Comparative study between elderly fallers and non fallers based on clinical balance tests, sensory organization and limits of stability

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to pick up elderly people who are at risk of falling or recurrent falling and to set comparison between elderly fallers and non fallers through sensory information, functional evaluation and gait pattern. Fifty elderly subject were included in the study, subjects were divided into two groups. Non Faller [NF] and Faller [F]. We compared between NF and F in either classification as regards clinical balance tests in the form of [Three-meters Timed Up and Go test [TUG-3], Five-times Sit To Stand test [STS-5], One Leg Balance Eye Opened [OLB-EO], One Leg Balance Eye Closed [OLB-EC] and Computerized Dynamic Posturography [CDP] using Neurocom system in the form of [Sensory Organization Test [SOT], Limits Of Stability [LOS], Tandem Walk [TW] and Sit To Stand test [STS]. The result showed significant affection of sensory systems in charge of balance control [vestibular, visual, Somatosensory and Preference] for F on comparison with NF. LOS test revealed that F showed more sway and asymmetrical movement in various directions. TW test showed that F exhibited worse performance of the test attributed to the increased End sway more than NF. Computerized Dynamic Posturography [CDP] has the ability to detect changes of all balance components; sensory information, motor response and functional performance better than clinical tests and thus shows the ability to pick up elderly at risk of falling through identifying early and minimal pathological affection