Publications (24)17.01 Total impact
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Article: Association of spinal inclination with physical performance measures among community-dwelling Japanese women aged 40 years and older.
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ABSTRACT: AIM: Spinal inclination assesses spinal posture as a whole. However, the association between spinal inclination and physical performance has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the association of spinal inclination with physical performance measures. METHODS: The participants were 107 Japanese women aged 40-84 years. Spinal posture was assessed as inclination to a perpendicular line by using a computer-assisted device. Increased inclination value means forward inclination of the spine. Physical performance was measured by using the following methods: 6-m walking time, chair stand time, functional reach, Timed Up & Go Test, and grip strength. Information on participants' comorbidities, osteoporosis, knee joint pain, back pain, falls in the previous year, regular exercise and usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), was also collected. RESULTS: Pearson's correlation analysis showed significant associations between spinal inclination and all of the physical performance measures. Pearson's partial correlation analysis adjusted for age showed significant associations of increased inclination with poor physical functioning in 6-m walking time, chair stand time, functional reach, and Timed Up & Go Test, but not in grip strength. Linear regression analysis adjusted for age, grip strength, number of comorbidities, osteoporosis, knee joint pain, back pain, falls in previous year, regular activity and taking NSAIDs showed that spinal inclination was associated with poor function in 6-m walking time, chair stand time, functional reach and Timed Up & Go Test. CONCLUSION: Forward spinal inclination was associated with impairment in various physical performance measures. Proper prevention and treatment of underlying disorders should be prompted. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; ●●: ●●-●●.Geriatrics & Gerontology International 12/2012; -
Article: A Pilot Study of Allostatic Load among Elderly Japanese Living on Hizen-Oshima Island.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Between July and September 2005, a preliminary sampling of the elderly population of Hizen-Oshima Island, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan was conducted by the local hospital's nursing staff. RESULTS: Reported here are preliminary results from this sample of 27 individuals with an average age of 71 years. Their ages ranged from 51 to 82 years, with a standard deviation (sd) of 7.4 years. In total, 33 aspects of physical and physiological variation were assessed on these 15 women and 12 men. As expected from previous studies of Japanese elders, our sample shows slightly elevated average blood pressure (142/81 mmHg, sd 16/10), but they are relatively lean (waist/hip = .9: sd 0.06) when compared to European or American standards. However, their average total cholesterol (TC = 210 mg/dl, sd = 42.8) is high compared to standards, as is their high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc = 55.4 mg/dl, sd = 15.1). Means, standard deviations (sd), ranges, and upper bounds for quartile cut-points for all 10 variables used in the calculation of allostatic load (AL) were assessed. The overall average estimate for AL in this sample is 3.1 (sd = 1.58) and ranges from 1-7. CONCLUSION: AL shows variability across men and women, has little correlation with age, and is associated with physiological variation in blood glucose, dopamine, and uric acid.Journal of PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 06/2012; 31(1):18. -
Article: Factors predicting health-related quality of life in knee osteoarthritis among community-dwelling women in Japan: the Hizen-Oshima study.
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ABSTRACT: Knee osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint disorder in elderly people. However, a population-based, longitudinal study on health-related quality of life in knee osteoarthritis has not been conducted in Japan. We studied 333 women aged 50 years and older at baseline, with 8 to 9 years of follow-up. Anteroposterior weight-bearing knee radiographs were obtained at baseline and graded according to the Kellgren-Lawrence criteria. Definite osteoarthritis was defined as Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or higher in at least 1 joint. At baseline, all participants were asked if they had knee pain and comorbidities (heart disease, lung disease, stroke, or diabetes mellitus). Height (m), weight (kg), and chair stand time were measured. At follow-up, quality of life in knee osteoarthritis was evaluated using the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure score. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, knee osteoarthritis, knee pain, comorbidity, and increasing chair stand time were independently related to subsequent health-related quality of life. These findings suggest that treating knee osteoarthritis and comorbidities, managing pain, and optimizing lower extremity muscle strength may be effective targets for intervention.Orthopedics 01/2011; 34(9):e535-40. · 2.66 Impact Factor -
Article: Association between C677T/MTHFR genotype and homocysteine concentration in a Kazakh population.
