Abstract
[Purpose] The reproducibility and validity of a bridging force measurement method using a scale were investigated. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 19 elderly females certified for need for long-term care (mean age: 84.7±6.4 years, mean body weight: 49.9±7.5 kg). The reproducibility of the bridging force measurement method was investigated employing the interclass correlation coefficient on the test-retest method. The validity was investigated with regard to the association with evaluation of lower limb functions (CS-30, FRT, and TUG) by determining the Pearson correlation coefficient. [Results] The reproducibility of the bridging force measurement method was very high (0.964), and a significant correlation with FRT and tendency toward a significant correlation with TUG were noted, confirming the validity. [Conclusion] The bridging force measurement method was superior in reproducibility and may be clinically applicable as a simple evaluation method of lower limb function reflecting balance and walking abilities in the elderly.