Journal of Aging and Physical Activity最新文献

{"title":"Older Fallers Admitted to an Acute Hospital Spend 49% of Their Day Not Engaged in Any Purposeful Activity: A Behavior Mapping Study.","authors":"Lindsey Brett, Sarah Parker","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Falls are the most common injury-related reason older Australians (aged 65 years and older) are admitted to hospital. Once admitted, older adults often engage in low levels of physical activity.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The primary objective of this study was to provide a descriptive analysis of activity levels of older adults admitted to the hospital under the acute aged-care team due to sustaining a fall. Secondary objectives were to (a) examine activity levels based on the day of the week (weekday/weekend) and room occupancy type (alone/shared) and (b) describe the physiotherapy input received.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An observational, cross-sectional study that utilized behavior mapping. Along with basic demographics and physical ability, detailed activity data were collected, analyzed, and presented descriptively. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare activity levels by day of the week and room occupancy type, respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants (n = 26) had a mean age of 85.2 (SD 7.1) years and 58% were female. Participants spent most of their time in the hospital alone (57%), sitting (65%) in their room/bed space (90%), not engaged in any purposeful activity (49%). The most common physiotherapy intervention observed regardless of ward location was mobility practice, with a greater range of physiotherapy interventions observed on the outlier wards.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Older adults that have fallen and are hospitalized spend the majority of their time as inpatients not engaged in purposeful activity and receive limited physiotherapy input. Future research needs to identify modifiable factors to help encourage purposeful activity in the acute aged-care setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149289712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of a Physio-Feedback-Based Exercise Intervention on Physical Function and Body Composition Among Low-Income Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Kworweinski Lafontant, David H Fukuda, Patria Marcano Maldonado, Jethro Raphael M Suarez, Chitra Banarjee, Carla Stokes Leinbach, Sarah K Fretti, Jeffrey R Stout, Rui Xie, Ladda Thiamwong","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0453","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0453","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objective: </strong>Group exercise is a common fall risk intervention among older adults. However, many older adults approach exercise adoption with knowledge of their current physiological health (i.e., physio-feedback), which may influence the expected changes in physical function and body composition. We compared changes in body composition, bioimpedance (phase angle, impedance ratio, etc.), and physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery; handgrip strength) between a physio-feedback-based intervention and a control group among community-dwelling older adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We assessed 186 participants (female = 88%, age = 74.1 ± 6.8 years, body mass index = 30.5 ± 6.5 kg/m2) during an 8-week cluster-randomized controlled trial. The physio-feedback-based intervention included a one-on-one physio-feedback debrief session following baseline testing, once weekly 60-min group classes, and 60 min of at-home exercises per week. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model with clustered sites and individual participants as random coefficients. Intervention adherence was monitored via in-class attendance and at-home exercise logs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We observed significant interaction effects with phase angle and impedance ratio (p < .05) and significant time effects for Short Physical Performance Battery scores, handgrip strength, and bioelectrical resistance (p < .05). Participants demonstrated good-to-excellent adherence to the in-person group class (80.9 ± 20.0%) and at-home exercises (71.8 ± 26.9%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The present form of this physio-feedback-based exercise intervention may not provide sufficient stimulus to improve body composition and physical function, but may mitigate decrements in phase angle and impedance ratio. Significance/Implications: The high adherence rate suggests that the intervention has potential for future applications in community settings. Clinicians and community partners aiming to implement physio-feedback-based exercise interventions may need to modify the protocol to elicit desired adaptations.</p><p><strong>Clinicaltrials: </strong>gov (NCT05778604).</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149139241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of a Multicomponent Community-Based Intervention Program on Cognitive, Physical, and Psychosocial Outcomes in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: An Experimental Study.","authors":"Gülfidan Tokgöz, Ebru Tekin, Nilay Arman, Hatice Selin Irmak, Bilal Katipoğlu","doi":"10.1123/japa.2026-0123","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2026-0123","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults is associated with cognitive decline, reduced independence, and lower quality of life. Early multidimensional interventions may help slow this progression.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study examined the short-term effects of an 8-week Multicomponent Community-Based Intervention Program, integrating physical exercise, creative arts, and psychoeducation on cognitive function, physical performance, and psychosocial well-being in older adults with MCI.