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ABSTRACT: We recently suggested that due to insufficient intake of vegetables, low folate status and mild homocysteinemia might exist in the Kazakh population. To clarify the determinants of homocysteine concentrations among this population, we determined concentrations of serum folate, albumin, creatinine, vitamin B12, and the C677T/ MTHFR genotype in 110 Kazakh individuals and compared these with plasma total homocysteine. In Kazakh, after adjustment for age and sex, folate was correlated with plasma total homocysteine, whereas concentrations in those with the TT genotype was almost twice as high as in those with the CC and CT genotypes (19.7+/-1.8 micromol/L vs. 10.7+/-0.5 micromol/L, p<0.001). Our results suggest that the C677T/MTHFR genotype is associated with homocysteine concentrations in this population and this association might be affected by other factors, such as folate status.Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 01/2008; 17(2):325-9. · 1.13 Impact Factor -
Article: Influence of work duration or physical symptoms on mental health among Japanese visual display terminal users.
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ABSTRACT: The present study examined the relationship of work duration or physical symptoms to the mental health of visual display terminal (VDT) workers in Japan. The mental health status of 2,327 VDT users at an administrative office was investigated using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Subjects were asked about their age, sex, hours of daily VDT use, rest and breaks during VDT work, eyestrain, and musculoskeletal pain. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations with mental health status (GHQ-12 scores). The mean age of subjects was 39.5 yr (SD=10.3). Among all subjects, 36.7% could rest during VDT work and 66.9% received breaks during VDT work. The proportion of subjects who reported eyestrain and musculoskeletal pain were 19.6% and 25.7%, respectively. Eighteen percent of subjects were classified into a GHQ-12 high score group. Logistic regression analysis showed that age less than 40 yr, not receiving breaks during VDT work, and the presence of eyestrain and musculoskeletal pain were significantly associated with poor mental health status (high GHQ-12 scores). Using a VDT for more than 5 h/d and being female were also marginally associated with high GHQ scores (p<0.1). In conclusion, the management of physical health as well as work duration is important for good mental health status among VDT users.Industrial Health 05/2007; 45(2):328-33. · 0.94 Impact Factor -
Article: The influence of visual display terminal use on the physical and mental conditions of administrative staff in Japan.
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ABSTRACT: Visual display terminals (VDT) are standard equipment for many office workers. Their use, however, may increase the risk of developing adverse conditions related to vision, the musculoskeletal system, and mental health. We carried out a survey among 3070 workers aged 18 to 67 years (mean, 39.9 years) at a prefectural administrative office, in which 76% of subjects were visual display terminal (VDT) users. We examined the relationship between duration of daily VDT use and eyestrain, neck or upper extremity pain, back pain, and mental health, and estimated the effect of breaks and rest during VDT work on these symptoms. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12: total scores ranged from 0 to 12) was used to identify potential poor mental health status, and subjects with 4 or more were considered to have symptoms of psychological distress. Seventeen percent of subjects reported eyestrain, 19.1% reported upper extremity pain, 11.6% reported back pain, and 17% of subjects had GHQ-12 scores of 4 or higher. Logistic regression analysis showed that duration of daily VDT use and lack of breaks and rest during VDT work were significantly associated with eyestrain, neck or upper extremity pain, back pain, and psychological distress. In order to protect users from the adverse effects associated with VDT work, reducing daily VDT exposure, taking breaks, and rest during VDT work are important.Journal of PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 04/2007; 26(2):69-73. -
Article: Determinants of plasma homocysteine levels and carotid intima-media thickness in Japanese.
