2016 Volume 6 Issue 3 Pages 111-116
This study examined the associations among the time needed to walk 5 m at the maximum velocity (5-m walking time) and physical, cognitive, and mental functions to confirm the usefulness of measuring such a time for active elderly individuals. The 5-m walking time, lower-limb muscle strength, and standing balance representing physical functions, as well as those representing cognitive and mental functions, were measured, involving 351 elderly females who were actively participating in a health-promoting group for the elderly to perform Tai Chi and muscle strength training. Through multiple regression analysis, the following factors showing associations, independently of the 5-m walking time, were extracted: the 30-second chair-stand test score, height, quadriceps femoris muscle strength, duration of standing on one leg with the eyes open, and Geriatric Depression Scale-5 score. In this respect, the 5-m walking time may be a useful index even for active elderly individuals to evaluate not only their physical functions, represented by the lowerlimb muscle strength and balance ability, but also mental functions.
