scholarly journals Selected Tools for Assessing the Risk of Falls in Older Women

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Patrycja Bobowik ◽  
Ida Wiszomirska ◽  
Anna Leś ◽  
Katarzyna Kaczmarczyk
Keyword(s):  
Older Women ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Stability Index ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance System ◽  
Functional Reach Test ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Eyes Open

Background and Aim. 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. 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.

scholarly journals Effect of induced hyperopia on fall risk and Fourier transformation of postural sway

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e8329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byeong-Yeon Moon ◽  
Jae Hyeok Choi ◽  
Dong-Sik Yu ◽  
Sang-Yeob Kim
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Fourier Transformation ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Postural Sway ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Refractive Errors ◽  
Body Balance ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Full Correction

Background and Purpose Fall accidents are a social challenge in Korea and elsewhere. Most previous studies have focused on the effects of reduced visual acuity due to myopia on falls and body balance. The objective of this study was to investigate whether uncorrected hyperopia was a major risk factor for falls and to establish whether the risk of falls was absolutely correlated with visual acuity. Methods Fifty-one young subjects with a mean age of 22.75 ± 2.13 years were enrolled in this study. To induce hyperopic and myopic refractive errors, spherical lenses of ±1.0–6.0 D (1.0 D stepwise) were used. Under each induced condition, fall risk index and sway power were assessed via Fourier transformation of postural sway using a TETRAX system. Results The fall risk index for eyes-closed was significantly greater than that of eyes-open with full correction (t = −5.876, p < 0.05). The fall risk index increased significantly from hyperopia induced with −4.0 D lenses (with visual acuity of 0.69 ± 0.32) compared to eyes-open with full correction (F = 3.213, p < 0.05). However, there was no significant change in the induced myopia conditions, despite a drastic decline in decimal visual acuity. Sway power increased significantly in the low-to-medium frequency band derived from the peripheral vestibular system when hyperopia was induced. A significant difference was detected in hyperopia induced with −6.0 D lenses compared to eyes-open with full correction (F = 4.981, p = 0.017). Conclusion An uncorrected hyperopia rather than myopia may increase the risk of falls, although eyes may show normal visual acuity due to the inherent accommodation mechanism. Our findings suggest that the corrected state of refractive errors is more important than the level of visual acuity as the criteria for appropriate visual input, which contributes to stable posture. Therefore, clinicians should consider the refractive condition, especially the characteristics of hyperopia, when analyzing body balance, and appropriate correction of uncorrected hyperopia to prevent falls.

Effects of proprioception training program on balance among patients with diabetic neuropathy: a quasi experimental trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Humaira Iram ◽  
Muhammad Kashif ◽  
Hafiz Muhammad Junaid Hassan ◽  
Salma Bunyad ◽  
Samra Asghar
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Neuropathy ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Functional Reach Test ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Eyes Open

Abstract Objective: To determine the effects of proprioception training in improving balance in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Methods: A quasi-experimental design study was conducted at the Safi Hospital Faisalabad for eight weeks from August to December 2019. Out of, 38, 19 patients were placed in exercise group (10 males, 9 females; mean age 64 ± 7.7 years; range 60 to 83 years) and 19 patients were placed in controls group (12 males, 7 females; mean age 63 ± 8.2 years) were included in this study through consecutive sampling technique. Proprioception Training was given to exercise group twice a week for eight weeks and the diabetes awareness campaign was given once a week to the control group. Static and dynamic balance were assessed by using One Leg Standing (OLS) Test with eyes open and closed, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and 10-M Walk Test (10-MWT). The data was collected before and after treatment and was compared using independent sample t-test. Results: The finding of the study showed that OLS score with eyes open improved significantly with p<0.05 and does not show improvement with eyes closed p =.073. The dynamic balance from the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and 10-M Walk Test revealed significant improvement after the balance exercises with p<0.05 Conclusion: It is concluded that proprioception training exercises are effective in improving balance among patients with Diabetic neuropathy. Continuous...

