Association between physical performance and bone mass in community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women: The Unzen study.

BACKGROUND: Low bone mass is an independent risk factor for osteoporotic fractures. We examined the association between physical performance and bone mass using quantitative ultrasound in community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 524 community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women who were not being administered osteoporosis medications. Physical performance was assessed on the basis of grip strength, chair stand time, and functional reach. The stiffness index was measured as a quantitative ultrasound parameter for heel bone mass. RESULTS: Physical performance, assessed by grip strength, chair stand time, and functional reach, and the stiffness index significantly decreased with age (both p<0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that grip strength (p = 0.001), chair stand time (p = 0.004), and functional reach (p = 0.048) were significantly associated with the stiffness index after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking, drinking, and exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Physical performance was significantly associated with heel bone mass in community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women.

Association between sarcopenia and respiratory function in elderly orthopedic outpatients.

The relationship between sarcopenia and respiratory function has not been investigated in elderly Japanese orthopedic outpatients. This study aimed to assess the relationship between sarcopenia and respiratory function in elderly orthopedic outpatients in Japan. Elderly outpatients (n = 102; aged ≥65 years) with orthopedic diseases were enrolled in the study. Muscle mass was measured using the bioelectrical impedance analysis. Grip strength and walking speed were measured (2 trials). The respiratory function (e.g., percent vital capacity [VC] and percent forced expiratory volume in 1 second) was also measured. The association between sarcopenia and respiratory function was assessed using logistic regression analysis, adjusting for sex, comorbidities, and smoking status. The mean ages for men and women were 77.7 ± 8.3 and 76.5 ± 6.8 years, respectively, and the overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 25.5% (30.0% and 24.4% in men and women, respectively). The study demonstrated that low respiratory function, which was represented by decreased percent VC, was associated with sarcopenia in outpatients visiting an orthopedic department (odds ratio, 1.73; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-2.97). Sarcopenia was significantly associated with a lower percentage of VC in orthopedic outpatients after adjustment for sex, comorbidity, and smoking. Further studies are needed to determine the causality.

Association between fat mass by bioelectrical impedance analysis and bone mass by quantitative ultrasound in relation to grip strength and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in postmenopausal Japanese women: the Unzen study.

BACKGROUND: Whether fat mass or lean mass affects bone mass in postmenopausal women is controversial. This study aimed to explore the association between body composition measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and bone mass measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in postmenopausal women in Japan. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study, The Unzen Study, on 382 community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women (mean (standard deviation) age: 68.2 (7.2) years) who participated in periodic health examinations. The stiffness index (SI) was measured using QUS, and body composition (e.g., fat mass and muscle mass) was measured using BIA. Grip strength was measured. Fasting blood samples were collected, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured. Data on current smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, and any comorbidities (heart disease, lung disease, stroke, or diabetes mellitus) were collected. RESULTS: The SI increased with increasing quartiles of fat mass and muscle mass (both p for trend <  0.001), respectively. There were positive correlations between SI and log (25(OH)D) or grip strength. Fat mass significantly correlated with grip strength. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that higher fat mass was independently and significantly associated with higher SI after adjusting for age, height, comorbidity, current smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, log (25(OH)D), log (TRACP-5b), log (PTH), and grip strength (p = 0.001). In contrast, no association was observed between muscle mass and SI. CONCLUSIONS: Fat mass, but not muscle mass, was a significant determinant of SI in community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women.

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and physical performance measures in middle-aged and old Japanese men and women: The Unzen study.

PURPOSE: Regarding epidemiological studies, the role of vitamin D in musculoskeletal functionality (muscle weakness and physical performance) among elderly people is still controversial. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and physical performance among community-dwelling middle-aged and old Japanese men and women. METHODS: The subjects were community-dwelling 297 men and 415 women aged 50 years and over. Data on height (m) and weight (kg) were collected. Serum 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone, calcium, and albumin levels were measured. Serum 25(OH)D was classified into deficiency group: < 20 ng/mL, insufficiency group: 20-30 ng/mL, and sufficiency group: ≧ 30 ng/mL. Physical performance was assessed by grip strength, chair stand time, and functional reach. Information on current smoking, alcohol drinking, regular exercise, any comorbidities (hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, lung disease, and stroke), and pain (lumbar and knee) was collected. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency based on serum 25(OH)D levels were observed in 15.2% and 56.9% of men and 52.0% and 43.6% of women, respectively. In men, higher serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with better grip strength (p for trend = 0.003), chair stand time (p for trend = 0.042), and functional reach (p for trend <0.001). On the other hand, these parameters were not associated with serum 25(OH)D levels in women. CONCLUSION: A higher level of serum 25(OH)D was associated with better physical performance in men but not in women.

