Abstract
This study aimed to identify classifier variables by considering both gait and physical fitness for identifying adults aged over 75 years and global cognitive function declines in older adults. The participants included 735 adults aged 65–89 years who were asked to walk at three different speeds (slower, preferred, and faster) while wearing inertial measurement units embedded in shoe-type data loggers and to perform nine physical fitness tests. The variability in the stance phase as well as the strength, balance, and functional endurance showed a strong dependence on the age being over 75 years. The cognitive function was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination; a longer stance phase at a slower walking speed and decreased grip strength and five times sit-to-stand were associated with cognitive function. These findings may be useful for determining the decline in physical performance of older adults. A longer stance phase and decreased grip strength and five times sit-to-stand may be factors that help distinguish declines in cognitive function from normal age-related declines.
Highlights
Dementia is a serious health problem that can impact the physical health and quality of life of older adults [1]
The participants had an average age of 73.1 ± 5.1 years
The gait and nine physical fitness variables indicated that the variability in the stance phase and the strength, balance, and functional endurance showed a strong dependence on the age being over 75 years
Summary
Dementia is a serious health problem that can impact the physical health and quality of life of older adults [1]. The decline in cognitive function with age, which can lead to mild cognitive impairment and dementia, has been associated with functional limitations and disability [2]. Impairment of the motor system such as gait abnormality and a low level of physical fitness precede the onset of cognitive decline with age [3,4,5] or during the early stages of dementia [6]. Gait abnormality may increase the risk of dementia in older adults and indicate a low level of physical fitness in domains [5] such as mobility [12], balance [13], strength [14], and aerobic fitness [15]. It is not difficult to find a relationship between physical fitness, including mobility, and cognitive function in older adults [16]
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