scholarly journals Evaluation of balance, fall risk, and related factors in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 409-415
Author(s):  
Köksal Sarıhan ◽  
Hülya Uzkeser ◽  
Akın Erdal
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Nottingham Health Profile ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Risk Of Falls

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether fibromyalgia patients had a higher fall risk compared to healthy individuals and to identify its relationship, if there was an increase, with clinical features. Patients and methods: Between March 2018 and September 2018, a total of 50 consecutive female patients with fibromyalgia (median age: 35 years; interquantile range [IQR], 27 to 40 years) and 50 healthy female volunteers (median age: 30 years; IQR, 23 to 40 years) were included in the study. Pain was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), life quality with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), balance functions with the Berg Balance Test (BBT), and the risk of falls with a posturography device. Disease activity of fibromyalgia patients was evaluated with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Results: The mean fall risk index of the fibromyalgia patients was 45%. The fall risk index was significantly higher (p=0.010) and the BBT scores were significantly lower in the patient group (p<0.001). There was a significant difference in terms of fall risk between the control group and drug-free fibromyalgia patients; however, no significant difference was found between the balance scores of the two groups. In the fibromyalgia group, a weak positive relationship was determined between the fall risk index and the social isolation subscale of the NHP. Conclusion: Our study results showed an increased risk of loss of balance and falls in fibromyalgia patients, compared to healthy individuals. This fall risk increase was also detected in fibromyalgia patients who did not use drugs. These findings suggest a possible relationship between social isolation and an increased risk of falls.

Association of blood pressure and postural control in older adults with hypertension: an observational study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
P. Sharma ◽  
S. Parveen ◽  
S. Masood ◽  
M.M. Noohu
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Stability Index ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Position Change ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance System ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Standing Up ◽  
Functional Position

The study investigated the association of orthostatic hypotension (OH) with functional position change and balance in older adults with hypertension. The presence of OH was assessed with intermittent (OH intermittent) and continuous blood pressure (OH continuous) monitoring. The change in functional position was tested with sitting to standing assessment, balance performance using activity specific balance confidence scale (ABC), and timed up and go test (TUG). Testing unilateral and bilateral standing with and without altered sensory inputs was tested using the Humac balance system. ABC, TUG, and standing up time showed no significant association with OH intermittent and OH continuous. A significant association was found between bilateral standing with eyes closed on foam surface for overall stability index and OH intermittent. Older people with hypertension may be routinely examined for OH and appropriate intervention strategies should be included for comprehensive care.

Subjective Hearing Difficulty and Fall Risk

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 384-390
Author(s):  
Robin E. Criter ◽  
Megan Gustavson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Hearing Difficulty ◽  
Recent Falls

Purpose Hearing loss is a risk factor for falls. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between subjective hearing difficulty and risk of falls. Method Community-dwelling older adults, aged 60 years and older, completed a case history; three questionnaires, including the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC); and one functional balance measure, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Pearson and Spearman correlations were calculated, and average scores were plotted according to group and HHIE score category for DHI, ABC, TUG, the number of medications, and the number of recent falls. Results Seventy-four participants were included in this analysis: 28 nonaudiology patients, 18 audiology patients with hearing aids, and 28 audiology patients without hearing aids. Significant positive correlations were noted between HHIE and DHI scores for audiology patients without hearing aids and between HHIE score and number of recent falls for audiology patients with hearing aids. When average scores were plotted for DHI, ABC, TUG, the number of medications, and the number of recent falls according to group and category, there were clear trends toward increased fall risk as HHIE score categories increased (i.e., mild to moderate to severe) based on previously used criteria. Conclusions Overall, a trend was noticed such that, for increasing HHIE score categories, fall risk increased. Significant correlations existed between HHIE score and some of the measures used to indicate fall risk (i.e., DHI score, number of recent falls). Future fall risk research should investigate subjective hearing difficulty as a risk factor, as well as pure-tone audiometric thresholds.