Association between vitamin D and bone mineral density in Japanese adults: the Unzen study.

We showed an association between serum concentrations of vitamin D and bone health among community-dwelling adults in Japan after adjustment for confounding factors, with 730 participants in a city, with concentrations of 25(OH) vitamin D, and with parameters of quantitative ultrasound. PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to examine the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and bone indicators as measured by quantitative ultrasound in middle-aged and older Japanese adults living in low-latitude seaside areas during summer and autumn. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study, the Unzen study, on community-dwelling Japanese adults who participated to periodic health examinations between 2011 and 2013 (during the months of May to November). RESULTS: A total of 301 men (mean (SD) age, 67.9 (8.2) years; range, 50-92 years) and 429 women (mean (SD) age, 67.9 (7.7); range, 50-89 years) participated in this study. Serum 25(OH)D levels and quantitative ultrasound parameters (broadband ultrasound (BUA), speed of sound (SOS), and stiffness index of the calcaneus were measured for the participants. We excluded two men and 28 women from the 730 participants because they were on medication for osteoporosis. So, 299 men and 401 women were included in the final data analysis. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (< 30 ng/ml) was very high: 71.9% in men and 95.5% in women. In women, the log(25(OH)D) positively and significantly correlated with SOS (p = 0.011) and stiffness index (p = 0.028) but not with BUA (p = 0.176). In men, the log(25(OH)D) did not correlate with the BUA, SOS, or stiffness index (p = 0.218, 0.420, and 0.262, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with SOS or stiffness index in women but not in men.

Factors associated with the development of oral allergy syndrome: A retrospective questionnaire survey of Japanese university students.

BACKGROUND: Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is an IgE-mediated food allergy. Ingestion of causative antigens leads to the development of local symptoms such as numbness of the oral mucosa in most cases and anaphylaxis in a few cases. The prevalence of OAS including in healthy people has not been investigated. Thus, we conducted a questionnaire survey of Japanese university students. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 2688 first-year students using a questionnaire survey in marksheet format and examined the epidemiological characteristics of OAS. RESULTS: Only 2.7% of students were aware of the term "oral allergy syndrome". A total of 143 (5.3%) students had OAS. There were significant associations between OAS and other allergic diseases including allergic rhinitis (AR) (OR: 3.8, 95% CI: 2.7-5.5), atopic dermatitis (AD) (OR: 4.6, 95%CI: 3.3-6.6), and bronchial asthma (BA) (OR: 3.0, 95%CI: 2.0-4.5). The onset age of OAS showed bimodal peaks at 0 and 10 years, and the latter peak coincided with the peak onset age of AR. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of OAS was low in our study, which will make it difficult to treat properly and prevent its development. This survey confirmed the association between OAS and other allergic diseases, especially AR, which suggests that OAS is involved in the allergic march. A novel finding was that sensitization to antigens for OAS occurred around the same time as sensitization to antigens for AR. These results will help medical professionals diagnose OAS and develop lifestyle guidelines to prevent OAS-related symptoms such as anaphylaxis.

