Rabuffetti M, Zemp DD, Tettamanti M, Quadri PL, Ferrarin M. Stabilization after postural transitions in the elderly: Experimental study on community-dwelling subjects and nursing home residents.
Gait Posture 2022;
91:105-110. [PMID:
34673445 DOI:
10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.10.011]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Postural transitions have been identified as presenting challenging situations for the elderly.
RESEARCH QUESTION
This study hypothesizes a relationship between age-related factors and postural stabilization performance after a transition movement. In particular, the controlled factors in the experiment are: 1) assistance in living (independent living for community-dwelling subjects vs. assisted living for institutionalized subjects in nursing homes); 2) age of institutionalized individuals, by comparing groups with different age ranges.
METHODS
Sixty-three institutionalized individuals in nursing homes were recruited (17 in the age range 64-79; 46, including 6 drop-outs, in the age range 80-95). Moreover, seventeen (one drop out) community dwelling subjects (64-79 years) were enlisted. The study focuses on the postural stabilization phase after a "step forward" task.
RESULTS
When comparing age-matched subjects from the two groups, the residents in nursing homes were characterised by a worse stabilization performance: the stabilization time more than doubled, Instability increased by 39 %, and Promptness decreased by 77 %, although there was no significant difference in the quiet erect posture between the groups. No difference was observed when comparing the two age groups of residents in the nursing homes, however a potential confounding effect has been identified in the unequal mortality rates between the two groups.
SIGNIFICANCE
It is hypothesized that an individual identification of abnormal values of Instability and/or Promptness may inform different rehabilitation approaches.
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