Fall Risks Increase In Aging Women

Abstract

PURPOSE: Accidental falls are one of the leading causes of hospitalization for injury and result in a high death rate among older Canadians. There are about 30% of people over the age of 65 living in the community fall every year. In addition, aging process is related to individual decrease in physical and functional abilities that increase the risk of falls. Older women are more likely to experience more severe trauma after falling than men. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of aging on functionality, postural balance and falls risk in aging women. METHODS: 19 women formed two age groups (n= 7 in 45-54 years and n= 12 in 55-64 years) and performed three assessment tests: 1- Step Test to measure lower limbs speed, 2- Sit to Stand Test for lower limbs Strength and 3- Postural Balance Test using the force platform during semi-tandem position, with eyes open and eyes closed. Postural balance response was based in Centre of Pressure (COP) velocity sways in antero-posterior and in medio-lateral directions. RESULTS: A large effect size was observed (Hedge’s g = 1.447), and a significant lower extremity speed (p = 0.005) in the older group compared to the younger group. The Lower-limbs Strength showed a large effect size (g = -0.86), however, not significant (p =0.075) between groups. A large effect size and significant COP velocity increase was observed in the older group for both antero-posterior (p <0.05, g = -0.887) and medio-lateral (p <0.05, g = -0.731) directions as compared to the younger group. Finally, significant differences (p <0.001) and a large effect size were observed between eyes open (g = -1.506) and closed (g = -1.441) conditions for COP velocity sway for both directions. CONCLUSION: Aging in women can significantly change the postural balance performance as well as speed adjustments of the lower limb. These findings add to the body of knowledge on aging women and should be considered when planning and developing services. Complication risks after a fall in aging women are deleterious suggesting that developing activities to improve speed and balance are favored to ensure a longer life expectancy in aging woman’s health.