Abstract
BackgroundPersons aged ≥ 65 years are currently the world’s fastest growing age group. An important complication of age is the increasing risk of falls. Falls have multifactorial etiology and modifiable risk factors open for interventions in prevention and rehabilitation, are of high interest. In this context, strong hip abductors seem to be important to prevent falls. A newly adapted measurement device to measure hip abductor strength (HAS) in a closed chain position was developed. We aim to assess feasibility, intra- and inter-tester reliability and construct and criterion validity of the new measure.MethodsIn two subsequent parts a feasibility, reliability and validity study with an adapted measurement instrument for the assessment of HAS (index test) in a closed chain position in persons aged ≥ 65 years will be conducted. Part I investigates feasibility of the measure in clinical settings as well as reliability of the new HAS test (n = 26). Part II evaluates construct and criterion validity (n = 169). Construct validity will be assessed cross-sectional, criterion validity by comparison with prospectively followed up fall history for 12 months (external criterion) and other functional fall risk assessments (Short Physical Performance Battery, Timed Up and Go test, usual gait speed and hand grip strength).DiscussionResults of feasibility, will give insight in its applicability in daily clinical life and clinimetric properties will show if measurements of HAS in a closed chain position should be encouraged to include in fall risk assessments in older adults.
Highlights
Persons aged ≥ 65 years are currently the world’s fastest growing age group
In our previous research about hip abductors strength and fall risk of older persons, we found that hip abductors strength measured in a side-lying position of the participant can discriminate quite well between older fallers and non-fallers [15,16,17]
The diagnostic accuracy of currently used functional tests (e.g. short physical performance battery test (SPPB) and timed up and go (TUG)) to assess older persons’ fall risks remains moderate and those tests usually don’t reveal directly targetable parameters for the prevention or rehabilitation of persons at risk. This led to the development of the above-mentioned adapted measurement instrument for hip abductors strength of older persons aged 65 years and over
Summary
Persons aged ≥ 65 years are currently the world’s fastest growing age group. An important complication of age is the increasing risk of falls. Falls have multifactorial etiology and modifiable risk factors open for interventions in prevention and rehabilitation, are of high interest. In this context, strong hip abductors seem to be important to prevent falls. About one-third of community dwellings over 65 years and up to half of those in long-term care institutions fall at least once a year [2] Those impressive numbers show that fall risk detection and prevention is a global public health challenge and should have high priority. Falls can cause serious consequences such as loss of independence [3] and increased mortality [4]
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