The Timed Up and Go Test is Related to Quantitative Ultrasound Parameters of Bone Strength in Japanese Community-Dwelling Elderly Women

Abstract

Abstract.[Purpose] The timed up and go test (TUGT) requires no special equipment or training, and it is a simple clinical assessment tool. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between a quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameter of bone strength and TUGT in Japanese community-dwelling elderly women.[Methods] Ninety-nine community-dwelling elderly women participated (mean age, 74.4 ± 5.7 years) in the present study. The speed of sound (SOS) in the right calcaneus was measured using a QUS device to assess bone strength. Physical function examinations included grip strength, single leg stance time, TUGT, and gait speed. The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG-IC) was used to assess each subject's functioning, and each subject's age, height, and weight were also collected. [Results] In multiple linear regression analysis controlling for age, of the physical function parameters, only TUGT was significantly related to SOS in all subjects. Furthermore, the relationship between SOS and TUGT was significant for those with high TMIG-IC scores, but SOS was not associated with any physical function parameters (including TUGT) for those with low TMIG-IC scores.[Conclusion] TUGT may contribute to the development of a simple clinical assessment tool that could be used to screen for hip fracture risk.

Physical activity and lifestyle effects on bone mineral density among young adults: sociodemographic and biochemical analysis

“…However, the effect of physical activity has a differential effect according to age whereas in older adults, with the effect of physical activity on BMD in older adults being smaller and less consistent 81 , 82 , 83 ) . Also, previous studies showed significant continuing increase in bone mass in exercising premenopausal young women compared to non-exercising controls 84 , 85 ) . Similarly, adolescent athletes of both genders involved in weight-bearing or high-impact activities showed higher bone densities and larger bone sizes than sedentary controls who were less active 86 , 87 ) .…”

Japanese elderly persons walk faster than non-Asian elderly persons: a meta-regression analysis

“…After checking the full texts, 170 articles that were found to not fulfill the inclusion criteria were further excluded. Thus, 20 articles (34 groups) 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ) were included in the meta-analysis for estimating the 5-m walking time of Japanese elderly individuals ( Fig. 1

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Reference values for the Timed Up and Go test in healthy Japanese elderly people: Determination using the methodology of meta‐analysis

“…A total of 12 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria: eight studies 13,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25] provided data on maximum effort (Table 1), and five studies 14,22,[27][28][29] provided data on the usual pace (Table 2). Studies with maximum effort data involved 2903 subjects (men 1083, women 1820), and studies with usual pace data involved 2396 subjects (men 815, women 1343, unknown 238).…”

“…Of these tests, many previous studies have indicated that the TUG is a useful index as a predictor of falls 9–11 or disability in activities of daily living (ADL) in elderly people 12 . Furthermore, the TUG was shown to be associated with bone strength 13 and cognitive function in elderly people 14 . Thus, determination of the reference value for TUG is probably of clinical use for health‐care professionals.…”