scholarly journals Fall risk among older adults residing in Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 12-15
Author(s):  
Jogmaya Limbu ◽  
Sunita Poudyal
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Risk Of Falls

Background: Falls in older people is a common serious health problem that has profound im­pact on overall health and quality of life of older people. The aim of this study was to assess the fall risk among older adults. Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among older adults residing in Bharatpur, Chitwan. A total of 98 older adults were selected by using simple random sampling technique. The data were collected by using structured interview schedule and fall risk was as­sessed by Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Data were collected from 23rd June, 2019 to 7th July, 2019. Obtained data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study findings revealed that more than half (60.2%) of the older adults were from the age group of ≤79 years, male (63.3%) and almost half (50%) were illiterate. Nearly all (96.9%) older adults were living with their family however, 50% were undernourished (BMI- <22.9). Ma­jorities (66.3%) were suffering from chronic diseases and had been taking medicine. Majority of older adults reported vision problem (64.3%) and hearing problem (60.2%). However, only 8.2% reported history of fall within last 6-12 months. More than half (59.2%) of the older adults had high risk of fall and found significant association with age (p=0.039) and vision problem (p=0.043). Conclusions: More than half of the older adults are in risk of falls. Therefore, more emphasis should be given in screening the older people for fall risk factors as preventive measures.

scholarly journals Digital assessment of falls risk, frailty, and mobility impairment using wearable sensors

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry R. Greene ◽  
Killian McManus ◽  
Stephen J. Redmond ◽  
Brian Caulfield ◽  
Charlene C. Quinn
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Sensor Data ◽  
Emergency Department Utilization ◽  
Mobility Impairment ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Assessment Protocol ◽  
Risk Of Falls

AbstractFalls are among the most frequent and costly population health issues, costing $50bn each year in the US. In current clinical practice, falls (and associated fall risk) are often self-reported after the “first fall”, delaying primary prevention of falls and development of targeted fall prevention interventions. Current methods for assessing falls risk can be subjective, inaccurate, have low inter-rater reliability, and do not address factors contributing to falls (poor balance, gait speed, transfers, turning). 8521 participants (72.7 ± 12.0 years, 5392 female) from six countries were assessed using a digital falls risk assessment protocol. Data consisted of wearable sensor data captured during the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test along with self-reported questionnaire data on falls risk factors, applied to previously trained and validated classifier models. We found that 25.8% of patients reported a fall in the previous 12 months, of the 74.6% of participants that had not reported a fall, 21.5% were found to have a high predicted risk of falls. Overall 26.2% of patients were predicted to be at high risk of falls. 29.8% of participants were found to have slow walking speed, while 19.8% had high gait variability and 17.5% had problems with transfers. We report an observational study of results obtained from a novel digital fall risk assessment protocol. This protocol is intended to support the early identification of older adults at risk of falls and inform the creation of appropriate personalized interventions to prevent falls. A population-based approach to management of falls using objective measures of falls risk and mobility impairment, may help reduce unnecessary outpatient and emergency department utilization by improving risk prediction and stratification, driving more patients towards clinical and community-based falls prevention activities.

scholarly journals The Impact of 12-Week Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics Programme on the Dynamic Agility in Single-Dual-Task Conditions in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Jan Adamczyk ◽  
Roman Celka ◽  
Rafał Stemplewski ◽  
Kinga Ceynowa ◽  
Paulina Kamińska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Women ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Programme ◽  
The Body ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Percentage Difference ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
The Impact