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A single-group experimental study included 29 older adults diagnosed with MCI. Multi-Community-Based Intervention Program involved weekly or biweekly 5-hr sessions led by a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists, a gerontologist, a geriatrician, and other experts. The program comprised: (1) exercise workshops (music-based exercise, exergaming, Pilates, Nordic walking, dance therapy, cognitive and exercises); (2) art-based workshops (calligraphy, soap/candle making, and culinary arts); and (3) educational sessions on caregiving, fall prevention, assistive technology, and community resources. Cognitive performance was assessed via Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment, physical fitness via handgrip strength and flexibility, physical activity via metabolic equivalent scores and calories burned, and psychosocial well-being via CASP-19 and qualitative interviews.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant improvements were observed in Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores (p = .036), flexibility (p = .021), and physical activity (p < .05). Quality of life scores improved, though not statistically significant. Interviews indicated enhanced emotional satisfaction, social engagement, and motivation to continue activities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Multi-Community-Based Intervention Program is a feasible and beneficial approach for supporting cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health in older adults with MCI. Significance/Implications: Community-based, multidomain interventions integrating physical, cognitive, and psychosocial components may promote functional independence and quality of life, highlighting the potential for scalable preventive strategies in aging populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149139170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Physical and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Maryam Mohammadi, Amin Norouzi Fashkhami, Alireza Akbarzadeh Baghban","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0308","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0308","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been investigated as a potential intervention to counteract age-related declines in cognitive and physical performance. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of HBOT on these domains in older adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD420251122497). A comprehensive search from inception to November 2025 was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to identify studies evaluating HBOT in individuals aged ≥50 years. Eligible studies assessed cognitive and/or physical outcomes using validated measures, adverse events when reported, and risk of bias was evaluated using the modified Downs and Black checklist.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven studies with 502 participants aged 51-85 years met the inclusion criteria. HBOT protocols varied in pressure (2.0-2.2 absolute atmospheres), duration (60-90 min), and frequency (five to six sessions/week). Two high-quality studies in healthy older adults reported significant improvements in global cognition, attention, executive function, and processing speed as well as enhanced aerobic capacity and pulmonary function. In clinical populations including Parkinson's disease, cerebral small vessel disease, and vascular dementia, moderate-quality studies reported that HBOT combined with pharmacological treatments yielded greater cognitive gains than monotherapy. Physical improvements in these groups were mainly inferred from quality of life and symptom scores. Four studies reported HBOT-related adverse events, which were generally mild and self-limiting. Follow-up intervals ranged from 1 to 4 weeks to ≈12 weeks, limiting conclusions about durability of effects.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>HBOT may improve cognitive performance in both healthy and clinical older adults and may offer modest benefits for physical performance, although physical improvements were sometimes inferred from functional or indirect measures. However, these findings remain preliminary given the limited number of studies, protocol heterogeneity, and moderate methodological quality. Reported adverse events were generally mild.</p><p><strong>Implications: </strong>HBOT may offer a novel therapeutic option to enhance cognitive performance and potentially improve physical and functional outcomes in older adults thereby supporting healthier aging and greater independence in daily life.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149139344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synergistic Effects of Bisphosphonates and Physical Exercises and Modalities on Osteoporosis Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Jun Jin, Haile Ma","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0427","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0427","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Osteoporosis is a major global health concern associated with increased fracture risk, reduced functional capacity, and impaired quality of life (QoL). Although bisphosphonates improve bone mineral density (BMD), adjunctive physical interventions may provide additional synergistic benefits. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether combining bisphosphonates with physical interventions provides greater improvements in BMD and QoL compared with bisphosphonate therapy alone.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library was conducted from inception to April 2025. Randomized controlled trials comparing bisphosphonates alone versus bisphosphonates combined with physical interventions were included. Outcomes assessed were percentage changes in femoral neck, lumbar spine, total hip, and total body BMD as well as QoL scores. Risk of bias was evaluated using the RoB2 tool. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Random-effects models were applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven trials involving 314 participants were included, involving bisphosphonates and various physical interventions. Interventions included various physical exercises and multimodal physical therapies. Combined therapy resulted in a statistically significant improvement in femoral BMD (mean difference [MD] = 5.