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BACKGROUND: In recent years, it has become clear that participation in social activities by the older adult suppresses their need for long-term care. Likewise, social participation can promote long-term care prevention among frail older adults who are at a higher risk of needing long-term care. However, their social participation rate is low, and the factors causing these low rates of participation are unclear. Therefore, this study identifies the factors affecting social participation of frail older adults. METHODS: After excluding those certified as requiring long-term care, 28,636 older adults within the target region were selected to receive questionnaires. The questionnaires were distributed and collected via mail. A total of 22,048 respondents (77.0%), including 9,325 men and 10,150 women, were included; 2,655 frail older adults were identified for analysis. Questionnaire items inquired about social participation, basic attributes, need for long-term care, mobility, subjective health, direct and indirect contact with relatives living separately and direct and indirect contact with friends and neighbors. For the statistical analysis, this study employed a binomial logistic regression analysis with social participation as the objective variable. RESULTS: The rate of social participation among frail older adults was 13.7%. Items related to social participation included sex, economic status, mobility, subjective health, direct contact with friends, and indirect contact with friends. CONCLUSIONS: Interactions with friends and neighbors and physical functionality are correlated with levels of social participation among frail older adults, suggesting that social participation can be promoted by maintaining friendships, forming new ones, and maintaining and improving physical functionality.
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Anciano Frágil , Participación Social , Masculino , Anciano , Humanos , Femenino , Estudios Transversales , Japón/epidemiología , Vida IndependienteRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 outbreak might have had several effects on older adults; however, much of the previous research only included self-report, cross-sectional, and online-survey data in the early stage of the pandemic. We conducted a face-to-face survey before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and investigated the influence of the pandemic on several functions to distinguish between changes due to aging and changes due to the pandemic using a linear mixed model. METHODS: A total of 8 longitudinal surveys were conducted from 2016 to 2022. Physical function was assessed by weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass index, calf circumference, grip strength, knee extension strength, the 5-times chair stand test, the timed up & go test and 5-m walking test. Functional capacity was measured using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology index of competence, cognitive function was measured using the Trail Making Test - A, and mental health was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale. RESULTS: Of a total of 73 participants, 51 (69.9%) were female. The mean age at first participation was 71.82 years (SD = 4.64). The results of the linear mixed model showed that lower-limb muscle strength and body fat percentage and cognitive function changed significantly before and after the pandemic, while grip strength, functional capacity, and mental health did not. CONCLUSIONS: The changes in these functions between before and after the pandemic might be attributed to the diminished opportunities for the independent older individuals to go out and engage in activities. Although functional capacity did not change, lower-limb muscle strength is important for functional independence. This decline might influence the functional capacity of these individuals in the future.
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COVID-19 , Cognición , Vida Independiente , Salud Mental , Humanos , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/psicología , Masculino , Femenino , Anciano , Japón/epidemiología , Vida Independiente/tendencias , Cognición/fisiología , Estudios Longitudinales , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Pandemias , Evaluación Geriátrica/métodos , SARS-CoV-2 , Estudios Transversales , Fuerza Muscular/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Clinical walk tests may not predict the development of frailty in healthy older adults. With advancements in wearable technology, it may be possible to predict the development of frailty using loading asymmetry parameters during clinical walk tests. This prospective cohort study aimed to test the hypothesis that increased limb loading asymmetry predicts frailty risk in community-living older adults. Sixty-three independently ambulant community-living adults aged ≥ 65 years were recruited, and forty-seven subjects completed the ten-month follow-up after baseline. Loading asymmetry index of net and regional (forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot) plantar forces were collected using force sensing insoles during a 10 m walk test with their maximum speed. Development of frailty was defined if the participant progressed from baseline at least one grading group of frailty at the follow-up period using the Kihon Checklist. Fourteen subjects developed frailty during the follow-up period. Increased risk of frailty was associated with each 1% increase in loading asymmetry of net impulse (Odds ratio 1.153, 95%CI 1.001 to 1.329). Net impulse asymmetry significantly correlated with asymmetry of peak force in midfoot force. These results indicate the feasibility of measuring plantar forces of gait during clinical walking tests and underscore the potential of using load asymmetry as a tool to augment frailty risk assessment in community-dwelling older adults.
