title: Factors affecting the coefficient of variation of stride time of the elderly without falling history: a prospective study.
abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the coefficient of variation (CV) of stride time in an exercise intervention for the elderly without falling history. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 42 elderly women who had participated in a care prevention program for 12 weeks. Stride time CV, motor function, movement ability, balance, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) score, and Life-space Assessment (LSA) score before and after the intervention were examined for significant differences using the paired t-test. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the factors that changed in the stride time CV. [Results] There were significant differences in muscle strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, the one-leg standing time (eyes open), the maximum walking speed, local stability of trunk acceleration, The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG-T), the MFES score, and the LSA score between the pre-intervention and post-intervention. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that improvement of quadriceps muscle strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, the one-leg standing time, TUG-T, local stability of trunk acceleration (vertical direction) and MFES score were independent variables explaining the reduction in stride time CV. [Conclusion] The results was suggested that it might be possible to reduce the stride time CV by improving strength, flexibility and dynamic balance, and reducing fear of falls through interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, Japan ; Division of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Graduate School of Medicine, Saga University, Japan.
authors.forename: Kensuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsuda
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Takaki Hospital, Japan.
authors.forename: Shou
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ikeda
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, Japan ; Division of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Graduate School of Medicine, Saga University, Japan.
authors.forename: Masami
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nakahara
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, Japan.
authors.forename: Takuro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ikeda
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, Japan.
authors.forename: Ryuji
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Okamoto
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences at Ohtawara, International University of Health and Welfare, Japan.
authors.forename: Kazuo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kurosawa
authors.affiliation: Division of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Graduate School of Medicine, Saga University, Japan.
authors.forename: Etuo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Horikawa
keywords: Coefficient of variation of stride time; Fear of falling; Prospective study