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ABSTRACT: Although hyperhomocysteinemia is considered to be a key risk factor for atherosclerosis, especially in Western countries, its role in the Asian population is still controversial. In this study, we evaluated the determinants of homocysteine and carotid intima-media thickness, a clinical marker for the detection of atherosclerosis, in Japanese. In 289 Japanese adults (age 37-86 yrs), we screened plasma total homocysteine by high performance liquid chromatography and evaluated maximum carotid intima-media thickness by ultrasound. Other blood chemistry values were also measured. Total homocysteine levels were higher in men than in women and increased with age. In multiple regression analysis, adjusted for age and sex, serum creatinine was a powerful determinant of homocysteine (beta = 3.3, p < 0.01). Maximum carotid intima-media thickness was higher in men than in women and increased with age. When adjusted for age and sex, systolic blood pressure was independently correlated with maximum carotid intima-media thickness (beta = 0.001, p < 0.01). Our current results support previous findings that in addition to age and sex, serum creatinine and systolic blood pressure are independent determinants of homocysteine and carotid intima-media thickness, respectively.Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 02/2007; 16(4):698-703. · 1.13 Impact Factor -
Article: Evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors and related clinical markers in healthy young Japanese adults.
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ABSTRACT: Since atherosclerosis is a slowly progressive process at a young age, effective preventive measures should be taken early in life to prevent future events associated with cardiovascular disease. The study population comprised 132 young Japanese adults (mean age 21.4 years, range 18-31 years). We screened plasma total homocysteine and serum folate levels and evaluated mean carotid intima-media thickness and cardio-ankle vascular index. Multiple regression analysis after adjustment for age and sex revealed that only folate levels were significantly correlated with plasma total homocysteine levels (beta=-0.37, p=0.028). Carotid intima-media thickness adjusted for age and sex and compared between quintiles of total homocysteine levels was significantly increased in the highest quintile compared with other quintiles. Cardio-ankle vascular index increased with age in both women and men, but no additional determinants were identified in young adults. Serum folate is an independent determinant of plasma total homocysteine levels, and mild hyperhomocysteinemia may represent a risk factor for increased carotid intima-media thickness, even in young adults. Comprehensive health education from the early period of life, including the suggestion of appropriate dietary measures, is important for effective prevention of future atherosclerosis.Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 02/2007; 45(2):220-5. · 2.15 Impact Factor -
Article: Obesity and cardiovascular risk factors among men and women aged 40 years and older in a rural area of Japan.
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ABSTRACT: Obesity is one of the most common health problems, and is recognized worldwide as an "escalating epidemic." For the establishment of an obesity-prevention strategy in Japan, it is important to assess the association between obesity and cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, we conducted anthropometric measures of obesity and investigated the association of obesity with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among community-dwelling men (N=85) and women (N=173) aged 40 years and older. Height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Subjects with a BMI> or =25 kg/m(2) were considered obese (BMI obesity), while men with a WC> or =85 cm and women with a WC> or =90 cm were classified as obese (WC obesity). In the present study, we defined 'obesity' as a BMI> or =25 kg/m(2) or a WC> or =85 cm for men, and a BMI> or =25 kg/m(2) or a WC> or =90 cm for women. The results of an age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression analysis indicated that BMI obesity was associated with dyslipidemia (p=0.04), WC obesity was associated with dyslipidemia (p=0.07), and 'obesity' was associated with diabetes (p=0.06) and dyslipidemia (p=0.01). These results emphasize the importance of preventing obesity in Japan. Therefore, healthcare professionals should measure BMI and WC in order to enhance their assessment of cardiovascular risk.Journal of PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 11/2006; 25(6):371-5. -
Article: Determinants of self-rated health among community-dwelling women aged 40 years and over in Japan.
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ABSTRACT: In developed countries, the elderly population is growing rapidly. Self-rated health is an important indicator of health and has been the focus of a number of aging studies. However, little is known about the possible differences in determinants of self-rated health according to age. Self-rated health and its possible determinants were examined in 542 community-dwelling Japanese women aged 40 to 91 years. The proportion of women with poor self-rated health increased with age. Approximately half of the women had poor self-rated health among women aged 80 years and over. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to examine the association with poor self-rated health in women aged 40 to 64 years (n = 248) and 65 years and over (n = 294). Lower physical activity and a greater number of comorbidities were associated with poor self-rated health for ages 40 to 64 and 65 years and over. Furthermore, the risk of poor self-rated health increased by 1.5-fold with every increase in the number of painful joints in the lower extremities for the 40- to 64-year-old age group, and increased by 2-fold with back pain for those 65 years and over. The determinants of self-rated health were similar in both middle-aged and elderly Japanese women. Our results could contribute to effective interventions to improve quality of life among Japanese women.The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine 10/2006; 210(1):11-9. · 1.24 Impact Factor -
Article: Physique, body composition and maximum oxygen consumption of selected soccer players of Kunimi High School, Nagasaki, Japan.