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Fragilidad , Marcha , Vida Independiente , Humanos , Anciano , Masculino , Femenino , Marcha/fisiología , Fragilidad/fisiopatología , Fragilidad/diagnóstico , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Estudios Prospectivos , Zapatos , Anciano Frágil , Caminata/fisiología , Dispositivos Electrónicos VestiblesRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Social isolation and decline of physical function, such as muscle strength and physical performance, are known to be associated with deterioration of functional capacity. However, the relationship between social isolation and physical function has not been sufficiently clarified by a longitudinal observational study. AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine whether social isolation is associated with a future decline in physical function in older people. METHODS: The participants were 166 community-dwelling older people (aged ≥ 65 years). Social isolation and physical function were assessed using the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale and handgrip strength, knee extensor strength, usual walking time, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in both the baseline and follow-up surveys. To define the presence or absence of physical function decline over time, we used the minimal detectable change. The associations between social isolation and physical function were analyzed using logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors. Further, to examine the possibility of drop-out bias, inverse probability weighting (IPW) was performed. RESULTS: The results of the logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors showed social isolation at baseline was significantly associated with future TUG decline (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.15-7.22). Social isolation was not associated with a decline in other physical functions. Similar results were found in an analysis using IPW. CONCLUSIONS: Social isolation was an independent risk factor for future TUG decline in community-dwelling older people. Our results indicated that assessment of social isolation may be necessary to assess the risk of physical performance decline.
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Fuerza de la Mano , Vida Independiente , Anciano , Humanos , Estudios Longitudinales , Rendimiento Físico Funcional , Aislamiento SocialRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Fall-related self-efficacy and gait function are known to be associated. However, whether the interaction between fall-related self-efficacy and gait function affects future falls has not been investigated. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the interaction between fall-related self-efficacy and spatiotemporal gait parameters on the occurrence of falls in community-dwelling older people. METHODS: A total of 265 elderly persons (age ≥ 65 years) living independently in the community were recruited. For gait function, spatiotemporal gait parameters at usual and maximum effort paces were measured using a 2.4-m walkway system with embedded pressure sensors. Furthermore, changes in gait parameters between usual and maximum paces were calculated (Δgait parameters). Fall-related self-efficacy was assessed using the short version of the Falls Efficacy Scale International (Short FES-I). The occurrence of falls was prospectively investigated 6 months later. The effect of the interaction between short FES-I and gait parameters on falls was analyzed using logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors. RESULTS: Several gait parameters were significantly different by self-efficacy level. As for the effect of the interaction of fall-related self-efficacy and gait parameters on falls, smaller Δgait parameters in those with high efficacy were associated with higher odds ratios of falls, whereas Δgait parameters in those with low efficacy were not associated with falls. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The interaction between fall-related self-efficacy and gait function appeared to affect future falls. Assessments combining fall-related self-efficacy and gait function may improve the accuracy of prediction of future falls.
