Relationship between Physical Agility and Other Motor Functions and Mobility Capability of the Elderly

Abstract

[Purpose] To clarify the relationships of lower limb agility and other motor functions with mobility capability. [Subjects] Sixty-five elderly persons (17 males, 48 females) who participated in a physical fitness test. [Methods] The items of the motor function assessment were: the stepping test (OCS-10), the 30-sec chair stand test (CS-30), and the functional reach test (FRT); and the assessments of mobility capability were: the 5-m maximum walking time (5MWT), the timed up-and-go test (TUG). Regression analysis was performed with 5MWT and TUG as the dependent variables, and each of the items of the motor function assessment as independent variables. [Results] Factors significantly affecting the 5MWT were determined to be the CS-30 and FRT, and in addition to these two factors, the OCS-10 also significantly affected TUG. [Conclusion] From the perspective of walking, lower limb strength and balance ability are important factors, and under conditions demanding a change in action, lower limb agility becomes an important factor.