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ABSTRACT: This study evaluates the physical and physiological ability of selected soccer players of Kunimi High School in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The Kunimi team is famous for its intensive training, and had won the championship of the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament six times by 2003. We measured physique, body composition, and maximal oxygen uptake of 72 members aged between 16 and 18 years old between 1986 and 1994. They consisted of 66 outfield players (12 forward players, 23 midfielders, 31 defenders) and 6 goalkeepers. Body density was measured by the under-water weighing method, and Brozek's equation was applied to calculate percentage body fat (%Fat, %), fat-free mass (FFM, kg), FFM/height (FFM/Ht, kg.m(-1)), and FFM index (FFM/Ht(3), kg.m(-3)). The following results were obtained: 1. The average of 66 outfield players was 172.7 cm of height, 64.6 kg of weight, 54.0 cm of girth of thigh, and 90.0 cm of girth of hip, 9.3% of %Fat, 58.6 kg of FFM, 33.9 kg.m(-1) of FFM/Ht and 113.8 kg.m(-3) of FFM index. The mean vital capacity was 4.25 L and total lung capacity was 5.58 L. The mean maximal ventilation was 138.7 L.min(-1), VO(2)max was 3.95 L.min(-1), and VO(2)max/Wt was 61.4 ml.kg(-1).min(-1). 2. Goalkeepers were taller and heavier than outfielders, and had a smaller mean value of VO(2)max/Wt than outfielders (p<0.01). 3. For 23 out of the 72 players measured twice with an interval of about one year, FFM increased and %Fat reduced significantly, while V(E)max, VO(2)max and VO(2)max/Wt did not change. Kunimi players of the present study had as large a VO(2)max/Wt as local players, and a similar or slightly smaller VO(2)max/Wt than national-level players. They had similar %Fat and a similar VO(2)max/Wt with professional soccer players in England (Davis et al., 1992) while they had much smaller physiques.Journal of PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 08/2006; 25(4):291-7. -
Article: Evaluation of clinical markers of atherosclerosis in young and elderly Japanese adults.
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ABSTRACT: In order to be able to take preventative measures early in life against the development of atherosclerosis, it is important to evaluate profiles of subclinical atherosclerosis, especially among young adults. We screened plasma homocysteine levels, highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels and carotid intima-media thickness in young and elderly adults. Among both young and elderly adults, plasma homocysteine and highly sensitive C-reactive protein were significantly lower in females than in males. Highly sensitive C-reactive protein was significantly lower in young adults than in elderly adults, and homocysteine was lower (but not significantly) in young adults than in elderly adults. Among young adults, mean carotid intima-media thickness was lower (but not significantly) in females than in males. Among elderly adults, mean carotid intima-media thickness was significantly lower in females than in males. Among both males and females, mean carotid intima-media thickness was significantly higher in elderly adults than in young adults. These results demonstrate basic profiles of atherosclerosis markers in young and elderly Japanese adults. Further study is needed to evaluate measures developed for application in early adulthood to prevent atherosclerosis.Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 02/2006; 44(7):824-9. · 2.15 Impact Factor -
Article: Relationship between falls and physical performance measures among community-dwelling elderly women in Japan.
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ABSTRACT: The relationship between falls and physical performance has focused on the frail elderly who have several health problems, particularly those in nursing homes or care facilities. It is important to clarify the relationship between falls and physical performance among the community-dwelling elderly. We examined the relationship between falls and physical performance measures (grip strength, chair stand time, functional reach, usual walking speed) among 402 community-dwelling Japanese elderly women aged 60 years and over. Overall prevalence of falls was 21.1%, and increased with age. In univariate analysis, grip strength and functional reach were not significantly different between women who did and did not fall. Chair stand time of women who fell was longer than that of women who did not (p = 0.05), and the usual walking speed of women who fell was significantly slower than that of women who did not fall (p < 0.0001). Physical functioning significantly decreased with age; grip strength, functional reach and usual walking speed decreased, and chair stand time increased. Logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age and other covariates, showed that slower usual walking speed was significantly associated with falls, but grip strength and functional reach were not. Increased chair stand time had a borderline association (p = 0.1). Our findings indicate that poor lower extremity function, especially walking ability, is an important risk factor for falls in elderly Japanese community-dwelling women.Aging clinical and experimental research 06/2005; 17(3):211-6. · 1.55 Impact Factor -
Article: Secular trends of sizes at birth in Japanese healthy infants born between 1962 and 1988.
