AimDual-task methods, in which walking is the primary task, are not sufficient for accurately screening for the risk of falls among healthy older adults. Therefore, the goal of this research was to investigate whether using a dual-task method over an extended walking distance can predict falls among community-dwelling older adults.MethodsWe enrolled independent community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years. Physical performance, cognitive function, psychological function, and a dual-task test were assessed at baseline. Our dual-task test required the subjects to walk 60 m while stepping over lines. The intervals between the lines ranged from 50–100 cm and were unequal. Falls and fall-related injuries were measured over a 12-month follow-up period using monthly postal surveys.ResultsNinety-two of 118 subjects (mean age, 75.4±5.5 years) completed the 12-month follow-up. Sixteen (17.4%) of fallers had injurious falls or fell more than or equal to two times. There were no significant differences between the fallers and non-fallers, except in age and in the number of missteps during the dual-task test when walking ≥40 m. The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that those who had more than one misstep while walking ≥40 m had a significantly higher incidence of injurious or multiple falls than those who had no missteps.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the dual-task method with an extended walking distance may be able to predict falls among community-dwelling older adults.
Reportedly, males take fewer steps than females among frail older adults. The step count of frail older adults may be influenced by domestic roles in the instrumental activities of daily living. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between instrumental activities of daily living and the number of steps in frail older females. [Participants and Methods] In this cross-sectional study, we included 27 frail older females aged 84.4 ± 6.5 years who attended a day-care center. We used the Fillenbaum's instrumental activities of daily living screener and measured the number of steps using an accelerometer, functional independence measure, grip strength, and short physical performance battery. We investigated the association between instrumental activities of daily living and daily steps. Furthermore, we compared the outcomes of the differences in the independence using a subscale of instrumental activities of daily living. [Results] Instrumental activities of daily living and step counts showed a significant correlation. Participants dependent on meal preparation and housework took significantly fewer steps per day. The dependence of their activities also caused low functional independence measure and weak grip strength. [Conclusion] In frail older females, decreased ability for instrumental activities of daily living were associated with fewer steps. Domestic roles may increase the daily steps in frail older adults.
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