Walking speed as a good predictor for maintenance of I‐ADL among the rural community elderly in Japan: A 5‐year follow‐up study from TMIG‐LISA

Abstract

Background A population‐based prospective cohort study was undertaken to examine the predictors of functional decline in instrumental activities of daily living (I‐ADL) among non‐disabled older Japanese subjects living in a rural community during a five‐year interval from 1992 to 1997.Methods The subjects consisted of 624 men and women aged from 65–89 years and independent in I‐ADL at baseline, who could be completely followed for five years. Independent variables were various physical factors potentially associated with higher level of functional capacity obtained from an interview survey and medical examinations at baseline. Dependent variables were functional status in I‐ADL obtained at the time of the 5‐year follow‐up.Results Significant predictors of functional decline in I‐ADL during a 5‐year follow‐up period included: (1) older age; (2) higher blood pressure; and (3) lower maximum walking speed at baseline. Among these predictor, the maximum walking speed is likely to the strongest predictor for the decline in I‐ADL.Conclusion The ability to walk faster in the old age is strongly associated with independence in the other I‐ADL, and walking speed should be modified by the lifestyle to strengthen muscles of the lower extremities in daily life.