A Comparison of Functional Fitness and Walking Speed with Cognitive Function of Facility-Dwelling Elderly Women: a Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare functional fitness and walking speed with cognitive function of facility-dwelling older woman. [Subject and Methods] The subjects were 273 female residents of an elderly housing facility, aged 65 to 96 years old. The participantsAf cognitive function, walking speed and functional fitness were measured. The cognitive functions were measured with the MMSE questionnaire and walking speed was assessed by the 10 meter-walking time. The Senior Functional Fitness Test (SFFT) was used to measure upper and lower strength, aerobic endurance, upper and lower flexibility, agility and dynamic balance. The Senior Function Fitness Test includes six assessments: 30-Second Chair-to-Stand, Arm Curl, Chair Sit-and-Reach, Back Scratch, 8 Foot Up-and-Go, and Minute Step. [Results] The severe (decreased of cognitive function) group showed a significant decrease in all the items of functional fitness measured relative to the normal group, except for upper flexibility. Walking speed indicated significantly reduced cognitive function, and showed very significant correlations with upper and lower limb strength, aerobic endurance and agility. [Conclusion] This study showed that cognitive function is correlated to functional fitness in elderly women. Particularly, cognitive function is a factor that influences the reduction in muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance of the lower extremities. This indicates that reduced cognition function has a negative effect on walking speed and functional fitness of facility-dwelling elderly women.