Influence of Standing Posture on Physical Function and Incidence of Multiple Falls in Community-dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of standing posture on the physical function and incidence of multiple falls in community-dwelling older adults. [Participants and Methods] This study included 219 older adults (mean age 71.6 ± 9.1 years) who were living in a community setting. The study population was divided into those who had sustained multiple falls and those who had sustained only a single fall and those who had never fallen. The history and number of falls, locomotive syndrome, gait speed, skeletal muscle mass index, grip strength, and bone mass were evaluated. Standing posture was assessed using the kyphotic index, trunk tilt angle, and spinal kyphosis angle (upper and lower tilt). [Results] A higher kyphosis upper tilt angle correlated significantly with aging, locomotive syndrome, slower walking speed, and lower bone mass. The kyphosis upper tilt angle in the standing position was significantly greater in the multiple-fall group than in the single-fall group. [Conclusion] The spinal kyphosis angle (upper tilt) was associated with poorer physical performance and greater incidence of multiple falls.