Relationship between Standing Postural Alignments and Balance Ability in Elderly Females

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between standing sagittal alignment and balance ability in elderly females. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 26 elderly females. Standing sagittal alignment (trunk inclination angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar kyphosis angle, lumbosacral angle, hip flexion angle, knee flexion angle, and ankle extension angle) and balance ability (Timed up and go test, tandem posture with eyes open) were measured. [Results] Trunk inclination angle, lumbar kyphosis angle, hip flexion angle, and knee flexion angle were significantly related to the Timed up and go test result. Lumbar kyphosis angle, hip flexion angle, and knee flexion angle were significantly related to tandem posture with eyes open. [Conclusion] As lumbar kyphosis angle, trunk inclination angle, hip flexion angle, and knee flexion angle increased, balance ability declined.