Abstract
This study examined elderly women living in mountainous and flat areas to compare their motor function and living conditions. We measured their hand grip strength, CS-30 score, quadriceps muscle strength, sit-and-reach test score, duration of standing on one leg with the eyes open, walking time, and timed up & go test (TUG) score. We also interviewed them about their social isolation and exercise habits. The values representing the hand grip strength and duration of standing on one leg with the eyes open were significantly higher, but the quadriceps muscles were significantly weaker among elderly women in the mountainous compared with flat areas. Furthermore, in the former, social isolation was significantly more prevalent, and the rate of those with exercise habits was significantly lower. We speculated that in the mountainous area, life adapted to the terrain improves the motor balance, while the decrease in the frequency of going out is associated with a decline in lower limb muscle strength. The results revealed regional differences in motor function, indicating the necessity of understanding the differences among the elderly in different regions, and adopting tailored measures for each region.
