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Shinkai, S., Watanabe, S., Kumagai, S., Fujiwara, Y., Amano, H., Yoshida, H., Ishizaki, T., Yukawa, H., Suzuki, T. and Shibata, H. (2000) Walking Speed as a Good Predictor for the Onset of Functional Dependence in a Japanese Rural Community Population. Age and Ageing, 29, 441-446.
https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/29.5.441

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Trajectory of Walking Function in Late-Stage Older Individuals Managed with a Regular Exercise Program: A 5-Year Longitudinal Tracking with an IoT Gait Analysis System Using Accelerometers

  AUTHORS: Taisuke Ito

  KEYWORDS: Late-Stage Elderly, Exercise, Gait Function, Accelerometer, IoT-Based Gait Analysis Device

  JOURNAL NAME: Open Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, Vol.12 No.2, May 27, 2024

  ABSTRACT: Purpose: This study focused on maintaining and improving the walking function of late-stage older individuals while longitudinally tracking the effects of regular exercise programs in a day-care service specialized for preventive care over 5 years, using detailed gait function measurements with an accelerometer-based system. Methods: Seventy individuals (17 male and 53 female) of a daycare service in Tokyo participated in a weekly exercise program, meeting 1 - 2 times. The average age of the participants at the start of the program was 81.4 years. Gait function, including gait speed, stride length, root mean square (RMS) of acceleration, gait cycle time and its standard deviation, and left-right difference in stance time, was evaluated every 6 months. Results: Gait speed and stride length improved considerably within six months of starting the exercise program, confirming an initial improvement in gait function. This suggests that regular exercise programs can maintain or improve gait function even age groups that predictably have a gradual decline in gait ability due to enhanced age. In the long term, many indicators tended to approach baseline values. However, the exercise program seemingly counteracts age-related changes in gait function and maintains a certain level of function. Conclusions: While a decline in gait ability with aging is inevitable, establishing appropriate exercise habits in late-stage older individuals may contribute to long-term maintenance of gait function.