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Updated: Oct 15, 2026
Evaluation of a Smartphone-based Human Activity Recognition System in a Daily Living Environment
Published on: December 11, 2015
Association between smartphone and tablet ownership, usage diversity, and physical function in community-dwelling
Tsuyoshi Hamano1, Takafumi Abe2, Takehiko Tsujimoto3
1Department of Sports Sociology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sociology, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kyoto, Kyoto, 603-8555, Japan; Center for Community-Based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), Head Office for Research and Academic Information, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan.
Background:
Evidence on digital engagement and physical function in rural older adults remains limited. We examined associations between smartphone or tablet ownership, including the diversity of their usage, and physical function among rural community-dwelling older adults.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 248 men and 359 women aged ≥65 years and residing in Japanese rural towns in 2025. Data on smartphone or tablet ownership and usage diversity (e.g., voice calls, LINE, email, Internet, electronic payments, and applications) were collected via a questionnaire. Physical function was objectively measured using handgrip strength, skeletal muscle index, and gait speed. Multiple regression and logistic regression models were used to calculate unstandardized coefficients (B) and odds ratios (ORs).
Results:
Smartphone or tablet ownership was reported by 81.9% of men and 82.2% of women. Ownership was significantly associated with higher gait speed in men (B = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.17) and women (B = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.18). Usage diversity was positively associated with grip strength in men (B = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.06, 1.02), gait speed in men (B = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.04) and women (B = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.05); conversely, it was inversely associated with sarcopenia in men (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.95).
Conclusions:
Smartphone or tablet ownership and more diverse usage may contribute to the maintenance of physical function in older adults living in rural areas. Thus, digital engagement could serve as a practical means of supporting physical function in rural settings, where structural barriers can restrict opportunities to connect with others and obtain health information.
