Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the association between falls and physiological factors primarilly the toe-gap force
and the Good Walker’s Index using a path analysis. Three hundred and sixty-two (362) elderly people, over 65 years of age,
undertook five types of walking ability and physiological tests, The Toe-gap Force and the Good Walker’s Index, which consists
of 10-m walking time, Maximal Step Length (MSL), 40/20 cm step test, and tandem gait. Questions concerning demographic characteristics,
instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), subjective well-being, long-term care needs, and characteristics of falls
were asked. Ninety participants (24.9%) reported one or more falls within the past year. The results showed that a lower toe-gap
force and a lower good-walker’s Index score were significantly associated with falls. Fallers scored worse on Toe-gap force
R, 10-m walking time, and Maximal Step strength. The Good Walker’s Index was significantly associated with all test measures.
The path analysis model revealed the association between the Good Walker’s Index and falls. Toe-gap force and the Good Walker’s
Index can serve as an effective predictive factor for older people who are living independently in the community. This study
provided a model of the inter-relationships among physiological factors such as the Good walker’s Index, Toe-gap force and
falls, as well as vision and falls.
and the Good Walker’s Index using a path analysis. Three hundred and sixty-two (362) elderly people, over 65 years of age,
undertook five types of walking ability and physiological tests, The Toe-gap Force and the Good Walker’s Index, which consists
of 10-m walking time, Maximal Step Length (MSL), 40/20 cm step test, and tandem gait. Questions concerning demographic characteristics,
instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), subjective well-being, long-term care needs, and characteristics of falls
were asked. Ninety participants (24.9%) reported one or more falls within the past year. The results showed that a lower toe-gap
force and a lower good-walker’s Index score were significantly associated with falls. Fallers scored worse on Toe-gap force
R, 10-m walking time, and Maximal Step strength. The Good Walker’s Index was significantly associated with all test measures.
The path analysis model revealed the association between the Good Walker’s Index and falls. Toe-gap force and the Good Walker’s
Index can serve as an effective predictive factor for older people who are living independently in the community. This study
provided a model of the inter-relationships among physiological factors such as the Good walker’s Index, Toe-gap force and
falls, as well as vision and falls.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10900-011-9531-y
- Authors
- Mizue Hiura, Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 4-24-1, Kuhonji, Kumamoto city, 862-0976 Japan
- Hiroyo Nemoto, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Kazuko Nishisaka, Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 4-24-1, Kuhonji, Kumamoto city, 862-0976 Japan
- Kiyomi Higashi, Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 4-24-1, Kuhonji, Kumamoto city, 862-0976 Japan
- Takahiko Katoh, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Journal Journal of Community Health
- Online ISSN 1573-3610
- Print ISSN 0094-5145