TEST AND MEASUREMENT FOR MOTOR ABILITY IN ELDERLY PEOPLE / 体力科学

ABSTRACT

As safety of testing was the highest priority for physical ability measurement in elderly people, their motor ability was evaluated by means of test performance of walking. The purpose of this study was to review existing research on walking tests assessing motor ability of elderly people. Motor ability exerted to perform walking was assumed to be divided into three domains of speed, coordination, and endurance. The maximum and normal speed walking tests were used to measure walking speed in elderly people. The principal determinant of walking speed was stride that was affected by strength of lower limbs. Hurdle walking and the 8-figure walking were used to measure coordination including balance and agility required in walking. Distance walking for 6 and or 12 min was used to measure walking endurance. The 6 min distance walking was the most useful test item to assess the aerobic fitness level of elderly people. The 10 m hurdle walking test and the 6 min distance walking test were selected in Japan Fitness Test for 65-79 years of age.