要介護高齢者の握力と身体機能との関連

－歩行補助具使用の有無に着目した検討－

抄録

BACKGROUND：Grip strength measurement is widely used as an indicator to reflect physical function. However, differences in physical function with and without the use of walking aids have not been clarified. Therefore, it is unclear whether grip strength is useful as an indicator of physical function in walking aids user. OBJECTIVE：The purpose of this study was to examine whether grip strength and physical function differ depending on whether or not a walking aid is used, and to determine whether the relationship between grip strength and physical function differs depending on the use of a walking aid. METHODS：One hundred and forty-nine elderly subjects were included in this study. They were divided into two groups: those using walking aids and those not using walking aids. Physical functions such as grip strength, knee extension muscle strength, single leg standing, and stride length were compared between the two groups. In addition, a correlation analysis between grip strength and eight physical functions was conducted. RESULTS：The group with walking aids performed significantly worse than the group without walking aids in physical functions except grip strength. There was no significant difference in grip strength. Significant correlations were found between grip strength and all physical functions in the group without walking aids, but not in the group with walking aids. CONCLUSION：Grip strength of walking aid users was not different from that of non-users, and there was no relationship between grip strength and other physical functions in walking aid users.