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Vida Independiente , Autoeficacia , Anciano , Marcha , HumanosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Ageism is a serious problem in medical care. The importance of ageism-related education for students has been emphasized. To determine the most effective approach to ageism-related education for allied health students, this study examined ageism among this group of students, with the hypothesis that ageism was expressed not only toward elderly adults but also toward individuals other than elderly adults. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 154 allied health students in Japan. The questionnaire involved tree drawings to evaluate the drawer's personality and a measurement of the participants' ageism. There were two display conditions for tree drawing. In the elderly display condition, participants were informed that the drawer was an elderly person, and in a control condition, participants were not informed of the drawer's age. Participants were randomly assigned to each condition and were required to evaluate the drawer's personality based on 5 personality traits. After the evaluation, all participants were required to complete the Japanese short version of the Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA-J). RESULTS: The participants were 123 allied health students, 61 of whom were in the elderly display condition and 62 of whom were in the control condition. Based on the mean score on the FSA-J (M = 29.80), we divided the participants into a low-FSA-J group (N = 64) and a high-FSA-J group (N = 59). There was no significant difference between the display conditions on the FSA-J score. In the high-FSA-J groups, the control condition evaluated the drawer's personality as more timid than did the elderly display condition (F = 4.26, df = 1, 119). For negligence, the high-FSA-J group evaluated the drawer's personality as more negligent than did the low-FSA-J group (F = 4.08). For broad interests, the main effects of condition and groups were significant (F = 4.23). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that ageism indicated a negative evaluation not only of elderly adults but also of individuals other than elderly adults, and students with negative ageism might evaluate the elderly drawer more positively. We have discussed the possibility that negative ageism among allied health students in Japan might underlie these positive stereotypes.
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Ageísmo , Adulto , Anciano , Actitud , Humanos , Japón , Estudiantes , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
AIM: The goal of this study was to verify the association between frailty and fall-related efficacy in community-dwelling older people by performing a cross-sectional and longitudinal data analysis. METHODS: In this study, 339 people aged 65 years and older participated in a baseline survey. Furthermore, people who were not identified as frail in the baseline survey participated in a follow-up survey 6 months later. Frailty was assessed in the baseline and follow-up surveys after 6 months using the Kihon checklist. Fall-related efficacy was assessed at baseline using the short Falls Efficacy Scale International (short FES-I). Potential confounding factors, such as the lower limb functions and psychological functions, were also investigated at baseline. The association between frailty and short FES-I was analyzed using a logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: At baseline and the follow-up survey, 10.1% and 6.3% of the participants were judged to demonstrate frailty, respectively. The results of the baseline and follow-up data analysis showed that even if potential confounding factors were adjusted for, the short FES-I was significantly associated with frailty. Furthermore, the ability to distinguish the onset of frailty using the short FES-I was analyzed using a receiver operating characteristic curve, and the area under curve, sensitivity, and specificity values were 0.78, 0.92 and 0.56, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A clear association between frailty and fall-related efficacy was thus observed, as indicated in the cross-sectional and longitudinal data analysis. Furthermore, based on the results of the longitudinal data analysis, the short FES-I was found to be able to predict the progression of frailty and it can thus be a useful screening tool for assessing frailty.
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Accidentes por Caídas , Fragilidad , Vida Independiente , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Estudios Transversales , Anciano Frágil , Evaluación Geriátrica , Humanos , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
[Purpose] We aimed to evaluate the risk to clarify the seasonal variations in the circulatory dynamics of community-dwelling older people performing early morning outdoor exercises. [Participants and Methods] This study included 76 community-dwelling older adults (42 men, mean age: 76.9 ± 5.0â years; 34 women, mean age: 74.0 ± 4.2â years) who perform early morning exercises. The prevalence of hypertension among these adults was assessed, and their blood pressure and pulse rate were obtained before and after performing a 30-minute exercise using automatic and aneroid type sphygmomanometers while sitting on a chair. Further, we calculated the double product by multiplying systolic blood pressure and pulse rate. We analyzed the changes in the pre- and post-exercise systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, double product, diagnosis of hypertension, and seasonal factors (moderate-temperature season/low-temperature season). [Results] Thirty-five participants were assigned in the hypertension diagnosis group, while 40 participants were in the non-hypertension group. There was no significant difference in the mean age between the two groups. The main effects and interactions were not confirmed in relation to systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and double product. [Conclusion] Essentially, blood pressure should be obtained before exercise, as individuals with hypertension are more likely to have an increase in baseline systolic blood pressure while exercising in the early morning during the low-temperature seasons.
