リーダーシップの機能的役割の分化と統合について(C. 福祉学)

集団活動の持続のために必要なリーダーシップ機能の基本的なものとして, 課題遂行に関する機能と集団維持に関する機能との2つが, 多くの研究者により指摘されてきた。集団の中ではこの機能的役割の分化がしばしば認められる。この役割分化を進める条件として, 集団のサイズの増大, 課題達成への成員の動機づけの欠如などをあげることができる。また, 集団活動の持続には, 2つの機能的役割が適合的関係を保ちながら遂行される必要がある。本稿では, これらの点についての考察を行なった

Association between Toe Pressure Strength in the Standing Position and Maximum Walking Speed in Older Adults

Background Considering concerns about conventional toe grip strength, we devised a method to measure toe pressure strength in the standing position, which is close to the actual motion. This study examined the association between toe pressure strength in the standing position and walking speed among older adults. Methods This cross-sectional study included 150 community-dwelling older adults (81±8 years, 73% female) who participated in the physical fitness test. We analyzed the correlation between the participants’ maximum walking speed and physical function. Furthermore, we performed regression analysis with the maximum walking speed as the dependent variable to examine the association with toe pressure strength in the standing position. We also examined the association between maximum walking speed and toe pressure strength in the standing position by introducing a covariate. Results Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between maximum walking speed and toe pressure strength in the standing position, with a moderate effect size (r=0.48, p<0.001). Moreover, multiple regression analysis with covariates showed an association between maximum walking speed and toe pressure strength in the standing position (standardization factor=0.13, p<0.026). Conclusion Toe pressure strength in the standing position was associated with maximum walking speed. This finding clarifies the significance of assessing toe pressure strength in the standing position and suggests that enhanced toe pressure strength in the standing position may increase maximum walking speed