2.00–2.95), and coastal residents (PR: 2.63; 95% CI: 2.32–2.99). The strongest associations were observed among adults aged ≥ 80 years and coastal residents after adjustment for multimorbidity and functional dependence. Conclusion: Physical performance impairment is strongly associated with balance disorders among older adults, and this relationship is influenced by sociodemographic factors. These findings suggest that sociodemographic characteristics should be considered when evaluating the relationship between physical performance and balance disorders in older adults.