The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristic of fitness parameters and subjective ADL score in female elderly people who have experiences of fall. We divided 90 subjects into two groups: fall group (n=24, age: 74.4±5.6yrs) and non-fall group(n=66, age:74.1 ±5.4yrs) on the base of questionnaire about their experience of fall within one year. The items measured were reaction time in upper and lower extremities. fitness tests (strength, flexibility, stability and walking speed) and ADL score.
There was no significant difference in reaction time, fitness level and ADL score between fall group and non-fall group, although non-fall group indicated significantly higher value in rate of reaction time (lower extremity / upper extremity). In non-fall group, a significant correlation was identified between the values of all fitness tests except reaction time and ADL score. On the other hand, there was no significant relationship between the test values except 10m obstacle walking and ADL score.
In conclusion, female elderly people who have experiences of fall indicated the characteristics of extended reaction time in lower limbs against reaction time using the upper limbs and no relationship between fitness parameters and subjective ADL score.