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BACKGROUND: Fall-related efficacy has been found to be associated with both falls and fall risk factors such as physical performance. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether fall-related efficacy is, independent of physical performance and other potential risk factors, associated with future falls in community-dwelling older people. METHODS: The study participants were 237 Japanese older people aged 65 years and over who were living independently in their community. Fall-related efficacy and physical performance were assessed at baseline using the short version of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (short FES-I) and 5-m walking time, the Timed Up and Go Test, the 5 Times Sit to Stand Test, and grip strength. Physical performance was then again assessed at 1-year follow-up. The number of falls was obtained every 6 months for 1 year after the baseline survey. Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), depression, fall history, current medications, medical history, and pain were also investigated as potential confounding factors that have possible associations with falls. The associations between the short FES-I, physical performance, and number of falls were analyzed using Poisson regression analysis adjusted for physical performance and potential confounding factors. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants (75.9% women) was 71.1 ± 4.6 years, and 92.8% could perform IADL independently. The total numbers of falls and fallers during the 1-year follow-up period were 70 and 42, respectively. On Poisson regression analysis adjusted for walking time and potential confounding factors, independent of physical performance, the short FES-I was found to be significantly associated with number of falls (relative risk = 1.09, p < 0.05). On the other hand, physical performance was not significantly associated with the number of falls. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest that the short FES-I, independent of physical performance and other potential risk factors, is a useful index to detect fall risk in community-dwelling older people, and that fall-related efficacy is an important factor in terms of fall prevention.
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Accidentes por Caídas , Actividades Cotidianas , Envejecimiento/fisiología , Evaluación Geriátrica/métodos , Vida Independiente/estadística & datos numéricos , Velocidad al Caminar , Accidentes por Caídas/prevención & control , Accidentes por Caídas/estadística & datos numéricos , Anciano , Femenino , Humanos , Japón/epidemiología , Estudios Longitudinales , Masculino , Rendimiento Físico Funcional , Equilibrio Postural , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (Short FES-I) has been confirmed to be a good measure with reliability and validity in a UK sample; however, the reliability and validity of the Short FES-I for Japanese older people have not yet been established. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the Short FES-I for Japanese older people. METHODS: The study participants were 519 older people aged 65 years and over who were living independently in their community. The Short FES-I is composed of seven items rated on a four-point Likert scale. Lower scores indicate better fall-related efficacy. To investigate the validity of the Short FES-I, previous falls, physical function such as grip strength and scores on the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, psychological factors such as self-rated health (SRH), cognitive function, and other confounding factors were collected. The association between the previous falls and the Short FES-I was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, factors related to the Short FES-I were investigated using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha for the Short FES-I was 0.87. Short FES-I scores were significantly higher in participants with a history of falls than in those without. In addition, Short FES-I scores were significantly and independently associated with falls in logistic regression analysis, and significantly associated with grip strength, TUG time, and SRH in multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION: These results suggest that the Short FES-I is a reliable and valid fall-related measurement scale for Japanese older people.
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Accidentes por Caídas/estadística & datos numéricos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios/normas , Accidentes por Caídas/prevención & control , Anciano , Femenino , Humanos , Japón , Masculino , Psicometría , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Caminata/fisiologíaRESUMEN
ObjectivesãMusculoskeletal pain impairs vital function and results in a requirement for long-term care. According to studies in other countries, a program that aims at reducing pain through instructions for pain-coping should be implemented. In Japan, a study on pain-coping has recently been initiated; however, the methods of coping with pain that are implemented by community-dwelling elderly individuals have not been evaluated. This study aimed to clarify the methods currently used for coping with musculoskeletal pain and to examine their association with the state of pain among community-dwelling elderly individuals.MethodsãA survey was performed by sending questionnaires by mail to 2,281 community-dwelling elderly individuals. Responses were obtained from 1,835 people. The survey items consisted of questions about basic attributes and pain. A total of 16 questionnaire items regarding the methods of coping with pain were used for measuring pain-coping that community-dwelling elderly individuals use. The methods of coping with pain were classified into various types by factor analysis. The scores were calculated by type and their association with the state of pain was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance.ResultsãAs a result of the factor analysis, methods of coping with pain were classified into five categories: "treatment in hospitals," "daily active coping," "restriction of daily behavior," "self-therapy," and "rest." From one-way analysis of variance for the site of pain, there was a significant difference between the "treatment in hospitals" and "restriction of daily behavior" categories. Among both scores, a higher score was observed in subjects with pain in both the lower back and the knee, compared to those with only pain in the lower back or the knee. Among the number of the sites, there was a significant difference between the "treatment in hospitals," "restriction of daily behavior," and "self-therapy" categories; subjects exhibiting two or more sites of pain showed a higher score than those exhibiting one site of pain. For pain duration, there was a significant difference between the "treatment in hospitals," "restriction of daily behavior," and "self-therapy" categories; subjects who had experienced pain for 5 years or longer had a higher score than those who had experienced pain for less than 6 months.ConclusionãWe found that five types of methods of coping with pain ("treatment in hospitals," "daily active coping," "restriction of daily behavior," "self-therapy," and "rest") were used by community-dwelling elderly individuals and that "treatment in hospitals" and "restriction of daily behavior" were the most common strategies among elderly individuals with pain.
