2012 Volume 1 Issue 2 Pages 101-108
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patterns of standing-up movement from the floor and characteristics of physical functions in male senior citizens. Subjects were 49 males (average age 74.8±5.7 years), aged over 60 years old. Patterns of standing-up movement from a supine position were classified, and the age, body mass index, time to stand up from the supine position, upper and lower limb muscles of the trunk, flexibility, standing balance ability, gait ability were compared between the classified groups with one-way ANOVA. The association between the time to stand up from the floor and each physical function was assessed. As a result, patterns of standing-up movement from a supine position were classified into three categories(1:standing up from a position in which both hands and feet are on the floor and both legs are straight, 2:standing up from a position in which one knee is on the floor, and 3:standing up from a squatting position),and there were significant differences in the BMI and time to stand up from the floor between groups. A multiple comparison test revealed that the BMI was significantly higher, and time to stand up from the floor was significantly longer in Group 1 than 3. On the other hand, the time to stand up from the floor was significantly correlated with all items, excluding physical flexibility. Based on these findings, it was suggested that patterns of standing-up movement from the floor in male senior citizens are influenced by their body types, and measurement of the time to stand up from the floor can possibly become a screening test to determine whether further testing of the physical strength is necessary.