UDC

612.76

Authors

Taisiya P. Moroz
Institute of Medical and Biological Research, Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov
3 proezd Badigina, Arkhangelsk, 163045, Russian Federation;
e-mail: mailto:t.moroz@narfu.ru
Aleksandr V. Demin
Institute of Medical and Biological Research, Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov
3 proezd Badigina, Arkhangelsk, 163045, Russian Federation;
e-mail: mailto:adi81@yandex.ru

Abstract

Since it is known that 50 to 70 % of all falls in elderly and old people occur during walking, we conducted a comparative analysis of walking parameters in women who experience falls and those who do not have them. We performed a comprehensive assessment of the functional state of the dynamic components of postural control. To evaluate the functional state of both static and dynamic components of postural control in order to determine the risk of falls, we applied Smart Equitest Balance Manager. The following tests were performed: Walk Across, Tandem Walk, and Step/Quick Turn. The test results of the Tandem Walk showed changes in the neurophysiological mechanisms providing movement coordination in 65–74-year-old women having falls. We found that in these women the average movement velocity was lower and the average endpoint sway velocity was greater (p < 0.001) than those in women not having falls. The data obtained indicate that the significant changes in the Walk Across test (step length and width, movement velocity) in elderly and old persons can be predictors of falls and reduced mobility. In addition, we found substantial changes is time to execute the turn and sway velocity during the turn execution in the Quick Turn test in 65–74-year-old women having falls, which indicates decreasing visual and vestibular information in balance control, deteriorating neurophysiological mechanisms and dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system.

Keywords

falls, older women, computer stabilometry, posturography

References

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