This study examined the relationship between multiple physical function and falls among institutionalized elderly women, and screening methods designed to effectively identify elderly with a high risk of falling. The subjects comprised 44 elderly women aged 82±6 years residing in a nursing home. Multiple physical assessments were tested using the following measures; muscle strength(quadriceps strength and grip strength), balance test(functional reach and one-legged stance test), flexibility test(sit and reach test), agility test(stepping test), and physical performance test(TUG and chair stand test). Based on the experience of fall-related accidents within the past two years, we categorized the subjects into two groups (non-fall group and fall group). Of these measures, quadriceps strength, grip strength, functional reach, stepping test in a standing position, and chair stand test were significant factors discriminating whether the subject had a history of falls. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that quadriceps strength, functional reach, stepping test in a standing position, and chair stand test were important predictors of falls in an institutionalized elderly population. The results of this study suggest that 0.84 Nm/kg for quadriceps strength, 26 cm for functional reach, 17 steps for stepping test, and 14 sec for chair stand test, were useful indicators for screening institutionalized elderly for risk of falling. Particularly, the stepping test was most effective in screening the elderly to assess their fall risk.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Few studies are available that have investigated the risk factors for overlapping irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms in patients with inactive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The present study has 3 objectives: (1) to assess the prevalence of IBS-like symptoms in Japanese patients with inactive IBD using Rome III criteria, (2) to examine the relationship of IBS-like symptoms to health related quality of life (HR-QOL), and (3) to investigate associations for developing IBS-like symptoms in patients with inactive IBD. METHODS: IBS-like symptoms were evaluated using the Rome III questionnaire for functional gastrointestinal disorders. HR-QOL and hospital anxiety and depression scale were evaluated. RESULTS: IBS-like symptoms were found in 17.5% (7/40) of patients with inactive ulcerative colitis, 27.1% (29/107) of patients with inactive Crohn’s disease (CD), and 5.3% (23/438) of healthy control subjects. The QOL level was significantly lower and anxiety score was significantly higher in inactive CD patients with IBS-like symptoms than in those without such symptoms (P = 0.003, P = 0.009). Use of anti-anxiety drugs was associated with the presence of IBS symptoms (P = 0.045). HR-QOL score was lower and anxiety score was higher in patients with inactive ulcerative colitis, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of IBS-like symptoms in inactive IBD patients was significantly higher than in healthy controls. Inactive CD patients with IBS-like symptoms has low QOL and anxiety; suggesting that anxiety may be associated with symptom development in such patients.
Anti-Anxiety Agents ; Anxiety ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; Depression ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; Humans ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; Prevalence* ; Quality of Life ; Risk Factors