Citation

Baczkowicz D, Szczegielniak J, Proszkowiec M. Ortop. Traumatol. Rehabil. 2008; 10(5): 473-480.

Affiliation

Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole Polytechnical University, Opole, Poland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Medsport Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

19043353

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Balance control in elderly patients is the area of interest of many researchers. The results of their studies suggest that the measurement of shifts in the centre of foot pressure on the support base (COP) can be used as a tool for identification of fall-prone persons. It is interesting whether there are any relations between functional status, gait, posture stability and the risk of falling. The aim of this study was to find the answer to this question. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 20 patients (mean age 78.1+/-11.6). The functional status of the patients was evaluated according to the Barthel Index. Postural stability was assessed with the use of a Neurocom Balance Master platform. Three measurements were taken with visual feedback (eyes open - EO) and three without visual feedback (eyes closed - EC). Balance control was also evaluated with the Berg test and on the basis of the history of episodes of falling in the preceding six months. Gait was evaluated with the six-minute walking test. RESULTS The parameters recorded by the force platform showed a significant relation to the values obtained in the Berg test (r=-0.60; CONCLUSIONS: 1. An evaluation of balance control with a force platform and the Berg test produced convergent results. 2. The incidence of falls was connected with increased body sway. 3. The functional status of the patient and the balance control evaluation according to the Berg test failed to determine the risk of falling. 4. A relation was observed between postural stability, functional status and gait.

Language: en