Associating Gait Phase and Physical Fitness with Global Cognitive Function in the Aged

Byungjoo Noh, Changhong Youm, Myeounggon Lee and Hwayoung Park
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Byungjoo Noh: Department of Health Care and Science, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Saha-gu, Busan 49315, Korea
Changhong Youm: Department of Health Care and Science, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Saha-gu, Busan 49315, Korea
Myeounggon Lee: Biomechanics Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Saha-gu, Busan 49315, Korea
Hwayoung Park: Biomechanics Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Saha-gu, Busan 49315, Korea

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-11

Abstract: This study aimed to identify classifier variables by considering both gait and physical fitness for identifying adults aged over 75 years and global cognitive function declines in older adults. The participants included 735 adults aged 65–89 years who were asked to walk at three different speeds (slower, preferred, and faster) while wearing inertial measurement units embedded in shoe-type data loggers and to perform nine physical fitness tests. The variability in the stance phase as well as the strength, balance, and functional endurance showed a strong dependence on the age being over 75 years. The cognitive function was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination; a longer stance phase at a slower walking speed and decreased grip strength and five times sit-to-stand were associated with cognitive function. These findings may be useful for determining the decline in physical performance of older adults. A longer stance phase and decreased grip strength and five times sit-to-stand may be factors that help distinguish declines in cognitive function from normal age-related declines.

Keywords: aging; dementia; cognitive decline; physical activity; inertial measurement unit (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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