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Dolor Musculoesquelético/diagnóstico , Actividades Cotidianas , Adaptación Psicológica , Anciano , Femenino , Humanos , Vida Independiente , Masculino , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Owing to increasing super-aging societies, older adults will be encouraged to continue working. Although demand exists for older adults to continue working in Japanese society, the enabling factors have not been clarified. This study aimed to clarify (1) the life functions that affect the working status among younger-older adults who continue to work and those who do not via the Kihon Checklist (KCL) and (2) examine whether the number of areas of difficulties in daily functions of the KCL affected older adults' employment status. This cross-sectional study involved 5386 older men and women aged 65 years or older in one city in Japan. Employment status and the seven domains of the Kihon Checklist (KCL) were analyzed. The KCL items related to employment status were the physical (odds ratio = 2.46, p < 0.01), socialization (odds ratio = 1.95, p < 0.01), and mood domains (odds ratio = 1.29, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the odds ratio increased to 2.06 when three or more domains were applicable. To remain employed, one must be physically and mentally healthy. Furthermore, since the risk of non-employment increased when one KCL domain was applicable, a broader assessment of life functions is necessary.
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AIM: To examine spatial-temporal gait parameters associated with comprehensive frailty status in community-dwelling, independent older people. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 225 older people (≥65 years) living independently in the community. The Kihon Checklist was used to assess comprehensive frailty status, and participants were classified as robust, pre-frailty, or frailty. A sheet-type plantar pressure sensor was used to evaluate the following gait parameters, which were extracted at the usual and fast pace: gait speed, cadence, stride time, step length-to-height ratio (step length/height), step width, stance duration, double-support time, and variability of each gait parameter. Ordinal logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors was performed to determine the association between gait parameters and frailty status. In addition, the ability to discriminate frailty status was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for gait parameters that were significantly associated with frailty status. RESULTS: Frailty status was pre-frailty in 79 (35.1%) and frailty in 30 (13.3%) participants. Ordinal logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of step length/height (%) at both usual and fast pace with frailty status, even after adjustment for confounding factors (usual pace: odds ratio [OR] = 0.93 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.86-0.99]; fast pace: OR = 0.93 [95% CI: 0.87-0.99]). ROC curve analysis identified step length/height at fast pace in women as the best discriminator between frailty and non-frailty (area under the curve 0.69, cut-off value 43.4%, sensitivity 50%, specificity 82%). CONCLUSIONS: Step length appears to be a useful gait parameter for discriminating frailty status in community-dwelling, independent older people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 18-24.
