Citation

Matsuda K, Ikeda S, Nakahara M, Ikeda T, Okamoto R, Kurosawa K, Horikawa E. J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 2015; 27(4): 1087-1090.

Affiliation

Division of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Graduate School of Medicine, Saga University, Japan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Society of Physical Therapy Science)

DOI

10.1589/jpts.27.1087

PMID

25995563

PMCID

PMC4433984

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the coefficient of variation (CV) of stride time in an exercise intervention for the elderly without falling history. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 42 elderly women who had participated in a care prevention program for 12 weeks. Stride time CV, motor function, movement ability, balance, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) score, and Life-space Assessment (LSA) score before and after the intervention were examined for significant differences using the paired t-test. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the factors that changed in the stride time CV. [Results] There were significant differences in muscle strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, the one-leg standing time (eyes open), the maximum walking speed, local stability of trunk acceleration, The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG-T), the MFES score, and the LSA score between the pre-intervention and post-intervention. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that improvement of quadriceps muscle strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, the one-leg standing time, TUG-T, local stability of trunk acceleration (vertical direction) and MFES score were independent variables explaining the reduction in stride time CV. [Conclusion] The results was suggested that it might be possible to reduce the stride time CV by improving strength, flexibility and dynamic balance, and reducing fear of falls through interventions.

Language: en