Influence of age on kinematic analysis of functional reach test: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

PurposeAgeing is associated with deterioration and alterations in physical function, affecting community mobility, balance, skills, or daily living activities. The aim of the study was to kinematically analyse the influence of age on balance in young and older adults, as well as to compare the kinematics of the trunk and lumbar regions during Functional Reach Test (FRT).MethodsThe cross-sectional study involved 5 healthy older adults and 6 healthy young adults. Each participant performed FRT instrumentalized with 2 inertial sensors attached in the trunk (T7) and lumbar (L5-S2) regions. Direct (time and displacement) and indirect (velocity and acceleration) kinematic variables, as well as mid-range achieved in FRT were analysed.ResultsThe participants’ mean age was 73.04 ± 3.58 years among the older adults and 23.5 ± 1.52 years among the young adults. Significant differences in time (trunk: –7.61 ± 2.14 s; lumbar: –6.40 ± 1.06 s) and displacement (trunk: 16.33 ± 4.21°) were identified; in the lumbar region, no significant displacement differences were observed (<i>p</i> > 0.05). Similarly, in the partial intervals analysed during FRT (from starting position to maximum displacement/imbalance, and return to the initial position), significant differences (<i>p</i> < 0.05) were revealed in all direct and indirect variables.ConclusionsWhen comparing FRT performance in healthy young and elderly subjects from a kinematic point of view, significant differences were found in the vast majority of kinematic variables analysed in both lumbar and trunk region.