Association between self-reported walking speed and calcaneal stiffness index in postmenopausal Japanese women.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis and related fractures, a worldwide public health issue of growing concern, is characterized by compromised bone strength and an increased risk of fracture. Here we show an association between self-reported walking speed and bone mass among community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women aged 50 years and older. DESIGN; CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY: Setting and Participants; The survey population included 1008 postmenopausal women 50-92 years of age residing in rural communities. METHODS: Self-reported walking speed was ascertained by asking the participants: "Is your walking speed faster than others of the same age and sex?" to which participants responded "yes (faster)" or "no (moderate/slower)." Calcaneal stiffness index was measured. RESULTS: Women with a faster self-reported walking speed were younger and had a lower BMI, higher stiffness index, and higher grip strength than women with a slower walking speed. Multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for age, BMI, grip strength, comorbidity, current smoking, and alcohol drinking status showed a significant association between faster self-reported walking speed and higher calcaneal stiffness index (p <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that questionnaires of walking speed may be useful for predicting bone mass and that a fast self-reported walking may benefit bone health in postmenopausal women.

Epidemiology of the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and musculoskeletal conditions among elderly individuals: a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with osteoporosis, fracture, muscle weakness, falls, and osteoarthritis in adults. Elderly individuals are more likely to present with poor musculoskeletal conditions. Recently, several epidemiological studies have assessed the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and musculoskeletal conditions in elderly individuals. MAIN TEXT: Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Numerous studies have shown a positive association between serum 25(OH)D levels and bone mineral density. Only a few studies have reported an association between serum 25(OH)D levels and quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters. Low serum 25(OH)D level may be a risk factor for hip fracture. However, data on the association between vitamin D deficiency and the incidence of non-hip fracture are contrasting. Falls are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in older adults. Several prospective population-based cohort studies have shown that low 25(OH)D levels are associated with an increased risk of falls. Reduced muscle strength and physical performance are risk factors for adverse events, including disability, institutionalization, and mortality. The role of vitamin D in musculoskeletal functionality (muscle weakness and physical performance) among elderly individuals is still controversial. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is a leading cause of disability among older adults. Data on the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and OA are contrasting. CONCLUSION: Some studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for poor musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoporosis, fracture, muscle weakness, falls, and osteoarthritis in adults. However, other studies did not find an association between serum 25(OH)D levels and musculoskeletal conditions.

Vitamin K deficiency, evaluated with higher serum ucOC, was correlated with poor bone status in women.

BACKGROUND: An increase in serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin concentrations suggests vitamin K deficiency. Clinical intervention studies suggested that the vitamin K supplementation might contribute to preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women. Evidence on the relationship between serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) levels and bone parameters of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is limited. We examined the correlation between serum ucOC concentrations and bone status as measured by QUS among middle-aged and older Japanese men and women. METHODS: The subjects were community-dwelling men (n = 358) and women (n = 503) aged ≥ 40 years in Japan. Heel QUS parameters, including the stiffness index, speed of sound, and broadband ultrasound attenuation, were measured. Serum ucOC concentrations were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Grip strength was measured in the dominant hand. Information on alcohol drinking, current smoking, exercise, and menopause in women was collected. RESULTS: Serum ucOC concentrations were significantly associated with age in both sexes. Serum ucOC concentrations in men were higher at ≥ 80 years than those in the age groups of 40-49, 50-59, and 60-69 years. Serum ucOC concentrations in women were higher in the age groups of 50-59 and 60-69 years than those at 40-49 years. Partial correlation analysis adjusting for covariates (age, body mass index, grip strength, alcohol drinking, current smoking, and exercise in men; age, body mass index, grip strength, alcohol drinking, current smoking, exercise, and menopause in women) showed that serum ucOC concentrations were negatively significantly correlated with all QUS parameters in women. Serum ucOC concentrations were not correlated with them in men. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin K deficiency, evaluated with higher serum ucOC, was correlated with poor bone status in women.

[Association between fear of falling and activities of daily living among community-dwelling Japanese older adults].

