This study investigated the relationship between eye frailty and physical, social, and psychological/cognitive weaknesses among older adults in Japan. The participants were 192 community-dwelling older adult women. We measured handgrip strength, walking speed, and skeletal muscle mass; additionally, their physical, social, and psychological/cognitive frailties were surveyed using questionnaires. Eye frailty self-checks were used to assess eye frailty. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed to verify the validity of the eye frailty self-checks. Eye frailty prevalence and related factors were investigated by conducting a binomial logistic regression analysis, with eye frailty as the dependent variable. The factor analysis results showed that a model could be constructed with the two factors of visual acuity or contrast and visual field. The model’s goodness of fit was acceptable, supporting the validity of the self-checking construct. The Kihon checklist was the only variable with a significant relationship to eye frailty. Regarding the relationship between eye frailty and subordinate items of the Kihon checklist, social withdrawal [odds ratio (OR) 2.437, 95% confidence interval 1.145–5.188], cognitive function (OR 2.047, 95%CI 1.051–3.984), and depressed mood (OR 1.820, 95%CI 1.163–2.848) were significant. Eye frailty can be considered a factor reflecting the existence of social and psychological/cognitive frailties.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic significantly affected the physical and mental functions in older adults, resulting in “corona-frailty”. This 2-year prospective study characterized changes in quantitative measures and corona-frailty among a cohort of community-dwelling older women. Changes were evaluated using face-to-face interactions with 39 Japanese women (mean age: 76.1 ± 5.9) in 2019 (pre-pandemic baseline) and 2021 (follow-up during the pandemic). Quantitative measurements of handgrip strength, walking speed, calf circumference, body composition, and background factors were evaluated. Body weight and trunk muscle mass significantly decreased at follow-up. Multiple regression analysis, using change in trunk muscle mass as the dependent variable and background factors as independent variables, identified that decrease in trunk muscle mass was associated with “being robust at baseline” and answering “Yes” to the question of “Do you go out less frequently compared with last year”? The 2-year trunk muscle mass change for each baseline frailty stage showed a significant decrease only in the robust group (−8.0%). The decrease in trunk muscle mass might be related to pandemic-induced lifestyle restraint, suggesting that robust older adults who are healthy and active should take measures that focus on trunk muscles to avoid “corona-frailty”.

In the lives of those who are the target of community health nursing, it is important to collaborate with individuals and communities to improve their quality of life. Herein, we aimed to determine the association between Internet use among older individuals and locomotive syndrome (LS), frailty, and sarcopenia. In this cross-sectional study conducted between July 2022 and March 2023, we recruited 105 community-dwelling older Japanese adults who participated in a care prevention project called “Kayoi-no-ba”. All participants were divided into Internet and non-Internet user groups according to the classification of a previous study. We assessed LS (standing test, two-step test, and five-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale), frailty (through the Questionnaire for Medical Checkup of Old-Old), and sarcopenia (grip strength, normal walking speed, and skeletal muscle mass index) and made group comparisons between Internet users and non-users. Binomial logistic regression analyses were performed with Internet use as the independent variable and sarcopenia or LS as the dependent variables. The Internet and non-Internet user groups had 69 and 36 participants, respectively. The Internet user group comprised 65.7% of all participants, which was similar to that reported in a previous study of the same age group. Between-group comparisons showed significant differences in sarcopenia and LS items, whereas adjusted binomial logistic analysis showed a significant association between sarcopenia and Internet use. In summary, among LS, frailty, and sarcopenia, sarcopenia showed the highest association with Internet use. Older adults without sarcopenia having good physical functions, such as grip strength, walking speed, and skeletal muscle index, more likely used the Internet; while older adults with sarcopenia were less likely to use the Internet. This implied that Internet use may be associated with physical function.

[Purpose] Children with cerebral palsy require more gait energy than healthy children. The association between gait abnormalities and gait efficiency remains unclear. We investigated the association between gait abnormalities, balance, and maximum step length to determine contributors to gait efficiency in children with cerebral palsy. [Participants and Methods] The study included 33 patients with cerebral palsy, who could walk without the use of walking aids. All participants were instructed to walk for 6 min, and the Total Heart Beat Index was calculated as a measure of walking efficiency. The Edinburgh Visual Gait Score was used to assess gait abnormalities. Additionally, the maximum step length was recorded, and all participants performed the Berg Balance Scale. Correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to confirm the association between the aforementioned parameters and the Total Heart Beat Index. [Results] The Edinburgh Visual Gait Score was correlated with the heel lift during the stance, knee position during the terminal swing of gait as factors associated with the Total Heartbeat Index. The Berg Balance Scale was correlated with turning 360°, standing with feet together. [Conclusion] Our findings emphasize the need for treatment strategies focused on gait abnormalities and balance.