Rejuvenation of standing and gait balance in community-dwelling older individuals: A comparative study between 2006 and 2019.

Abstract

The present study investigated the rejuvenation of physical function in terms of walking speed and grip strength. Specifically, it examined the rejuvenation of physical functions in community-dwelling older individuals between 2006 and 2019. The study is novel, because it analyzes this by focusing on gait balance. Data were collected from 339 participants (52 men, 287 women) in 2006, and 382 participants (83 men, 299 women) in 2019. They were categorized according to age: early-stage and late-stage groups for men, and early-stage, late-stage and latest-stage groups for women. These groups were analyzed by participants' walking speed, grip strength, Timed Up and Go test, Functional Reach test and One-Leg Standing test. The results were compared based on two factors: time (2006 to 2019) and age group. The scores for the Timed Up and Go and One-Leg Standing tests were better in 2019 than in 2006 for all age groups in both older men and women. However, improvement in walking speed was observed only in women. Additionally, the decline in physical function with age was slower for walking speed among men, and Functional Reach and One-Leg Standing tests among women. The changes over this 13-year period showed that the physical function of community-dwelling older individuals was rejuvenated in terms of improved standing and walking balance. These rejuvenations will aid in preventing falls among community-dwelling older individuals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 975-980.