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Fragilidad , Humanos , Femenino , Anciano , Fragilidad/diagnóstico , Vida Independiente , Estudios Transversales , Evaluación Geriátrica , Marcha , Anciano FrágilRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that clinical walk tests could not detect differences between fallers and non-fallers in older adults. With advancements in wearable technology, it may be possible to assess differences in loading parameters in clinical settings using portable data collection methods. RESEARCH QUESTION: The purpose of this study was to determine if wearable sensors (loadsol®) are reliable for assessing asymmetry of contact time, peak force, loading rate (LR), and impulse in older adults and determine if the insole can detect differences in these parameters between fallers and non-fallers during walking. METHODS: Fifty-five older adults (74.1 ± 6.1 years) walked at their maximum speed on a flat floor. Force data were collected from insoles (100 Hz) during a 10-m walk test. To assess reliability, an intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC(2,k)] was generated for each asymmetry variable. To determine differences between fallers and non-fallers, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA; covariate: body mass index) was completed for each variable. RESULTS: The ICC of peak force asymmetry (PFA) was 0.942, but other ICCs were less than 0.75. The ANCOVA results indicate that the loadsol® can detect differences in PFA between fallers and non-fallers. The PFA was significantly greater in fallers than in non-fallers. SIGNIFICANCE: The ability to collect force data while walking using loadsol® has the potential to broaden the research questions investigated, explore clinical applications, and increase generalizability.
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Marcha , Zapatos , Humanos , Anciano , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Caminata , ExtremidadesRESUMEN
AIM: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of an exercise program in modifying the exercise behavior of the community-dwelling elderly subjects. METHODS: This study was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The subjects included 52 males and 65 females 65 years of age or over who were randomly assigned to an exercise-intervention group or a health-education group. The stages of change in exercise behavior were evaluated before and one-year after the intervention period. The subjects' physical function (muscle strength, balance, walking speed) and self-efficacy in each domain of the physical function were measured during the intervention period. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the stages of change before the intervention between the two groups. Significant differences in the stages of change were observed in "relapse" of stages at two points in time between the two groups (p<.01). A logistic regression analysis showed that "progression" of stages was associated with improvements in the timed up and go test (AOR 2.7; 95% CI 1.3-5.8) and sit and reach (AOR 1.14; 95%CI 1.0-1.3), while "relapse" of stages was associated with the group allocation (AOR 4.6; 95%CI 1.1-18.8), self-efficacy in "Walking" (AOR 1.54; 95%CI 1.0-2.3) and "Stair climbing" (AOR 0.68; 95%CI 0.5-0.9) with respect to physical activity during the intervention period. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that exercise intervention in community-dwelling elderly subjects is effective in preventing "relapse" of exercise behavior over long periods.
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Ejercicio Físico , Autoeficacia , Anciano , Ejercicio Físico/psicología , Femenino , Humanos , Vida Independiente , Masculino , Fuerza Muscular , CaminataRESUMEN
Introduction: Early detection and intervention are important to prevent dementia. Gait parameters have been recognized as a potentially easy screening tool for mild cognitive impairment (MCI); however, differences in gait parameters between cognitive healthy individuals (CHI) and MCI are small. Daily life gait change may be used to detect cognitive decline earlier. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the relationship between cognitive decline and daily life gait. Methods: We performed 5-Cog function tests and daily life and laboratory-based gait assessments on 155 community-dwelling elderly people (75.5 ± 5.4 years old). Daily life gait was measured for 6 days using an iPod-touch with an accelerometer. Laboratory-based 10-m gait (fast pace) was measured using an electronic portable walkway. Results: The subjects consisted of 98 CHI (63.2%) and 57 cognitive decline individuals (CDI; 36.8%). Daily life maximum gait velocity in the CDI group (113.7 [97.0-128.5] cm/s) was significantly slower than that in the CHI group (121.2 [105.8-134.3] cm/s) (p = 0.032). In the laboratory-based gait, the stride length variability in the CDI group (2.6 [1.8-4.1]) was significantly higher than that in the CHI group (1.8 [1.2-2.7]) (p < 0.001). The maximum gait velocity in daily life gait was weakly but significantly correlated with stride length variability in laboratory-based gait (ρ = -0.260, p = 0.001). Conclusion: We found an association between cognitive decline and slower daily life gait velocity among community-dwelling elderly people.