Background. Progressive degenerative changes in the body of elderly people lead to a decrease in physical and mental fitness. Seniors have a problem with performing tasks that involve both physical and mental health at the same time. The risk of falls increases, the consequences of which in old age may be particularly dangerous. It was decided to investigate the impact of performing exercises involving both physical and mental spheres on the dynamic agility in older women. Methods. 73 women (69.9±3.2) were divided into two groups: intervention (IG, n=34) and control (CG, n=39). Individuals with IG participated in the Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics exercise programme for 12 weeks, twice a week for 45 minutes each. Dynamic agility was determined by the Timed Up and Go test, which was conducted both in single-task (TUG_ST) and dual-task (TUG_DT) conditions, where the participant was simultaneously counting down from 60 every 3. The percentage difference between the results of both tests (dual-task cost, DTC) was also determined. Both groups had two measurement sessions: one week before the start of the exercise programme and one week after the end of exercise programme. Results. After 12 weeks of exercise, IG participants obtained significantly better results in TUG_DT (p<0.001) and DTC (p=0.003) tests. During this time, CG participants had significantly worse results in TUG_DT (p<0.001) and DTC (p<0.001) tests. In the TUG_ST test, neither IG nor CG achieved a significant change in the result. In each test, a significant interaction between the group assignment and the measurement session was observed: TUG_ST: F=11.523, η2P=0.139, p=0.001; TUG_DT: F=60.227, η2P=0.458, p<0.001; DTC: F=32.382, η2P=0.313, p<0.001. Conclusion. JDE exercises with a frequency of twice a week, for about 12 weeks, have a significant impact on the improvement of the dynamic agility control in women over 65 years of age.

scholarly journals Impact of pool training on balance of elderly individuals.

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Thyciane Mendonça de Andrade ◽  
Tathiana Maria Silva Rufino ◽  
Heleodório Honorato dos Santos ◽  
José Jamacy de Almeida Ferreira ◽  
Adriana Carla Costa Ribeiro Clementino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fall Risk ◽  
Postural Stability ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Balance System ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Stability Score ◽  
Anterior Posterior

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of therapeutic pool training on static and dynamic balance of sedentary elderlies. Method: 10 elderly individuals took part in the study (63.10 ± 2.33 years), and they were submitted to 24 sessions of intervention, twice a week. The assessment tools were the Balance System, Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and the Berg Balance System (BBS). Results: The results showed that there was a significant decrease in the global postural stability, anterior/posterior and medial/lateral scores evaluated in the dynamic platform, as well as the static global postural stability score, reduction in time to perform the TUGT and increase in the Berg Balance System score. However, no significant differences were verified in the Postural Stability tests (anterior/posterior and medial/lateral with the static platform) and in the Fall Risk. Conclusion: The regular physical training in therapeutic pool can provide sedentary elderly individuals with a significant improvement in dynamic balance.

scholarly journals Effect of Three Months Pilates Training on Balance and Fall Risk in Older Women

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3663
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Długosz-Boś ◽  
Katarzyna Filar-Mierzwa ◽  
Robert Stawarz ◽  
Anna Ścisłowska-Czarnecka ◽  
Agnieszka Jankowicz-Szymańska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Women ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Test ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Right ◽  
Experimental Group

This study assessed the effect of Pilates exercises on balance and fall risk in older women. Participants comprised 50 older women aged over 60 years, divided randomly into two groups: the experimental group (n = 30), which took part in Pilates sessions two times per week for three months, and the control group (n = 20). The control group did not participate in such sessions but also did not participate in any other rehabilitation programs or additional physical activity except everyday activities. Before and after the training cycle, all women underwent an assessment using Timed Up and Go (TUG), the One Leg Stance Test (OLST), a test performed on a Freestep baropodometric platform, and the tests performed on a Biosway platform. After the training, significantly decreased values of the surface of the ellipse (p = 0.0037) and mean values of velocity (p = 0.0262) for the right foot in the experimental group were observed. The Limits of Stability (LoS) test (p = 0.005) and the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (m-CTSIB) performed on an unstable surface with eyes closed (p = 0.0409) indicated statistically significant changes in the experimental group. None of the above changes were statistically significant in relation to the control group. Pilates training affected the participants’ balance by improving LOS and reducing fall risk.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document