Abstract
Background
The assessment of standing turning performance is proposed to predict fall risk in older adults. This study investigated differences in segmental coordination during a 360° standing turn task between older community-dwelling fallers and non-fallers.
Methods
Thirty-five older adults age mean (SD) of 71 (5.4) years performed 360° standing turns. Head, trunk and pelvis position relative to the laboratory and each other were recorded using a Vicon motion analysis system. Fall incidence was monitored by monthly questionnaire over the following 12 months and used to identify non-faller, single faller and multiple faller groups.
Results
Multiple fallers were found to have significantly different values, when compared to non-fallers, for pelvis onset (p = 0.002); mean angular separation in the transverse plane between the head and trunk (p = 0.018); peak angular separation in the transverse plane between the trunk and pelvis (p = 0.013); and mean angular separation between the trunk and pelvis (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Older adults who subsequently experience multiple falls show a simplified turning pattern to assist in balance control. This may be a predictor for those at increased risk of falling.
Highlights
► Standing turning performance may predict fall risk in older adults. ► We assessed segmental coordination during a 360° pivot turn in 35 older adults. ► Fall incidence was monitored over the following 12 months. ► Multiple fallers demonstrated a simplified turning pattern compared to non fallers.
The assessment of standing turning performance is proposed to predict fall risk in older adults. This study investigated differences in segmental coordination during a 360° standing turn task between older community-dwelling fallers and non-fallers.
Methods
Thirty-five older adults age mean (SD) of 71 (5.4) years performed 360° standing turns. Head, trunk and pelvis position relative to the laboratory and each other were recorded using a Vicon motion analysis system. Fall incidence was monitored by monthly questionnaire over the following 12 months and used to identify non-faller, single faller and multiple faller groups.
Results
Multiple fallers were found to have significantly different values, when compared to non-fallers, for pelvis onset (p = 0.002); mean angular separation in the transverse plane between the head and trunk (p = 0.018); peak angular separation in the transverse plane between the trunk and pelvis (p = 0.013); and mean angular separation between the trunk and pelvis (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Older adults who subsequently experience multiple falls show a simplified turning pattern to assist in balance control. This may be a predictor for those at increased risk of falling.
Highlights
► Standing turning performance may predict fall risk in older adults. ► We assessed segmental coordination during a 360° pivot turn in 35 older adults. ► Fall incidence was monitored over the following 12 months. ► Multiple fallers demonstrated a simplified turning pattern compared to non fallers.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 541-545 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Gait and Posture |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Early online date | 27 Jun 2012 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2012 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Elderly
- Falling
- Turning
- Prospective
- Body rotation