The relationship between walking frequency and physical function in community-dwelling elderly people

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Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the relation between walking frequency and motor ability. [Methods] The subjects were 51 community-dwelling elderly persons. The subjects were divided into the following 2 groups: high-frequency walking groups (n=17) and low-frequency walking groups (n=34). Comfortable and maximum walking speed, step length, step rate, walk ratio, 6-minute walking distance, Functional Reach Test scores, Timed 'Up-and-Go' Test scores, knee extension power, sit and reach were measured to evaluate motor ability. [Results] Maximum walking speed, step length, walk ratio and 6-minute walking distance were significantly greater in the high-frequency walking groups than in the low-frequency walking groups. In contrast, the step rate, Functional Reach Test scores, Timed 'Up-and-Go' Test scores, knee extension power and sit-and-reach test scores were similar in the two groups. [Conclusion] These results suggest that habitual walking is effective for improving walking ability but not muscle power, balance or flexibility.

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Arai, T., Kuwabara, K., Meguro, T., Watanabe, S., & Fujita, H. (2011). The relationship between walking frequency and physical function in community-dwelling elderly people. Rigakuryoho Kagaku, 26(5), 655–659. https://doi.org/10.1589/rika.26.655

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