This study aimed to examine the differences in the ability to perform various activities of daily living (ADLs) among groups with various knee problems. The participants consisted of 328 elderly females (age 60–94; mean age 76.1 years; standard deviation 6.2). The subjects were classified into three groups: those without knee pain, those with mild knee pain, and those with severe knee pain. ADLs with markedly higher (>97%) and lower (<38%) achievement rates in the group without knee pain were not significantly different among the three groups. Achievement rates of 40%–97% for ADLs were significantly lower in the group with severe knee pain than in the group without knee pain. In addition, the groups with mild and severe knee pain demonstrated significantly lower achievement rates of ascending and descending stairs and sitting up than the group without knee pain. In conclusion, regardless of the presence of absence of mild or severe knee pain, some ADLs are difficult to achieve, while others are easy. The elderly with severe knee pain find it difficult to achieve many ADLs. In addition, it is difficult for the elderly with mild and severe knee pain to ascend and descend stairs and to sit up. 1. Introduction In old age, physical functions such as leg strength, balance, and mobility of the leg joints decrease markedly with age. Prevention of a reduction in these physical functions is crucial to allow the elderly to continue a healthy and independent daily life [1, 2]. Demura and Sato [3] reported that the ability to live independently should be assessed in the elderly. In addition, Sato et al. [4] reported that the ability to achieve activities of daily living (ADLs), rather than the ability to perform physical functions at maximum exertion, should be assessed for the elderly. In brief, it is important for the elderly to retain the ability to achieve ADLs at above a certain level to maintain an independent daily life [4, 5]. Among different leg joints, knee joints have the greatest load-bearing capacity, and double the usual load of body weight is imposed on each knee joint when standing on one leg or when walking [6]. Knee joints are important for achieving independence in ADLs [7]. Recently, the number of elderly who suffer from mild or severe knee pain has increased [8]. O’Reilly et al. [9] and McAlindon et al. [10] have reported that approximately 25% of the elderly have mild or severe knee pain. In addition, Peat et al. [8] reported that 50% of the elderly with knee osteoarthritis, which is the main cause of mild and severe knee pain, do not feel
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