An analysis of the ability to take a rapid step forward, concerns about falling and balance in a group of older people with osteoporosis – a cross sectional study. (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thorberg, Maria; Ståhle, Agneta; Halvarsson, Alexandra
• Is Part Of: European journal of physiotherapy. Volume 20:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 74
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Balance -- concerns about falling -- osteoporosis -- older adults -- step execution; Therapeutics, Physiological -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; 615.8205
• DOI: 10.1080/21679169.2017.1374452
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2167-9169

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: To describe the ability to take a rapid step forward, and to investigate the relationship between a rapid step forward, concerns about falling (CAF) and balance performance. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study including 96 elderly people, aged 66–87, with osteoporosis and fear of falling. The ability to take a rapid step forward (step execution) under single- (ST) and dual-task (DT) conditions was measured, as were CAF (Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I)) and balance performance (MFE). Results: A step executed during DT takes significantly longer than during ST ( p < .001). Significant differences for step execution during both ST ( p = .007) and DT ( p = .005) were observed when comparing participants with low CAF (FES-I < 22) and high CAF (FES-I > 23). There was a moderate correlation between balance performance and step execution ( rs = 0.54) for ST and a low correlation ( rs = 0.39) for DT. Little, if any correlation was found between CAF (FES-I) and step execution ( rs = 0.13–0.19). Conclusion: It takes significantly longer for elderly with osteoporosis and fear of falling to execute a rapid step forward during DT than during ST. Moreover, it takes significantly longer to execute a step forward during both ST and DT for elderly people with high CAF compared to those with low CAF.