Effect of Characteristics of Joint Motion of Lower Extremity according to Aging on Balance in Elderly

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and the correlation of characteristics of joint motion of lower extremity according to aging on balance in elderly. METHOD: There were thirty nine healthy elderly subjects aged 60 and older. The subjects were divided into 3 groups by their age. Each group was measured with joint motion of bilateral lower extremities by goniometer. The subjects were evaluated with clinical balance tests [(Berg balance scale (BBS), Functional reach test (FRT), Tinetti's performance oriented mobility assessment (POMA), and one leg standing (OLS)]. RESULTS: The flexibilities of lower extremities were decreased according to the increase in age. The balance ability was also decreased according to the increase in age by tested clinical balance scores. The flexibility of the ankle joints showed the strongest correlation with clinical balance scores (BBS, FRT, POMA and OLS) according to the increase in age, and the flexibility of hip joints also correlated with clinical balance scores (POMA and OLS). CONCLUSION: Among clinically validated balance tests, the decline of balance performance related with aging. Correlation exists between ankle ROM and balance in healthy elderly people. Additional research is needed to add the ankle ROM to reflect the excise for balance tests and balance ability.