Relationship between Recognition Error and Physical Function Using Maximum One Stride

―Examination by the use of walking aids―

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between recognition error using the maximum single-step length and physical function in 238 elderly people who needed nursing care and used daycare facilities according to whether they used walking aids. The predicted and measured maximum step lengths were measured, and the participants were classified into two groups: an underestimation group, in which the predicted value was smaller than the measured value, and an overestimation group, in which the predicted value was larger than the measured value. The patients were also classified into two groups: a group that used a walking aid while walking and a group that did not use a walking aid. The parameters measured were the motor items of the Functional Independence Measure, 10 -m walking time, one-leg standing time, knee extension muscle strength, and Mini Mental State Examination. Two-way ANOVA and subtests showed that the maximum stride length, time to stand on one leg, and knee extension muscle strength were significantly lower in the group using walking aids than in the group not using any walking aids, and the overestimation group had a significantly longer 10 -m walking time than the underestimation group. The study findings suggest that elderly people requiring nursing care who overestimate their maximum stride length have impaired maximum stride length and walking ability, regardless of whether they use walking aids.