Changes in physical function in older females over a 5 year period.
Akihiro Yakabi, Miyoko Watanabe, Masahiro Ishizaka and 2 others
PMID 36118658WHAT IT FOUND
Over five years, physical function did not significantly decline in either age group.
However, the 65–74 year olds showed improved walking speed, balance, and functional reach, while those aged 75 and over showed declines across all measures. The older group started with lower baseline balance.
Key findings
01The two-way ANOVA found no significant effect of time on any physical function measure for the whole cohort, indicating overall maintenance of function over five years.
02T-score analysis revealed divergent trends: the 65–74 group improved in walking speed, timed up-and-go, and functional reach, whereas the ≥75 group declined in all parameters.
03The ≥75 group had a significantly lower baseline one-leg standing time (approx. 20 s shorter) compared to the younger group, suggesting higher fall risk from the start.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study included only females, so results may not apply to men. The sample size was small (n=70), which limits the generalizability of the findings. The study did not account for chronic diseases or health conditions, which could significantly influence physical function trajectories. Participants were selected from those who consistently attended a community program for five years, potentially introducing selection bias toward healthier or more motivated individuals.
Declared interests
This study was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 21K10581. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the lack of significant decline in the overall ANOVA as evidence that community programs prevent aging-related functional loss in all older adults. The T-score analysis shows that women aged 75 and over did experience declines in all measures, while the younger group improved or maintained function. The 'null' overall result masks these divergent age-specific trends.