[Purpose] The present study, was conducted to examine the occlusal force and physical,
cognitive, and attentional functions of elderly females living in the community to
evaluate the significance of measuring the occlusal force. [Subjects and Methods] The
number of subjects was 104. The Occlusal Force Meter GM10 was used to measure their
occlusal force. Their physical functions were assessed using eight examinations, including
the 30-second Chair Stand Test, and the cognitive functions of the Mini-Mental State
Examination and attention functions of the Trail Making Test. [Results] Significant
correlations were noted between the occlusal force and all measurements, except for the
results of forward bending in a sitting position. Multiple regression analysis was
conducted with the occlusal force as an objective variable, and significant partial
correlations were noted with the 30-second Chair Stand Test. [Conclusion] These results
suggest that it is necessary to provide the elderly with comprehensive support focusing on
maintaining their occlusal force, as a nursing care-prevention measure, to help them
continue to live a healthy, independent life.
[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the reproducibility and validity of the 50-m
walking test. [Subjects] Reproducibility was investigated in 19 community-dwelling elderly
women (mean age, 76.3 years), and validity was investigated in 31 community-dwelling
elderly individuals (12 men and 19 women; mean age, 75.7 years). [Methods] The time taken
to walk 50 m, the time taken to walk each 10-m section (laps 1–5), the time taken to walk
10 m, and grip strength were measured. In addition, the functional reach test (FRT),
one-leg standing test, and timed up and go (TUG) test were performed. [Results] In a
reproducibility analysis, the interclass correlation coefficient (1,1) was 0.97. In a
Bland-Altman analysis, no systematic error was found. The measured values from the 50-m
walking test included a measurement error of 1.5 s, and the acceptable margin of error was
confirmed to be 3.1 s. In a validity analysis, the 50-m walking test score was
significantly correlated with the 10-m walking and TUG test scores. [Conclusion] Our
results suggest that the 50-m walking test score may be a useful index of the walking
ability of community-dwelling elderly.
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