Correlation between stabilometric variables and functional tests used to assess the risk of falls in elderly people
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i2.1140Keywords:
Elderly; Functional; Accidental Falls; Technology.Abstract
Introduction: The elderly population in Brazil has become increasingly significant, demonstrating rapid growth. The age pyramid reveals a significant demographic transition, especially when compared to periods prior to the current decade. Several sociodemographic factors contribute to this scenario, such as the decline in birth rates and, to an even greater extent, the increase in the number of adults and elderly individuals. Falls in this population can lead to various health problems, including increased mortality rates. Various functional tests are used to assess fall risk, and stabilometry emerges as a promising, easily applicable technological tool that can significantly contribute to the functional diagnosis of these individuals. Objective: Stabilometric variables were correlated with the functional tests used to assess fall risk in elderly individuals. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study evaluated 84 elderly individuals, aged 70.7 ± 7.5 years, with the majority of the sample (57) being women. Participants underwent a functional assessment consisting of the following tests: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Gait Speed Test (GST), Handgrip Strength (HGS), and stabilometric assessment. Results: There was a negative and significant correlation between the BBS score and all stabilometric variables, except for the center of pressure and anteroposterior velocity (APV). In addition, a positive and significant correlation was observed between the TUG and all stabilometric variables. Conclusion: There was a correlation between the main functional tests used to assess fall risk in older adults and the stabilometric variables.
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