Association between self-reported walking speed and calcaneal stiffness index in postmenopausal Japanese women.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis and related fractures, a worldwide public health issue of growing concern, is characterized by compromised bone strength and an increased risk of fracture. Here we show an association between self-reported walking speed and bone mass among community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women aged 50 years and older. DESIGN; CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY: Setting and Participants; The survey population included 1008 postmenopausal women 50-92 years of age residing in rural communities. METHODS: Self-reported walking speed was ascertained by asking the participants: "Is your walking speed faster than others of the same age and sex?" to which participants responded "yes (faster)" or "no (moderate/slower)." Calcaneal stiffness index was measured. RESULTS: Women with a faster self-reported walking speed were younger and had a lower BMI, higher stiffness index, and higher grip strength than women with a slower walking speed. Multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for age, BMI, grip strength, comorbidity, current smoking, and alcohol drinking status showed a significant association between faster self-reported walking speed and higher calcaneal stiffness index (p <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that questionnaires of walking speed may be useful for predicting bone mass and that a fast self-reported walking may benefit bone health in postmenopausal women.

[Association between fear of falling and activities of daily living among community-dwelling Japanese older adults].

Objectives　This study aimed to explore the association of difficulties in activities of daily living (ADL) (activities related to bending, spine extension, standing endurance, and walking) with fear of falling among community-dwelling older adults.Methods　We recruited 642 older adults (men, n=267; women, n=375) aged 65 years and over. The mean age was 72.2±5.1 years. Fear of falling, falls in the previous year, pain (low back pain or knee pain), comorbidity, and cataracts were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. ADL difficulties were assessed individually, such as activities related to bending (getting in or out the car, picking up a lightweight object, putting on socks or stockings, and lifting a 5 kg object from the floor), spine extension (reaching an object above your head), standing endurance (standing on your feet for 2 h), and walking (walking 100 m on a level surface, climbing 10 steps without stopping, and walking down 10 steps). The independent association between fear of falling and each ADL difficulties was assessed using logistic regression analysis.Results　Participants with fear of falling, compared with those without fear of falling, had an older age (74.8 and 71.6 in men, 73.3 and 71.0 in women, respectively; P<0.01), more falls in the previous year (21% and 9% in men, 28% and 11% in women, respectively; P<0.05), pain (80% and 61% in men, 82% and 64% in women, respectively; P<0.01), and comorbidity (23% and 15% in women, respectively; P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified each ADL difficulties except walking 100 m on a level surface as being independently associated with fear of falling after adjusting for age, body mass index, sex, falls in the previous year, pain, and comorbidity.Conclusion　ADL difficulties, such as activities related to bending, spine extension, standing endurance, and walking, except for walking 100 m on a level surface, were associated with fear of falling.

Prevalence of fear of falling and associated factors among Japanese community-dwelling older adults.

To determine the prevalence of fear of falling and associated factors among Japanese community-dwelling older adults.Cross-sectional study between 2011 and 2013.Community in which residents voluntarily attended a health examination.We recruited 844 older adults (male, n = 350; female, n = 494) aged 60 to 92 years from among those who presented at the health examination.We assessed fear of falling, falls in the previous year, pain, comorbidity, and cataracts. Five times chair stand time was applied as an indicator of physical performance.The prevalence of fear of falling was 26.9% and 43.3% among the men and women, respectively. Men and women who feared falling were older (P < .01), had longer 5 times chair stand time (P < .01), and more falls in the previous year (P < .05), pain (P < .01), and comorbidity (P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified advanced age (odds ratios [OR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-2.39), falls in the previous year (OR, 2.44; 95%CI, 1.29-4.64), and pain (OR, 1.82; 95%CI, 1.03-3.22) in men, and advanced age (OR, 1.59; 95%CI, 1.13-2.24), longer 5 times chair stand times (OR, 1.28; 95%CI, 1.04-1.59), falls in the previous year (OR, 2.59; 95%CI, 1.54-4.34), and pain (OR, 1.65; 95%CI, 1.06-2.55) in women as being independently associated with fear of falling.The prevalence of fear of falling was similar to previous reports. Advanced age, falls in previous year, and pain were associated with fear of falling in men. A longer 5 times chair stand time was also associated with fear of falling among older adult women. Maintenance of physical function and pain management might be important for older adults with fear of falling.