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ABSTRACT: Body sizes at birth are important clinical indicators widely used for evaluation of prenatal growth. Japan had significant socioeconomic improvement around the 1960s, and these environmental changes may influence physiologically prenatal growth. Furthermore, in Japan, measurements of size at birth for birth certificates are weight and height. Thus, we can refer to annual data on weight and height, but not on head and chest circumference at birth. In this study we measured the weight, height, and head and chest circumference at birth among 6,563 Japanese singleton healthy infants, annually in 1962 and 1988, and examined secular trends of these anthropometric measurements. The boys consistently exceeded the girls in all four variables. Birth weight and height increased significantly from the 1960s to '70s, but did not differ between the '70s and '80s in both boys and girls. Secular trends of head and chest circumference were different from them. In both boys and girls, head and chest circumference increased significantly from the '60s to the '70s, but decreased significantly from the '70s to the '80s. No difference of head circumference during the '60s and '80s was found, but the difference of chest circumference was found. Size at birth was likely to increase from the '60s to '70s in Japan. These findings suggest that the environmental changes such as socioeconomic improvements influence the prenatal growth.Journal of PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY and Applied Human Science 10/2004; 23(5):155-61. -
Article: Effects of lifestyle factors on stiffness index of calcaneus measured by quantitative ultrasound system among Japanese women aged 40 years and over: the Hizen-Oshima Study.
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ABSTRACT: To explore how the stiffness index of the calcaneus is related to lifestyle factors, we examined the associations of lifestyle factors, age, and years since menopause, with stiffness index of the calcaneus among 573 community-dwelling Japanese women aged 40-89 years. Stiffness index of the calcaneus was obtained from quantitative ultrasound measurement. Body height and weight were measured, from which body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Physical activity index was calculated using a validated questionnaire. Dietary calcium intake and amount of ingested alcohol were estimated by a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Current smoking status was obtained by questionnaire. In univariate analysis, stiffness index was positively related to physical activity index and BMI, and inversely to age and years since menopause, but not to dietary calcium intake. Stiffness index of drinkers and current smokers was not significantly different from that of non-drinkers and non-smokers, respectively. Among the natural menopausal women, multiple regression analysis showed that advancing age and years since menopause were associated with lower stiffness index, while higher physical activity index and greater BMI were associated with higher stiffness index. In conclusion, higher physical activity, in combination with adequate nutrition for weight maintenance, should be emphasized as a part of a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain bone health among middle-aged and elderly Japanese women.The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine 11/2003; 201(2):97-107. · 1.24 Impact Factor -
Article: Association of body mass index with joint pain among community-dwelling women in Japan.
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ABSTRACT: To investigate the impact of obesity on joint pain, we examined the association of body mass index (BMI) with joint pain. 351 community-dwelling Japanese women aged 40-85 years were asked about joint pain at specific joints, and height and weight were measured. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate BMI and other potential predictors of joint pain. BMI was positively associated with knee pain, but not with pain at other specific joints, after adjusting for age. The association of BMI with knee pain remained significant after adjustment for an additional covariate (physical activity). We also examined the associations of age, BMI, and regular physical activity with joint pain at any site, in the arm, in the leg, or in the back. Independently of age and regular physical activity, BMI was positively associated with joint pain in the leg, but not with pain at any site, in the arm or in the back. No significant association of physical activity with joint pain at any site, in the arm, in the leg or in the back was found. Knee pain was associated with greater BMI. This finding supports previous longitudinal studies, suggesting that some knee pain could be prevented by avoidance of excess weight, if the association is causative. However, the association was not very strong; thus, it is likely that many cases of knee pain cannot be avoided by weight reduction only, and may require other interventions.Aging clinical and experimental research 11/2002; 14(5):378-81. · 1.55 Impact Factor -
Article: Metacarpal bone mineral density, body mass index and lifestyle among postmenopausal Japanese women: relationship of body mass index, physical activity, calcium intake, alcohol and smoking to bone mineral density: the Hizen-Oshima study.
