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 (FEV1 % 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, FEV1 % 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 FEV1 % 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.