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AIM: To examine the associations among the presence, level, and the duration of pain, the number of painful areas and physical function in elderly patients. METHODS: The participants in this study were 351 men and women aged 75 years orolder who were living in the community. Participants were interviewed about the presence, level, number of painful areas and duration of pain. Physical function was self-assessed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The presence of pain was higher in women than men. No significant differences in the level, number of affected areas and duration of pain were observed between men and women. Physical function was significantly associated with the presence of pain (odds ratio[OR]: 1.75), presence of pain in the upper and lower extremities (OR: 5.15), pain in more than 3 areas of the body (OR: 11.56), presence of strong pain (OR: 4.65), and pain with a duration of over 5 years (OR: 3.35). CONCLUSION: It is insufficient to assess the association between physical function and pain solely by the presence of pain. These findings suggest that it is necessary to assess the association between physical function and pain by the presence and level of pain, number of painful areas and duration of pain.
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Vida Independiente , Actividad Motora , Dolor Musculoesquelético/epidemiología , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Dolor Musculoesquelético/fisiopatologíaRESUMEN
Previous studies have shown a relationship between physical and social aspects of the neighborhood environment (e.g., built environment, safety) and physical function in older adults. However, these associations are unclear in older Asian adults because longitudinal studies are lacking. This study examined the effects of neighborhood physical and social environment on longitudinal changes in physical function among Japanese older adults. We analyzed 299 Japanese community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years. Neighborhood environment was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Environment Module. Physical function was assessed using handgrip strength, knee extension muscle strength, 5-m walking time, and a timed up-and-go test (TUG) in baseline and follow-up surveys. Changes in physical function over one year were calculated and classified into decline or maintenance groups based on minimal detectable changes. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that even after adjusting for confounding factors, good access to recreational facilities affected the maintenance of 5-m walking time (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-5.21) and good crime safety affected the maintenance of TUG (OR = 1.87, 95%CI: 1.06-3.33). Therefore, it is important to assess both physical and social environmental neighborhood resources in predicting decline in physical function among Japanese older adults.
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Planificación Ambiental , Vida Independiente , Anciano , Estudios Transversales , Fuerza de la Mano , Humanos , Japón , Estudios Longitudinales , Características de la Residencia , Medio Social , CaminataRESUMEN
The aim of this study was to perform an exploratory investigation of the individual characteristics of older adults that affect the relationships between physical function and neighborhood environment. A total of 624 community-dwelling older adults living independently, aged ≥65 years, participated in this cross-sectional study. Physical function was assessed by muscle strength (grip strength and knee extension strength) and physical performance (5-m walking time and Timed Up and Go Test). The neighborhood environment was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Environmental Module. The individual characteristics that affect the association between both were analyzed using multiple regression analysis and Classification and Regression tree (CaRT) analysis. In both older men and women, multiple regression analysis showed that neighborhood environment was significantly associated with physical function. On the other hand, on CaRT analyses, older men ≤80 years of age without low back pain and depressive symptoms and perceived good access to recreational facilities had the shortest 5-m walking time. However, CaRT analyses found no relationship between physical function and neighborhood environment in older women. The relationships between physical function and neighborhood environment may be altered by sex, age, and physical and mental health conditions.
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The ionic conductivity of Li6Y(BO3)3 (LYBO) was enhanced by the substitution of tetravalent ions (Zr4+ and Ce4+) for Y3+ sites through the formation of vacancies at the Li sites, an increase in compact densification, and an increase in the Li+-ion conduction pathways in the LYBO phase. As a result, the ionic conductivity of Li5.875Y0.875Zr0.1Ce0.025(BO3)3 (ZC-LYBO) reached 1.7 × 10-5 S cm-1 at 27 °C, which was about 5 orders of magnitude higher than that of undoped Li6Y(BO3)3. ZC-LYBO possessed a large electrochemical window and was thermally stable after cosintering with a LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC) positive electrode. These characteristics facilitated good reversible capacities in all-solid-state batteries for both NMC positive electrodes and graphite negative electrodes via a simple cosintering process.