Search

Background: Considering concerns about conventional toe grip strength, we devised a method to measure toe pressure strength in the standing position, which is close to the actual motion. This study examined the association between toe pressure strength in the standing position and walking speed among older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 community-dwelling older adults (81±8 years, 73% female) who participated in the physical fitness test. We analyzed the correlation between the participants' maximum walking speed and physical function. Furthermore, we performed regression analysis with the maximum walking speed as the dependent variable to examine the association with toe pressure strength in the standing position. We also examined the association between maximum walking speed and toe pressure strength in the standing position by introducing a covariate. Results: Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between maximum walking speed and toe pressure strength in the standing position, with a moderate effect size (r=0.48, p<0.001). Moreover, multiple regression analysis with covariates showed an association between maximum walking speed and toe pressure strength in the standing position (standardization factor=0.13, p<0.026). Conclusion: Toe pressure strength in the standing position was associated with maximum walking speed. This finding clarifies the significance of assessing toe pressure strength in the standing position and suggests that enhanced toe pressure strength in the standing position may increase maximum walking speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various functions are involved in prefrailty. However, no studies have examined more relevant functions. Therefore, this study examined the domains of the Kihon Checklist (KCL) associated with prefrailty by comparing them to robustness measures, using the KCL to comprehensively assess life-related functions in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: The 194 (mean age, 75±6 years) participants were community-dwelling older adults. Their robustness and preferences were assessed using the Japanese Cardiovascular Health Study criteria. Comprehensive life-related functions were assessed using the KCL, and each physical function was measured. Results: The main KCL characteristics associated with robustness and prefrailty were physical function (odds ratio [OR]=1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17–2.88), nutritional status (OR=8.16; 95% CI, 2.96–22.48), and depressed mood (OR=3.46; 95% CI, 1.76–6.79). In particular, older adults had difficulty moving, including climbing stairs and getting up from a chair, which suggested a strong fear of falling. The participants also reported psychological characteristics such as low life fulfillment, a low sense of self-usefulness, and a strong sense of boredom. Conclusions: Prefrail individuals were characterized by poor physical function and nutritional status, as well as depressive mood. Prefrailty may be prevented or improved by approaches to improve physical function and fear of falling in addition to psychological interventions that encourage activity and a sense of self-usefulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]