Objectives　This study aimed to explore the association of difficulties in activities of daily living (ADL) (activities related to bending, spine extension, standing endurance, and walking) with fear of falling among community-dwelling older adults.Methods　We recruited 642 older adults (men, n=267; women, n=375) aged 65 years and over. The mean age was 72.2±5.1 years. Fear of falling, falls in the previous year, pain (low back pain or knee pain), comorbidity, and cataracts were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. ADL difficulties were assessed individually, such as activities related to bending (getting in or out the car, picking up a lightweight object, putting on socks or stockings, and lifting a 5 kg object from the floor), spine extension (reaching an object above your head), standing endurance (standing on your feet for 2 h), and walking (walking 100 m on a level surface, climbing 10 steps without stopping, and walking down 10 steps). The independent association between fear of falling and each ADL difficulties was assessed using logistic regression analysis.Results　Participants with fear of falling, compared with those without fear of falling, had an older age (74.8 and 71.6 in men, 73.3 and 71.0 in women, respectively; P<0.01), more falls in the previous year (21% and 9% in men, 28% and 11% in women, respectively; P<0.05), pain (80% and 61% in men, 82% and 64% in women, respectively; P<0.01), and comorbidity (23% and 15% in women, respectively; P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified each ADL difficulties except walking 100 m on a level surface as being independently associated with fear of falling after adjusting for age, body mass index, sex, falls in the previous year, pain, and comorbidity.Conclusion　ADL difficulties, such as activities related to bending, spine extension, standing endurance, and walking, except for walking 100 m on a level surface, were associated with fear of falling.

Relationship between bone turnover markers and the heel stiffness index measured by quantitative ultrasound in post-menopausal Japanese women.

Background: Osteoporosis in women is a serious health problem. The relationships between biochemical markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in women have been reported, but no study has examined relationships between tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b) or bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and bone mass measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in Japanese post-menopausal women. Aim: To investigate the serum TRACP-5b and BAP levels and to determine their associations with the heel stiffness index measured by QUS in post-menopausal women. Subjects and methods: The subjects were 510 post-menopausal women who were invited to participate in periodic health examinations in 2011-2013 (the Unzen Study). The heel stiffness index (bone mass) was measured by QUS. Serum samples were collected and TRACP-5b and BAP levels were measured. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that a higher log (TRACP-5b) was correlated with a lower stiffness index (p = 0.014) and log (BAP) was not correlated with stiffness index after adjusting for covariates (p = 0.136). Conclusion: Higher rates of bone resorption are associated with a lower stiffness index in Japanese post-menopausal women. These results may indicate that high bone resorption affects bone mass more than bone formation, resulting in a low bone mass.

Lack of social support and social trust as potential risk factors for dry eye disease: JPHC-NEXT study.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether social support and social trust are associated with DED. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study for the Next Generation (JPHC-NEXT) were used. Subjects are 96,227 Japanese men and women aged 40 to 74. Data from respondents included information on DED, social support and social trust. DED was defined as the presence of clinically diagnosed DED or severe symptoms. Social support was measured by emotional support and tangible support. Social trust was measured by level of general trust in others. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association of social determinants for DED. RESULTS: Individuals with high levels of social support and social trust were less likely to have severe symptoms of DED and clinically diagnosed DED (P for trend < 0.001 in both cases). Those with the highest levels of social support and social trust were least likely to have DED (odds ratios [OR] = 0.64 [0.61-0.67], 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63 [0.60-0.67] for severe symptoms of DED; OR = 0.88 [0.83-0.93] and 0.85 [0.80-0.91] for clinically diagnosed DED). CONCLUSIONS: High levels of social support and social trust were associated with a lower prevalence of DED.

Relationship between bone turnover markers and the heel stiffness index measured by quantitative ultrasound in middle-aged and elderly Japanese men.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the age-related patterns and the relationships between serum levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b) or bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and the heel stiffness index measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in 429 Japanese men, with special emphasis on 2 age groups (40-59 years and 60 years or over). The heel stiffness index (bone mass) was measured by QUS. Serum samples were collected, and TRACP-5b and BAP levels were measured. The stiffness index was significantly decreased with age. Log (TRACP-5b) was significantly increased with age, but Log (BAP) was stable. Generalized linear models showed that higher levels of Log (TRACP-5b) and Log (BAP) were correlated with a lower stiffness index after adjusting for covariates in men aged 60 years or over, but not in men aged 40 to 59 years. In conclusion, higher rates of bone turnover markers were associated with a lower stiffness index only in elderly men. These results may indicate a different mechanism of low bone mass among different age groups of men.

Prevalence of fear of falling and associated factors among Japanese community-dwelling older adults.

