Citation

Wright RL, Peters DM, Robinson PD, Sitch AJ, Watt TN, Hollands MA. Gait Posture 2012; 36(3): 541-545.

Affiliation

School of Psychology, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.gaitpost.2012.05.013

PMID

22743028

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.

Language: en