ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of participants based on the differences in participation frequency in the selfdetermined participation type care prevention program. Methods: This study design was a cross-sectional study. Participants were 114 community-dwelling older adults aged 73.0 on median who were registered in the self-determined participation type care prevention program. Participants can freely decide the date of participation in this program. The exercise was performed depending on the ability of the participants. We evaluated program participation status, a higher-level functional capacity, grip strength, and walking speed. The higher-level functional capacity was evaluated using the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence (JST-IC). As an analysis, we first classified the frequency of participation into three groups: “less than once a week,” “1-2 times a week,” and “more than 3 times a week”, and compared the outcomes. Secondly, we investigated the relationship between participation frequency and four categories of the JST-IC. Results: Participants in the frequency of participation in “less than once a week,” “1-2 times a week,” and “more than 3 times a week” were 26, 76, and 12, respectively. The median scores of JST-IC were 13.0. There was no significant difference in JST-IC total, subscale scores and physical functions among the three groups based on the differences in participation frequency. Conclusion: In the population with high higher-level functional capacity, there was no significant difference in higher-level functional capacity and physical function based on the frequency of participation in the self-determined participation type care prevention program. It was suggested that a longitudinal survey was necessary after unifying the implementation period of the participants.

ABSTRACT Purpose: A two-step test is used to assess patients for locomotive syndrome. The two-step test can easily evaluate a subject’s comprehensive gait ability. In this study, we investigated the transition of two measurements and basic attributes affected by the two-step test. Subjects and Methods: Subjects included 52 local residents (29 men and 23 women). This study analyzed the results of the two-step test performed twice. Results: The second two-step length was significantly longer than the first twostep length in both the elderly and non-elderly groups. Multiple regression analysis revealed that age and height influence the two-step length. However, there was no correlation between the error in the length of the two-step test taken twice and basic attributes. Conclusion: The second two-step length was longer owing to the first two-step test results and feedback from previous experience, regardless of factors such as age, height, and weight.