Leg-through motion patterns during diaper wearing in older adults: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Increasing prevalence of diaper use in aging populations.
• Lack of established optimal methods for diaper application in older adults.
• Need to understand procedural variations in diaper wearing among seniors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and classify procedural variations in leg-through motion during diaper wearing in older adults.
• To identify common motion patterns and their relationship with mobility.
• To provide foundational data for improving care strategies.

Main Methods:

• Multicenter cross-sectional study in 19 Japanese facilities (March 2024-January 2025).
• Recruitment of 149 individuals aged 65-99 years, able to sit unaided.
• Visual classification of leg-through motion patterns while seated, with inter-rater reliability assessed (Cohen's kappa).

Main Results:

• Common initial leg motions included 'keep foot off floor, use both hands' and 'keep feet on floor, use both hands' (65.7%).
• Subsequent leg motions varied, with 'keep foot off floor' variations being prevalent (59.1%).
• Leg-through motion patterns differed based on participants' usual mobility, with good inter-rater agreement (kappa=0.72-0.80).

Conclusions:

• Successfully classified diverse leg-through motion patterns during diaper wearing in older adults.
• Findings offer insights for tailored care and rehabilitation interventions.
• Supports development of strategies to enhance independent diaper use and inform future kinematic research.