Normative values for maximum power during motor function assessment of jumping among physically active Japanese.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between maximum power relative to body weight (Pmax-rel) and the aging process, and to indicate the target values of improvement of motor function in Japanese individuals.


METHODS
In 410 physically active Japanese subjects (7-79 years) with no impairment of daily activities were performed counter-movement jumps. We evaluated the correlation between age and Pmax-rel, mean Pmax-rel by age group, and the percentage Esslinger Fitness Index score relative to 100% for same-age Europeans (%EFI), by gender.


RESULTS
Age and Pmax-rel were correlated in both males aged <18 and >or=18 years old (both p<0.01) and females aged <18 and >or=18 years old (both p<0.01). Pmax-rel declined gradually with age, reaching 53.5% of the peak in subjects in their 70s. There was no significant difference in %EFI scores in most age groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Similar to Europeans, Pmax-rel in Japanese individuals is closely correlated with age, declining to 53% of the peak in subjects in their 70s. Thus, Pmax-rel and the %EFI appear to be suitable as normative indices applicable to different human populations for the assessment of physical function.
Tsubaki
A
A
Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata, Japan. tsubaki@nuhw.ac.jp
Kubo
M
M
Kobayashi
R
R
Jigami
H
H
Takahashi
H E
HE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D044466:Asian People; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D018579:Patient Selection; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values