To determine the prevalence of fear of falling and associated factors among Japanese community-dwelling older adults.Cross-sectional study between 2011 and 2013.Community in which residents voluntarily attended a health examination.We recruited 844 older adults (male, n = 350; female, n = 494) aged 60 to 92 years from among those who presented at the health examination.We assessed fear of falling, falls in the previous year, pain, comorbidity, and cataracts. Five times chair stand time was applied as an indicator of physical performance.The prevalence of fear of falling was 26.9% and 43.3% among the men and women, respectively. Men and women who feared falling were older (P < .01), had longer 5 times chair stand time (P < .01), and more falls in the previous year (P < .05), pain (P < .01), and comorbidity (P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified advanced age (odds ratios [OR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-2.39), falls in the previous year (OR, 2.44; 95%CI, 1.29-4.64), and pain (OR, 1.82; 95%CI, 1.03-3.22) in men, and advanced age (OR, 1.59; 95%CI, 1.13-2.24), longer 5 times chair stand times (OR, 1.28; 95%CI, 1.04-1.59), falls in the previous year (OR, 2.59; 95%CI, 1.54-4.34), and pain (OR, 1.65; 95%CI, 1.06-2.55) in women as being independently associated with fear of falling.The prevalence of fear of falling was similar to previous reports. Advanced age, falls in previous year, and pain were associated with fear of falling in men. A longer 5 times chair stand time was also associated with fear of falling among older adult women. Maintenance of physical function and pain management might be important for older adults with fear of falling.

Association of vertebral compression fractures with physical performance measures among community-dwelling Japanese women aged 40 years and older.

BACKGROUND: Numerous reported studies have shown that vertebral compression fractures are associated with impaired function or disability; however, few examined their association with objective measures of physical performance or functioning. METHODS: We examined the association of vertebral compression fractures with physical performance measures in 556 Japanese women aged 40-89 years. Lateral spine radiographs were obtained and radiographic vertebral compression fractures were assessed by quantitative morphometry, defined as vertebral heights more than 3 SD below the normal mean. Measures of physical performance included walking speed, chair stand time and functional reach. Adjusted means of performance-based measures according to the number and severity of vertebral compression fractures were calculated using general linear modeling methods. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, body mass index, back pain, number of painful joints, number of comorbidities and regular physical activities, the walking speed of women with two or more compression fractures (1.17 m/s) was significantly slower than that of women without compression fracture (1.24 m/s) (p = 0.03). Compared with women without compression fracture, chair stand time was longer in women with two or more compression fractures (p = 0.01), and functional reach was shorter (p = 0.01). No significant differences were observed in walking speed, chair stand time, or functional reach between women with one compression fracture and those without compression fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Having multiple vertebral compression fractures affects physical performance in community-dwelling Japanese women. Poor physical functioning may lead to functional dependence, accelerated bone loss, and increased risk for falls, injuries, and fractures. Preventing vertebral compression fracture is considered important for preserving the independence of older adults.

Exercise intervention implemented by trained volunteers improves health-related quality of life among Japanese community-dwelling older females: an intervention study.

[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the sustainability and efficacy of exercise intervention, as implemented by professionally trained volunteers, on the health-related quality of life among Japanese community-dwelling older females. [Subjects and Methods] We conducted a non-randomized observational prospective study of a six-month exercise intervention delivered by volunteers or health professionals. Health-related quality of life was scored using the Short Form 36 Health Survey before and after the intervention. Participants were classified into three groups, comprising those with improved health, maintained health, and reduced health. [Results] Among 127 Japanese community-dwelling females aged >65 years, 50 of 62 (80.6%) females involved in the intervention conducted by volunteers, and 55 of 65 (84.6%) females involved in the intervention conducted by health professionals, completed the six-month intervention program. Scoring revealed that interventions by both volunteers and health professionals had a maintaining or improving effect on scores in >70% of participants instead of an expected six-month aging decline. [Conclusion] Exercise intervention by trained volunteers was sustainable and effective for improving the health-related quality of life among Japanese community-dwelling older females. Professionally trained volunteers could benefit communities in helping older persons avoid the need for daily nursing care through promoting health activities.

