Selected Tools for Assessing the Risk of Falls in Older Women.

Patrycja Bobowik,Anna Leś,Katarzyna Kaczmarczyk,Ida Wiszomirska,Javier Olazar N

doi:10.1155/2020/2065201

Patrycja Bobowik, Anna Leś + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/2065201

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Abstract

Methods Fifty-five females were examined (May 2018-June 2019). Stabilographic examinations were performed with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Spearman rank correlation were performed to determine the relationships and differences between the above tests. Results The results of the TUG correlate with the overall stability index (OSI) EO (r = 0.314), medial-lateral stability index (MLSI) EO (r = 0.297), and fall risk index (FRI6-2; r = 0.435) in stabilographic examinations and the FRT (r = −0.399). The results of the modified Unterberger test correlate with MLSI EO (r = 0.276), OSI EC (r = 0.310), and MLSI EC (r = 0.378). There are statistically significant differences between faller and nonfaller groups in TUG (p = 0.0068), FRT (p = 0.001), and MLSI EO (p = 0.0118). Conclusions The modified Unterberger test and TUG can be considered effective in functional FR assessment in older women. Using at least two different functional tests may improve the assessment of FR.

Highlights

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that between 2015 and 2050, the number of people over the age of 60 will increase from 12 to 22% [1]
This study is aimed at comparing the results of the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and modified Unterberger test, with stabilographic parameters in fall risk (FR) assessment in older women
Due to the topic of this study being FR assessment, the study group consisted of women because it is well-known that women are generally more likely to fall than men [3]

Summary

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that between 2015 and 2050, the number of people over the age of 60 will increase from 12 to 22% [1]. Fall risk (FR) is still one of the most serious problems, mainly among people aged 65 and over [2, 5]. This study is aimed at comparing the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and a modified Unterberger test with stabilographic parameters (Biodex Balance System—BBS), to assess fall risk (FR) in older women. The results of the TUG correlate with the overall stability index (OSI) EO (r = 0:314), medial-lateral stability index (MLSI) EO (r = 0:297), and fall risk index (FRI6-2; r = 0:435) in stabilographic examinations and the FRT (r = −0:399). The results of the modified Unterberger test correlate with MLSI EO (r = 0:276), OSI EC (r = 0:310), and MLSI EC (r = 0:378). The modified Unterberger test and TUG can be considered effective in functional FR assessment in older women. Using at least two different functional tests may improve the assessment of FR

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Methods

Discussion

Conclusion