Transportation mode usage and physical, mental and social functions in older Japanese adults

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to cross-sectionally examine associations between frequencies of bicycle and motor vehicle travel, physical and mental statuses and social networks. Methods This study was conducted from 2009 to 2012 with 629 community-dwelling older adults (73.3±5.2 years old, female 53.7%) in Kasama City, Rural Japan. Travel status, physical activity scale for the elderly, Lubben social network scale and geriatric depression scale were collected via a self-administrated questionnaire. We also calculated a standardized physical function score through physical performance tests. Results After adjusting for age, gender, education, living arrangement, body mass…

Effects of whole-body vibration exercise on muscular strength and power, functional mobility and self-reported knee function in middle-aged and older Japanese women with knee pain.

Abstract Background Whole-body vibration training using vertical-vibration machines is called “acceleration training” (AT). The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of AT on lower-limb muscular strength and power, functional mobility and self-reported knee function in middle-aged and older Japanese women with knee pain. Methods Thirty-eight middle-aged and older Japanese women (aged 50–73 years) with knee pain were divided into two groups: (1) the AT group (n = 29) engaged in AT three times per week for eight weeks, and (2) the control group (C group, n = 9). The AT program consisted of flexibility training, strength training of mainly the quadriceps and surrounding muscles and…

Association between difficulty initiating sleep in older adults and the combination of leisure-time physical activity and consumption of milk and milk products: a cross-sectional study

Background: Research has shown that engaging in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and consuming dairy foods can lead to better sleep. Combining these two non-invasive prescriptions may be more effective for helping people fall asleep. This study investigates whether participating in LTPA in conjunction with consuming milk and milk products has a beneficial association with difficulty initiating sleep (DIS) among older adults. Methods: The present study looked at 421 community-dwelling older people aged 65 years and older living in Ibaraki prefecture, Japan (mean age 74.9 ± 5.5 years, male 43.7%). We measured LTPA and sleep latency with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and the…

The effects of whole-body vibration training on knee function and physical performance of middle-aged and elderly woman with knee osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain

The effect of body mass index, lower extremity performance, and use of a private car on incident life-space restriction: a two-year follow-up study

Background: The purpose of the study was to explore the single and combined contributions of body mass index (BMI) and lower extremity performance as modifiable physical factors, and the influence of use of a private car as an environmental factor on prevalent and incident life-space restriction in community-dwelling older people. Methods: Community-dwelling people aged 75–90 years (n = 823) participated in the Life-Space Mobility in Old Age (LISPE) two-year follow-up study. Participants who reported that the largest life-space area they had attained, without aid from any device or another person, was the neighborhood or less were considered to have life-space restriction. Incident life-spa…