Age-specific risk factors for incident disability in activities of daily living among middle-aged and elderly community-dwelling Japanese women during an 8-9-year follow up: The Hizen-Oshima study.

AIM: The purposes of the present study were to investigate risk factors for incident disability in activities of daily living (ADL) among middle-aged and older women, and to determine whether there are differences in risk factors according to age groups. METHODS: The participants were 264 Japanese women aged 40 years and older. A self-administered questionnaire was used to survey participants about difficulty in carrying out selected basic and instrumental ADL at baseline and at follow up. ADL disability was defined as difficulty carrying out three or more ADL. Information on knee joint or back pain and comorbidities (heart disease, lung disease, stroke or diabetes mellitus) was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire at baseline. Physical performance measurements (grip strength, chair stand time, rapid walking speed and functional reach) were also carried out at baseline. RESULTS: The prevalence of incident ADL disability was 44 (27.5%) in women aged 40-64 years, and 57 (54.8%) in women aged ≥65 years (P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that decreased grip strength and having pain were significantly associated with a higher risk for incident ADL disability among women aged 40-64 years. For women aged ≥65 years, decreased rapid walking speed, having a comorbidity and having pain were associated with incident ADL disability. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that a different set of risk factors was associated with incident ADL disability among women aged 40-64 years and women aged ≥65 years. Age-specific screening and intervention strategies are necessary for effective prevention of incident ADL disability. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1096-1101.

Usefulness of chair stand time as a surrogate of gait speed in diagnosing sarcopenia.

AIM: Determining gait speed as a measure of physical performance is recommended in diagnosing sarcopenia. Gait speed measurements require a certain amount of space (e.g. a 6-m course), and might not be feasible in clinical settings or heath checkup examination sites. We developed a formula to estimate chair stand time based on gait speed, and examined the validity (sensitivity and specificity) of using the estimated chair stand time cut-off point as a surrogate for the recommended gait speed cut-off point. METHODS: Chair stand time was defined as the time it took to stand up from a standard chair five times. Gait speed was calculated from the time required for participants to walk a 6-m course at their usual pace. RESULTS: Simple regression analysis showed a significant negative relationship between chair stand time and gait speed (P < 0.0001), and the estimated formula was derived as follows: five times chair stand time = -8.41 × gait speed + 20.0 (R2 = 0.34). Therefore, the chair stand time cut-off point was estimated to be 13.3 s by inserting the recommended gait speed cut-off of 0.8 m/s in the above formula. Rounding off to make its use simpler, the estimated chair stand time cut-off was 13 s. The sensitivity and specificity of the estimated chair stand time cut off were 0.75 and 0.94, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Chair stand time might be useful as a surrogate of gait speed when screening for sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 659-661.

Effect of self-reported walking difficulty on bone mass and bone resorption marker in Japanese people aged 40 years and over.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the association of walking difficulty with bone mass or bone turnover among community-dwelling Japanese people aged 40 years and older. METHODS: We studied 1097 community-dwelling Japanese people aged 40 years and older (379 men and 718 women) who were invited to participate in periodic health examinations in 2006-2009. Walking difficulty was defined as having difficulty walking 100 m on a level surface (self-administered questionnaire). Calcaneal stiffness index (bone mass) was measured by quantitative ultrasound. Spot urine samples were collected, and urinary N-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) was measured. Values were corrected for creatinine (Cre) concentration. RESULTS: The prevalence of walking difficulty was significantly higher in women than in men (7.4 vs. 3.4 %, p = 0.011) and significantly increased with age in men (p for trend = 0.02) and women (p for trend <0.001). In univariate analysis, men and women with walking difficulty were older (p < 0.001) and had a lower stiffness index (p < 0.001), compared with those without walking difficulty. Among women, individuals with walking difficulty had significantly higher urinary NTx/Cre than those without walking difficulty (p < 0.001); however, this was not so among men (p = 0.39). Multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, weight, and menopausal status showed a significant association between walking difficulty and lower stiffness index in men (p = 0.004) and women (p = 0.005). In women, walking difficulty was significantly associated with higher NTx/Cre (p = 0.001), but not in men (p = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Walking difficulty may contribute to low bone mass in both sexes but might cause high bone turnover in women only.