Identification of kinetic differences between fallers and nonfallers in the elderly

Citation
Lw. Lee et Dc. Kerrigan, Identification of kinetic differences between fallers and nonfallers in the elderly, AM J PHYS M, 78(3), 1999, pp. 242-246
Citations number
30
Categorie Soggetti
Ortopedics, Rehabilitation & Sport Medicine
Journal title
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
ISSN journal
08949115 → ACNP
Volume
78
Issue
3
Year of publication
1999
Pages
242 - 246
Database
ISI
SICI code
0894-9115(199905/06)78:3<242:IOKDBF>2.0.ZU;2-A
Abstract
Falls are a major cause of decreased mobility and disability in the elderly . Multiple factors are believed to contribute to falling. Among these, gait abnormalities have drawn attention as a possible risk factor. Although pre vious studies have revealed few differences in gait parameters compared wit h similar aged controls, it was hypothesized that because of intrinsic diff erences in balance and motor control, we would observe differences in joint kinetics. In this study, 15 subjects (mean age, 77 +/- 9 yr), who had at l east 2 mo of repeated falls from an unclear cause, were evaluated in a gait laboratory and were compared with a control group of 15 subjects (mean age , 75 +/- 5 yr) with no history of falls. Analysis of data demonstrated a si gnificantly greater peak torque in the falls group for the following: hip f lexion, hip adduction, knee extension, knee varum, ankle dorsiflexion, and ankle eversion (P < 0.003 in each comparison). Also, ankle plantarflexion t orque was significantly decreased in the falls group (P = 0.001). Joint pow ers showed different absorption at the knee and ankle in the falls group. T he discovery of these kinetic differences may provide further insight into the mechanism of falls in the elderly and, more importantly, lead to identi fiable markers to detect those who may be susceptible to falls.