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [2.23, 8.32]; p = .0007) and QoL (MD = 30.16; 95% CI: [22.16, 38.16]; p < .00001) compared with bisphosphonates alone. No statistically significant differences were observed for lumbar spine BMD (MD = 2.56; 95% CI: [-0.20, 5.32]; p = .07), total hip BMD (MD = 2.77; 95% CI: [-0.69, 6.23]; p = .12), or total body BMD (MD = -0.35; 95% CI: [-0.96, 0.26]; p = .25). Substantial heterogeneity was observed across most outcomes (I2 = 88%-100%), except for total body BMD (I2 = 0%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Combining bisphosphonates with physical interventions may improve femoral BMD and QoL; however, no significant benefits were observed for other BMD outcomes. The substantial heterogeneity and clinical diversity among studies limit the generalizability of pooled estimates. Significance/Implications: These findings suggest that adjunctive physical interventions may offer site-specific skeletal and functional benefits, but standardized protocols and larger, high-quality trials are needed to establish consistent clinical recommendations.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149118291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Is the Holistic Exercise Approach Effective in Older Adults With Sarcopenia?: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Kübra Tuz Büyük, Nezehat Özgül Ünlüer","doi":"10.1123/japa.2026-0041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2026-0041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>The study aimed to examine the effects of a holistic group exercise program on muscle thickness, physical performance, muscle strength, and nutritional status in older adults with sarcopenia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty older adults with sarcopenia participated in the study. Participants were divided into two groups: exercise and control. The exercise group participated in a 12-week holistic group exercise program performed three times per week, with each session lasting 50 min, while the control group maintained their usual daily routines and nutrition programs. Muscle thickness was assessed using ultrasound; physical performance was evaluated with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Timed Up and Go test, and Berg Balance Scale; muscle strength was measured with the Jamar handheld dynamometer; and nutritional status was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At the end of the intervention, muscle thickness, handgrip strength, Timed Up and Go score, SPPB score, Berg Balance Scale score, and MNA score were significantly higher in the exercise group compared with preintervention values (p < .05). In the control group, muscle thickness, Timed Up and Go, SPPB, Berg Balance Scale, and MNA scores showed no significant changes postintervention (p > .05). When the exercise and control groups were compared, the exercise group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in SPPB score, Berg Balance Scale score, and MNA score (p < .05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The holistic group exercise program led to improvements in several outcomes in older adults with sarcopenia. Compared with the control group, the exercise group demonstrated greater improvements in physical performance and nutritional status. Significance/Implications: This program, which integrates resistance exercises with conversation and enjoyable activities, may lead to significant improvements in older adults with sarcopenia.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148921729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Relationship Between Dysfunctional Breathing and Physical Fitness in Older Adults: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Yunus Emre Tütüneken, Kübra Kardeş","doi":"10.1123/japa.2026-0028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2026-0028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>This study aimed to examine how dysfunctional breathing (DB) affects physical fitness in older adults and whether these effects are independent of age, body mass index, and gender.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, 118 community-dwelling older adults were evaluated using the Nijmegen Questionnaire to identify DB and the Senior Fitness Test Battery to assess physical fitness. Participants were categorized into two groups: DB (n = 46) and non-DB (n = 72). Multiple linear regression analyzed predictive relationships.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>DB was linked to significantly lower scores in the 30-s chair stand, arm curl, 2-min step, and 8-foot up-and-go tests (p < .01). Nijmegen Questionnaire scores negatively correlated with physical fitness components and served as significant predictors of performance, especially in strength- and endurance-related tests. Age, body mass index, and gender also independently predicted decreased performance.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>DB is strongly associated with decreased physical fitness in older adults, particularly impacting endurance and mobility. These effects are partly independent of age, body mass index, and gender, underscoring the need for DB screening and tailored interventions to maintain functional capacity in aging populations. Significance/Implications: DB is an underrecognized factor associated with reduced physical fitness in older adults, particularly affecting endurance, strength, and mobility. Routine screening for DB may support more targeted rehabilitation strategies to preserve functional independence in aging populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148921673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Short-Term Versus Long-Term Perturbation-Based Balance Training Program on Balance Function-A Secondary Analysis of Two Randomized Controlled Trials.","authors":"Hadas Nachmani, Inbal Paran, Moti Salti, Ilan Shelef, Yulia Berdichevsky, Michael Schwenk, Itshak Melzer","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0225","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0225","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Perturbation-based