2019 Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages 44-53
The purpose of this study was to follow-up physical functions in individuals in a low-cost nursing home and to compare changes in physical functions between individuals with and without certification for long-term care and/or support. We evaluated 28 older adults（aged 77.9 ± 7.3 years）who participated in physical function examinations at baseline and after 5 years. The subjects were divided into independent, newly certified, and long-term care groups based on certification during the follow-up period. Height, weight, and seven basic physical functions were measured by performing tests, such as the 30-s chair stand, 10-m walking time（normal speed）, and functional reach tests. All variables obtained were analyzed with a repeated two-way analysis of variance（group × time）.
Significant time effects were observed in 30-s chair stand and 10-m walking time tests（P<0.05）. A significant interaction was observed in functional reach（P=0.034）. Functional reach was significantly decreased in the long-term care group（P=0.022）. Additionally, a significant weight loss was observed in the long-term care group（P=0.022）.
To support older adults living in nursing home, development of a comprehensive program is required that includes nutritional management to prevent body weight loss and interventions for maintenance of basic physical fitness, which is the basis of their daily life.
