BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Decreased appetite in older adults is associated with physical activity. Prior research findings have been inconsistent or limited due to methodological differences. Many studies did not adequately control for psychological or social confounders on appetite. Therefore, we aimed to assess the relationships among appetite, physical activity, psychological factors, and social factors in community-dwelling older adults. We investigated how physical activity intensity and time of day could be associated with appetite. METHODS:This cross-sectional study included 100 community-dwelling older adults. Appetite was assessed using the Japanese version of the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire. Physical activity was evaluated using an accelerometer. Physical activity intensity was classified into sedentary behavior, light-intensity activity, and moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity. Multiple regression analysis was performed with Japanese version of the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire as the dependent variable, whereas physical activity, depression (Geriatric Depression Scale-15), and social isolation (Lubben Social Network Scale-6) were the independent variables. RESULTS:The mean Japanese version of the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire score in all participants was 15.2. Physical activity and social isolation were not associated with appetite, whereas higher levels of depression were significantly associated with lower appetite. CONCLUSIONS:No association was observed between objectively measured physical activity and appetite among community-dwelling older adults. Appetite was significantly associated with depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological factors, such as depression, for maintaining or improving appetite in older adults. Significance/Implications: Interventions targeting psychological factors might be important for maintaining and improving appetite in older adults.
OBJECTIVES:It remains unclear which indicators most accurately reflect functional status. Phase angle (PhA), extracellular water/total body water ratio (ECW/TBW), and echo intensity (EI) capture distinct physiological characteristics and may differ in their association with physical performance in older adults. We compared the associations of these indices with physical performance in community-dwelling older women. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES:In this cross-sectional study, 109 community-dwelling women aged ≥65 y (mean age: 77.9 y, standard deviation: 5.6 y) were assessed. PhA and ECW/TBW were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and the EI of the rectus femoris was obtained using B-mode ultrasonography. Physical performance outcomes included handgrip strength, usual gait speed, and chair stand time. We performed hierarchical multiple regression models, including three indices, additional adjustments for age and body mass index, and further adjustments for skeletal muscle mass index as a sensitivity model. RESULTS:ECW/TBW showed an inverse association with handgrip strength in the sensitivity model, additionally adjusted for skeletal muscle mass index (β = -0.324, P = 0.016). It was significantly associated with five-times chair stand time in all models (β = 0.541, P < 0.001). Usual gait speed was not associated with any muscle quality index. CONCLUSIONS:Among the evaluated indices, ECW/TBW showed the most consistent association with physical function in older women. PhA and EI showed limited independent associations. ECW/TBW may be a practical marker for characterizing muscle quality in relation to physical performance in community settings.
Objective This study aimed to examine the associations between sedentary time and multiple domains of functional capacity among community-dwelling older adults. Methods A total of 109 community-dwelling older adults were assessed using the JST Functional Capacity Index, which evaluates four domains: social participation, information-gathering, new device use, and life management. Sedentary time and physical activity were objectively measured for seven consecutive days using a triaxial accelerometer. Correlation analyses and multivariable linear regression models were conducted, adjusting for age, sex, educational attainment, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and living arrangement. Results Among the four functional domains, only information-gathering capacity showed a significant and independent association with sedentary time, which remained robust after full covariate adjustment. In contrast, no significant associations were observed between behavioral indicators and social participation, new device use, or life management; these domains were more strongly associated with cognitive function and depressive symptoms. Conclusions Sedentary time among community-dwelling older adults may not uniformly represent physical inactivity but may reflect engagement in cognitively oriented activities such as information-gathering. These findings highlight the importance of considering the qualitative aspects of sedentary behavior when evaluating functional capacity and designing health promotion strategies for older populations.
This chapter presents a Scratch-based lesson design for mathematical activities in special needs schools and classes. Programming is conceptualized as a central learning activity that fosters computational thinking and independent living skills, rather than serving solely as practice in information technology operations. Drawing upon research in computational thinking, Scratch, programming education for special needs, Universal Design for Learning, and money management education, the chapter outlines two interrelated activities: stepwise shopping programs for calculating total cost and change, and a monthly income-and-expenditure simulator. The chapter further details the mathematical content, Scratch program structure, lesson sequence, assessment perspectives, instructional considerations, and future research tasks necessary to validate the design in practice.
This study investigated whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) applied to the gluteus maximus alone or in combination with the hamstrings redistributes interface pressure in the sacral and ischial regions during 60° head-of-bed elevation. Twenty healthy adults (10 males, 10 females; mean age 20.7 ± 0.5 years; BMI ≤ 20 kg/m2) participated. NMES was delivered using adhesive surface electrodes while participants were positioned at 60° head elevation and 20° leg elevation. Interface pressure was measured under three randomized conditions: control (no NMES), NMES applied to the gluteus maximus only, and NMES applied to both the gluteus maximus and hamstrings. Each condition lasted 3 min. Peak pressure index (PPI) was calculated separately for the sacral and ischial regions using region-specific averaging windows to reflect differences in pressure distribution. Data were analyzed using one-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc comparisons. Sacral PPI was significantly lower in both NMES conditions than in the control condition (both p < 0.001), with no significant difference between the two NMES conditions. Ischial PPI was significantly lower when NMES was applied to both the gluteus maximus and hamstrings than in the control and gluteus maximus-only conditions (both p < 0.001), whereas no significant difference was observed between the control and gluteus maximus-only conditions. These findings suggest NMES may reduce sacral and ischial interface pressure during high head-of-bed elevation, with additional hamstring stimulation associated with greater ischial pressure reduction. Further studies are needed in at-risk populations.
