[Purpose] Prevention of dementia requires early intervention against it. To ensure that early interventions are effective it is crucial to study the cognitive functions related to dementia in young adulthood. Moreover, it is needed not only to verify the cognitive function test but also to elucidate the actual brain activity and the influence of related factors on the brain activity. To investigate the factors influencing cognitive function among young adults and examine the differences in executive function by physical activity level. [Subjects and Methods] Forty healthy university students (mean age, 20.4 years) were classified into two groups by cognitive function score (HIGH and LOW), determined according to Trail Making Test performance and Stroop task processing time. We then assessed what factors were related to cognitive function by logistic regression analysis. Executive function was determined by brain blood flow using near-infrared spectroscopy during the Stroop task, and was then compared by physical activity levels (determined according to number of steps per hour). [Results] Full-scale Intelligence Quotient according to the 3rd Wechsler Adult Intelligent Scale and number of steps per hour influenced cognitive function score, with odds ratios of 1.104 and 1.012, respectively. Oxy-hemoglobin concentrations in areas related to executive function during the Stroop task were significantly higher among those in the high physical activity group than among those in the low physical activity group. [Conclusion] The study revealed that Full-scale Intelligence Quotient and a number of steps per hour are factors associated with the cognitive functions in young adulthood. In addition, activity in execution function related area was found to be significantly higher in the high physical activity group than in the low physical activity group, suggesting the importance of physical activity for enhancing young adulthood cognitive functions.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the coefficient of variation (CV) of stride time in an exercise intervention for the elderly without falling history. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 42 elderly women who had participated in a care prevention program for 12 weeks. Stride time CV, motor function, movement ability, balance, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) score, and Life-space Assessment (LSA) score before and after the intervention were examined for significant differences using the paired t-test. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the factors that changed in the stride time CV. [Results] There were significant differences in muscle strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, the one-leg standing time (eyes open), the maximum walking speed, local stability of trunk acceleration, The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG-T), the MFES score, and the LSA score between the pre-intervention and post-intervention. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that improvement of quadriceps muscle strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, the one-leg standing time, TUG-T, local stability of trunk acceleration (vertical direction) and MFES score were independent variables explaining the reduction in stride time CV. [Conclusion] The results was suggested that it might be possible to reduce the stride time CV by improving strength, flexibility and dynamic balance, and reducing fear of falls through interventions.

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The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors resulting in low scores in the life space assessment (LSA). [Subjects] The subjects were 30 elderly persons receiving secondary care prevention. [Methods] The subjects were divided into two groups: a LSA high-scoring group, and a LSA low-scoring group. Each of the evaluation values were examined for significant differences using Student's t-test. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors resulting in low scores in the LSA. [Results] Significant differences were observed between the LSA high-scoring group and the low-scoring group in 4 evaluation items. Logistic regression analysis showed the modified falls efficacy Scale (MFES) score was significantly associated with low scores in the LSA. The MFES score showed the relevance of knee extension strength, TUG, the coefficient of variation of stride time, and local stability of trunk acceleration (vertical direction). [Conclusion] Falls self-efficacy showed the relevance of knee extension strength, ability to move, and instability during walking, suggesting that falls self-efficacy was a factor of low scores in the LSA.

We investigated the factors that influence pre-frailty among young-old females. [Subjects and Methods]. The subjects were 78 young-old females. We excluded three participants who met the criteria for determining frailty and divided the remaining participants into two groups: the pre-frail group and healthy group. We then compared the two groups regarding the scores for each evaluation item. Then, a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors that influenced pre-frailty. [Results] The results indicate that the Body Mass Index (BMI), Fall Prevention Self-Efficacy Scale, health consciousness, and walking speed are significant independent variables for predicting pre-frailty. [Conclusion] In young-old females, a decline in mental and psychological capacities, as well as an increase in BMI and a decline in mobility, may be associated with pre-frailty.