Development of a New Motion Measurement System Focusing on the Timed Up and Go Test

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of centrifugal acceleration as an indicator for screening early motor function decline using a simple movement measurement system we developed. [Participants and Methods] We measured the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) time using a simple movement measurement system, and investigated frailty in 25 independent healthy elderly people living in the community. [Results] A correlation was found between TUG times and the number of steps taken, and centrifugal accelerations in all subjects. There was no significant difference between the robust and frail groups’ TUG times, but there was a significant difference in centrifugal acceleration. [Conclusion] Centrifugal acceleration may be a more detailed indicator of motor function decline in the elderly.