A method for evaluating fall avoidance ability combined with agility and equilibrium and a proposal for an exercise program

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K19522
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59020:Sports sciences-related
• Research Institution: Toin University of Yokohama
• Principal Investigator: Oyama Yusuke 桐蔭横浜大学, スポーツ科学部, 講師 (90825093)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 転倒予防 / 転倒回避能力 / 反応時間 / 姿勢制御能力 / 重心動揺 / 運動機能 / 高齢者

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study was to (1) examine the reliability and validity of a new combined agility and equilibrium assessment of fall avoidance ability (reaction balance test), (2) relate the reaction balance test to falls and fall-related physical fitness, and (3) propose an exercise program for fall prevention.Accordingly, it was to establish an evaluation method for fall avoidance ability that is practical and safety.
The results of this study showed that (1) the reliability and validity of the Reaction Balance Test were confirmed, and (2) elderly people with fall anxiety tended to have slower reaction time and inferior center of pressure.In addition, (3) a trend of improvement was confirmed in some variables of the reaction balance test by the intervention of a 3-month exercise program.

Free Research Field

応用健康科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は敏捷性と平衡性を複合したテストを開発し、「外乱に対する素早い反応」と「反応後の姿勢制御能力」の2つの局面を考慮した転倒回避能力の評価をしている点が意義深い。従来の転倒回避能力の評価よりも安全性かつ実用性が高い評価が可能になったと考えられる。また、これまで運動現場で行われてきた転倒関連体力との関連や運動実践プログラムの効果検証を実施し、現場で活用できる点は社会的意義も大きい。