We attempted to propose the equation of assessing the functional status of elderly adult Japanese men. A number of physical and motor performance measurements were collected from a group of 104 male volunteer subjects (mean age 76.4 ± 5.8 years). Factor analysis with varimax criterion was applied to all the data. Five factors extracted were interpreted as follows: (1) coordination of the body, (2) flexibility of the trunk, (3) static balance, (4) muscular strength and endurance, and (5) cardiorespiratory fitness. Furthermore, the factor score was computed for each individual by each factor. Each of the five factors were weighted in accordance with its relative contribution to the total variance (or the size of eigenvalue). The weighted combination of factor scores was summed to generate an index of functional status (IFS). Next, IFS scores were computed for each individual and normalized to T scores. Then, a multiple linear regression analysis was performed with the factor analytically derived IFS scores as the dependent variable: IFS=-0.625X
1+0.604X
2+0.346X
3+0.223X
4+0.465X
5+0.082X
6+0.114X
7+0.199X
8 + 0.019X
9 + 0.071X
10+19.76; where X
l=walking around two chairs in a figure 8 (sec), X
2=manipulating pegs in a pegboard (num), X
3=verticaljump(cm), X
4=sit and reach (cm), X
5=estimated maximal oxygen uptake (ml/kg/min), X
6=balnacing on one leg with eyes open (sec), X
7=grip strength (kg), X
8=trunk flexion from a standing position (cm), X
9= Ieg muscle endurance in a semi-squat position against a wall (sec), and X
10 =balancing on one leg with eyes closed (sec)
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