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ABSTRACT: The present study was designed to investigate the influence of modifiable risk factors (body weight and lifestyle) for bone loss on bone mineral density (BMD). We examined age-specific changes in metacarpal BMD, and its associations with body mass index and lifestyle among 532 community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women. Measurements of the second metacarpal BMD were obtained from the hand radiographs using computer-assisted radiographic absorptiometry. Body height and weight were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Physical activity index was calculated using validated questionnaire. Daily calcium intake and amount of ingested alcohol were estimated by semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Current smoking status was obtained by questionnaire. Metacarpal BMD decreased significantly with increasing age. Simple correlation analysis indicated that metacarpal BMD correlated significantly with BMI and physical activity index. On the other hand, metacarpal BMD did not correlate with calcium intake and alcohol drinking. Metacarpal BMD in current smokers was not different from that in nonsmokers. Multiple regression analysis showed that increasing age was associated with decreased metacarpal BMD and greater BMI increased metacarpal BMD. However, physical activity, calcium intake, alcohol drinking and current smoking were not significant determinants of metacarpal BMD. Our findings suggest that maintenance of adequate body mass (prevention for leanness) is important for prevention of postmenopausal bone loss.The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine 04/2002; 196(3):123-9. · 1.24 Impact Factor -
Article: The association between atherosclerosis and plasma homocysteine concentration in the general population residing on remote islands in Japan
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ABSTRACT: Although hyperhomocysteinemia is an important and independent risk factor for vascular disease, the relationship between plasma homocysteine concentration (Hcy) and subclinical atherosclerosis in the general population remains controversial. We screened 1,845 participants who resided on Japanese remote islands and in mainland. Hcy and clinical values were measured, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene C677T polymorphism (C677T/MTHFR), which is an important genetic factor for regulating Hcy, was analyzed. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the cardio ankle vascular index (CAVI) were measured to clinically evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis. CAVI had statistically significant association with Hcy (regression coefficient 0.3159, p=0.025), but CIMT was not. Hcy had statistically significant association with age, systolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatinine, C677T/MTHFR, smoking status and alcohol intake. Although C677T/MTHFR was not different among residing areas, Hcy was significantly higher on small islands than in other areas even after adjustment for confounding factors. We found the statistically significant association between Hcy and CAVI in the general population residing on Japanese remote islands, and significant differences in Hcy among residing areas, suggesting strong influence by acquired factors as well as genetic factors -
Article: 2-12 Analysis of Subjective Symptoms in VDT Workers(Proceedings of the 50th Meeting of Japan Society of Physiological Anthropology)
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Article: Fear of Falling among Community-dwelling Elderly Women Receiving Visiting Nursing Services in Japan
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ABSTRACT: Although fear of falling is a common and serious problem among elderly people, little is known about the risk factors associated with fear of falling among frail elderly persons in Japan. To assess the fear of falling and investigate related factors, we conducted a study among 167 Japanese women aged 59 or older, who were receiving visiting nursing services. Fear of falling was measured by asking subjects about being afraid of falling (yes/no) and completing the Japanese version of Falls Efficacy Scale (FES). Fear of falling (being afraid of falling) was reported by 135 (80.8%) of the subjects. The overall FES score was significantly (p<0.01) lower in subjects who reported fear of falling (mean± standard deviation=19.8±5.5) than in those who did not (26.1±7.2). The Japanese version of FES effectively identified persons having a fear of falling. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that palsy, incontinence, and falls during the past year were significantly associated with an increase in fear of falling (measured by FES). The present study suggests that fear of falling is common among elderly women receiving visiting nursing services. Preventive strategies to reduce fear of falling and falls are needed, and would contribute to prevention of being bedridden and institutionalized for the frail elderly
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2002–2007
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Nagasaki University
Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki-ken, Japan
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