Purpose: In this study, our purpose was to examine the relationship between skeletal muscle mass and higher-level functional capacity in female community-dwelling older adults. Participant(s) and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we targeted 55 female community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and above participating in long-term care prevention classes in Ibaraki Prefecture between 2018 and 2020. We excluded individuals with cognitive impairment and those judged as having sarcopenia. The variables of interest included age, height, weight, body mass index, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), handgrip strength, step count, and family structure. We calculated the SMI by dividing the extremities’ total lean mass by the square of the height (in m), while the number of steps was calculated using the three-axis accelerometer Actigraph GT3X^®. We measured skeletal muscle mass via bioelectrical impedance analysis using the InBody270 body composition analyzer and muscular strength as grip strength. Results: We observed significant relationships between skeletal muscle mass and Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG-IC) (β = 0.336, p < 0.01) and handgrip strength (β = 0.230). Conclusion: In this study, a relationship between skeletal muscle mass and higher-level functional capacity was demonstrated among elderly female community residents.

【目的】高齢者の健康増進や介護予防には，外出頻度を高めるとともに身体活動を促すことが重要である。本研究は，地域高齢者に対して外出記録表を用いたプログラムを実施し，その効果について検討した。【対象】介護予防教室に参加された地域在住高齢者を対象とし，対照群45名，介入群22名に振り分けた。【方法】介入群には，対照群のプログラムに加えて外出記録表を用いたセルフモニタリング及び支援者との対話を含めたプログラムを実施した。測定項目は，外出頻度，身体活動量を含む身体機能，精神心理的評価であり，介入前後の変化を検討した。【結果】介入群は教室終了時に外出頻度と身体活動時間の増加が認められた。座位行動時間と中等度以上の活動時間に時間と群の有意な交互作用が認められた。【結語】外出記録表を用いた介入は，外出頻度と身体活動量を増加させる可能性がある。