Effects of exercise on brain activity during walking in older adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Physical activity may preserve neuronal plasticity, increase synapse formation, and cause the release of hormonal factors that promote neurogenesis and neuronal function. Previous studies have reported enhanced neurocognitive function following exercise training. However, the specific cortical regions activated during exercise training remain largely undefined.

[Factors associated with the level of disability in elderly adults based on the Japanese long-term care insurance system].

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the level of disability in elderly adults based on the Japanese long-term care insurance system.

Methods: The participants included 3,198 frail elderly subjects (mean age: 82.0±6.

Performance-based assessments and demand for personal care in older Japanese people: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To identify appropriate clinical tests for determining the demand for personal care in older Japanese people.

Design: Cross-sectional observation study.

Setting: Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly (Obu, Aichi) and Tsukui Ordered Useful Care for Health (241 day-care centres) cohorts in Japan.

Gait adaptability and brain activity during unaccustomed treadmill walking in healthy elderly females.

This study evaluated brain activity during unaccustomed treadmill walking using positron emission tomography (PET) and [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose. Twenty-four healthy elderly females (75-82 years) participated in this study. Two PET scans were performed after 25 min of rest and after walking for 25 min at 2.

Relationship between subjective fall risk assessment and falls and fall-related fractures in frail elderly people.

Background: Objective measurements can be used to identify people with risks of falls, but many frail elderly adults cannot complete physical performance tests. The study examined the relationship between a subjective risk rating of specific tasks (SRRST) to screen for fall risks and falls and fall-related fractures in frail elderly people.

Methods: The SRRST was investigated in 5,062 individuals aged 65 years or older who were utilized day-care services.

Physical factors underlying the association between lower walking performance and falls in older people: a structural equation model.

The purpose of this study was to determine the interrelationships between lower limb muscle performance, balance, gait and falls in older people using structural equation modeling. Study participants were two hundred and thirteen people aged 65 years and older (mean age, 80.0 ± 7.

Which neuromuscular or cognitive test is the optimal screening tool to predict falls in frail community-dwelling older people?

Background: The use of falls risk screening tools may aid in targeting fall prevention interventions in older individuals most likely to benefit.

Objective: To determine the optimal physical or cognitive test to screen for falls risk in frail older people.

Methods: This prospective cohort study involved recruitment from 213 day-care centers in Japan.

[Incidence of falls and fractures in disabled elderly people utilizing long-term care insurance].

Aim: To investigate the incidence of falls and fall-related fractures in disabled elderly people utilizing long-term care insurance, and influence of gender, age, disabled level is examined.

Methods: Subjects were 8,335 elderly people (mean age, 82.2+/-7.