Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to measure the number of steps of subjects with care needs, to clarify longitudinal changes and relationships with degree of care needs. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 18 elderly females with care needs (10 with care needs 1, and 8 with care needs 2). A pedometer with a triaxial accelerometer was used to measure the number of steps for one year. [Results] The number of steps decreased in both groups, especially in the summer. The number of steps of the group with care needs 2 was significantly lower than that of the group with care needs 1. Although ADL was maintained in both groups, the number of steps decreased, and the rate of decrease was different between the groups. [Conclusion] The number of steps is an important assessment item when performing physical therapy for the elderly with care needs, and the results of this study suggest they may reflect characteristics related to differences in care needs.
