BackgroundKnowledge of gender differences in foot shape assists shoe manufactures with designing appropriate shoes for men and women. Although gender differences in foot shapes are relatively known among young men and women, less is known about how the older men and women’s feet differ in shape. A recent development in foot shape assessment is the use of 3D foot scanners. To our knowledge this technology has yet to be used to examine gender differences in foot shape of Japanese older adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 151 older men (74.5 ± 5.6 years) and 140 older women (73.9 ± 5.1 years) recruited in Kasama City, Japan. Foot variables were measured in sitting and standing positions using Dream GP Incorporated’s 3D foot scanner, Footstep PRO (Osaka, Japan). Scores were analyzed as both raw and normalized to truncated foot length using independent samples t-test and analysis of covariance, respectively.ResultsIn men, the measurement values for navicular height, first and fifth toe and instep heights, ball and heel width, ball girth, arch height index (just standing), arch rigidity index and instep girth were significantly greater than the women’s, whereas the first toe angle, in both sitting and standing positions was significantly smaller. However, after normalizing, the differences in ball width, heel width, height of first and fifth toes in both sitting and standing and ball girth in sitting position were nonsignificant. According to Cohen’s d, among all the foot variables, the following had large effect sizes in both sitting and standing positions: truncated foot length, instep, navicular height, foot length, ball girth, ball width, heel width and instep girth.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of anthropometric foot variations between older men and women. These differences need to be considered when manufacturing shoes for older adults.

The present study suggests that, although there are some sex differences, low population density, land use mix, and fewer daily life-related destinations, community centers, medical facilities and recreational facilities are negative determinants of physical function. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 382-390.

This study protocol introduces the Kasama Study, a mid-sized longitudinal study of health, fitness, and physical activity in older people. The study is a challenging research project that discusses the future of the system for preventive nursing care and for supporting successful aging in Japan. In May 2008, we began the Kasama Study with an exercise program of preventive nursing care for community-dwelling older adults. As of March 2016, we have conducted six study projects: 1) the Kasama health checkup for longevity, 2) an all-round exercise class, 3) the volunteer and the circle, 4) an exercise class for men only, 5) an exercise class for improving cognitive and physical function, and 6) the Kasama Iki-iki checklist survey. We describe each project in detail in the present study protocol. Keywords : Kasama Study, community-dwelling older adults, community-based intervention, community-based health promotion What is the Kasama Study?Launched at Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, in May 2008, the Kasama Study is a mid-sized longitudinal study of health, fitness, and physical activity in older people. The study aims to create a comprehensive, community-based system for preventive nursing care and supporting successful aging (Fig. 1). In addition to research, it has been acknowledged that local communities require social contribution activities conducted by universities, including providing instructions for a variety of exercise trainings for successful aging. Therefore, the Kasama Study can be characterized as a field of practice in which not only research, but also education and social contribution activities are simultaneously conducted.Before beginning the Kasama Study, the authors illustrated Fig. 2 to explain the hypotheses that the study should demonstrate. Certainly, the study's ultimate goal is to extend healthy life expectancy, which is clearly influenced not only by medical variables, but also by physical, psychological, and cognitive functions. For example, higher levels of walking ability and lower extremity muscle function are undoubtedly associated with a longer healthy life expectancy. To provide a hypothetical example, we ask how an individual can acquire higher-level physical functions. The answer may be by maintaining a high level of physical activity by frequently going outdoors, at least for the last few years. We can also ask how that individual is able to maintain a higher level of physical activity. actions and relationships. The above description, however, has focused only on personal factors, but investigating the relationship of health and fitness with environmental factors, such as the geographical environment and social capital, is also necessary.The Kasama Study is a challenging research project that tests the above hypotheses comprehensively by having young researchers, many under 30 years of age, conduct various types of surveys based on their individual research themes that are in accordance with the Kasama Study's goals. In this review, therefore, we describe the de...

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Cognitive impairment is a major health and social issue. Over the past decade many studies have reported that engaging in physical activity and exercise training, and a higher level of physical fitness, can postpone the onset of age-associated cognitive decline or reduce its impact. In this review, therefore, we focused on the association between physical fitness, physical activity, exercise training and cognitive function in older adults. It is assumed that physical fitness, including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, walking ability, balance, reaction time and flexibility are associated with cognitive function. When considering potential determinants of age-associated cognitive decline, active lifestyles are often considered as protective. In recent years, some regular forms of exercise, including resistance training, have been reported as providing potentially useful psychological benefits. More recently, several potential mechanisms that may underlie the association between physical activity or exercise training and reduced risk of cognitive decline have been revealed.