TITLE:
Comparison of Physical Function among Elderly Women in Japan and China
AUTHORS:
Xue Chun, Hiroya Miyabara, Yuki Kishikawa, Youhei Komatsu, Yuji Yamaguchi, Toyoji Tanaka
KEYWORDS:
Senior Women, Senior Club, Tai Chi Users
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.17 No.11,
October
31,
2025
ABSTRACT: [Purpose] To compare the physical function of elderly people who belong to senior citizens’ clubs in Japan with that of elderly women who belong to Tai Chi clubs in China. [Method] Grip strength was measured using a Smedley grip strength meter (SPR_651, manufactured by Matsumiya Medical Instruments) once on each side, and the higher of the two values was taken as the measured value. When standing on one leg with eyes closed, the time to maintain the position was measured using a digital stopwatch. The measurement position was a standing position. The measurement was discontinued when the opposite foot touched the floor. Measurement was taken once on each side, and the higher of the two values was taken as the measured value. Walking time was measured as the time (in seconds) spent walking at maximum effort over a 10 m straight section with 3 m walkways on both ends. [Results] The grip strength of the Chinese elderly group was significantly greater than that of the Japanese elderly group (p = 0.01). [Conclusion] The differences in the nature of activities between the senior citizens’ club and the tai chi group suggest that the grip strength of the Chinese elderly group was significantly greater than that of the Japanese elderly group.