Enhancing Driving Ability in Older Adults through Health Exercises and Physical Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Akihiko Katayama (), Ayako Hase and Nobuyuki Miyatake
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Akihiko Katayama: Faculty of Sociology, Shikoku Gakuin University, Zentsuji-shi 765-8505, Kagawa, Japan
Ayako Hase: Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Miki-cho 761-0701, Kagawa, Japan
Nobuyuki Miyatake: Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Miki-cho 761-0701, Kagawa, Japan

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 19, 1-13

Abstract: The global rise in the aging driving population has heightened concerns about traffic incidents involving this demographic. Beyond transportation, automobiles represent a vital lifeline for older adults, fostering social activities and influencing their health-related quality of life. This study explores improving and sustaining driving ability among older adults with anticipated declines through health-conscious exercises. Sixty-eight participants were randomly allocated into two groups. The exercise-oriented group (E-group) engaged in twelve 90 min health and exercise sessions over twelve weeks, while the control group (C-group) maintained their regular daily routines and did not receive any specific interventions during this period. The focal point of assessment was driving ability, as evaluated by a person using a real car on public roads without using a simulator. Driving ability and physical fitness were assessed before the intervention in both groups. Post-intervention measurements occurred twelve weeks after the initial gauging, encompassing both cohorts. Comparative analysis of pre- and post-intervention changes was executed between the two groups. The E-group demonstrated improved overall driving ability compared to the C-group. The results suggest that healthy exercise and physical activity may maintain and enhance driving ability for older adults.

Keywords: driving ability; healthy exercise; physical activity; randomized controlled trial (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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