balance training (PBT), which involves repeated exposure to unannounced balance challenges, has been shown to reduce fall risk in older adults. However, the optimal duration of PBT interventions to achieve generalized improvements in balance remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aimed to compare the effects of 1-month versus 3-month PBT programs on reactive stepping, voluntary stepping, and postural control in older adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a secondary analysis of two randomized controlled trials including 40 community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥ 70), divided equally into 1- and 3-month PBT groups. Both groups received multidirectional treadmill-based perturbation training. Pre- and postintervention assessments included reactive stepping responses, voluntary stepping under single- and dual-task conditions, and quiet stance postural sway measures. Two-way repeated-measures analyses of variance and effect sizes were used to evaluate group-by-time interactions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both training intervention durations significantly improved participants' ability to withstand higher perturbation magnitudes (∼65%-70%) without improvements in reactive step kinematics. However, only the 3-month group demonstrated significant improvements in voluntary stepping speed in standing and postural sway measures.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusion: </strong>While a 1-month PBT was sufficient to enhance reactive fall resistance, only the 3-month program led to broader transfer effects to voluntary balance and \"static postural control.\" A 1-month PBT intervention can effectively enhance reactive balance control, but longer training durations may be necessary to achieve generalized improvements in balance control and voluntary step movements relevant to fall prevention in older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148921681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association Between Physical Activity and Depression in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Interoception.","authors":"Siyu Tian, Muhammad Suliman, Fares Barakat, Fang Xue, Meiling Qi","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0274","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0274","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate the mediating role of interoceptive accuracy and awareness in the association between physical activity and depression in middle-aged and older adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted through an online survey. Data collection took place from July 15 to September 10, 2024. Mediation analyses were performed using PROCESS (version 4.1) in SPSS 26.0. This study included 824 middle-aged and older adults, comprising 418 men and 406 women.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Interoceptive accuracy (indirect effect = -0.071, SE = 0.013, 95% confidence interval boot [-0.098, -0.047]) and awareness (indirect effect = -0.046, SE = 0.016, 95% confidence interval boot [-0.079, -0.016]) were identified as partial mediators in the relationship between physical activity and depression in middle-aged and older adults.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The research findings underscore the importance of developing tailored physical activity programs, as such activities have the potential to be associated with higher interoceptive accuracy and awareness and lower levels of depression within this population.</p><p><strong>Implications: </strong>A more profound understanding of the interoceptive mechanisms underlying depression can inform the development of precision-targeted interventions aimed at augmenting psychological well-being in middle-aged and older adults. Findings suggest that incorporating interoceptive training into physical activity protocols may present a promising approach for mental health interventions in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148921705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Obstacle-Crossing Speed and its Association With Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.","authors":"Heontae Kim, Hyunjoo Kang","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0346","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>The ability to cross obstacles declines with age, and obstacle-related falls are increasingly common among older adults. This study examined the association between obstacle-crossing performance and fall risk, and their distinct roles in older Korean adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this observational study, 200 older adults (72.8 ± 5.6 years) participated. Obstacle performance was assessed with a gait analysis system, measuring obstacle-crossing speed and foot elevation while stepping over 5 cm, 10% of height, and 30-cm obstacles. Fall risk was evaluated using the Fall Risk Assessment system, which integrates sensory, neurological, balance, and musculoskeletal domains. Participants were classified as low or high risk based on Fall Risk Assessment scores. Independent t-tests compared obstacle performance between groups, and one-way analyses of variance examined age differences (65-69, 70-74, 75-79, ≥80 years).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At 5 cm and 10% height obstacles, foot elevation did not differ by group, whereas obstacle-crossing speed was higher in the low-risk group (p < .05). At 30 cm, both foot elevation (p = .003) and obstacle-crossing speed (p < .001) were greater in the low-risk group. Obstacle-crossing speed declined with age across all obstacles (p < .001), while foot elevation decreased with age only at 30 cm (p < .05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Obstacle-crossing speed and foot elevation are associated with fall risk, and maintaining speed under higher demands may indicate gait adaptability. Significance/Implications: Measuring obstacle-crossing speed may improve fall risk screening and guide interventions to maintain mobility and independence in older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148867846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}