A Comparison of Static and Dynamic Balance Ability between Fallers and Non-fallers in Japanese Older Women

Abstract

To compare elderly non-fallers and fallers for differences in the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction for Balance (CTSIB) and Limits of Stability (LOS). Six hundred forty-six older women volunteers (69.5 ± 6.1 yr) participated in the study. Static and dynamic balance were assessed. The static balance (SB) indices in CTSIB were analyzed four sway velocity conditions: a flat surface with eyes open (SV1); a flat surface with eyes closed (SV2); thick foam with eyes open (SV3); and thick foam with eyes closed (SV4), and composite scores (SVcomp) calculated based on all of conditions. The LOS components (endpoint excursion (EPE), maximum excursion (MXE), directional control (DCL), reaction time (RT), and movement mean velocity (MVL)) as a dynamic balance index were analyzed based on movements toward all eight targets, and composite scores. The fall incidence within the past 1 year was studied via questionnaire survey (faller = 172, non-faller = 474). There were significant differences in mean age and height between faller and non-faller groups. No significant differences were found in all balance indices between groups compared by age-adjusted ANCOVA. From the CTSIB and LOS measurement adopted in this study, no difference was observed between older fallers and non-fallers. However, in order to evaluate the presence or absence of falls based only on the balance ability, further measures such as examination by combining indicators are required. It is necessary to perform prospective studies to track the occurrence of falls after the balance ability assessment in the future.