Reliability of Balance Measures in Elderly
Author Information
Author(s): Jaap Swanenburg, Eling D. de Bruin, Kathrin Favero, Daniel Uebelhart, Theo Mulder
Primary Institution: University Hospital Zurich
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the reliability of a forceplate postural balance protocol in elderly fallers and non-fallers.
Conclusion
The study showed good reliability results for group assessment and no systematic errors of the measurement protocol in measuring postural balance in the elderly in a single-task and dual-task condition.
Supporting Evidence
- The ICCs for inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability of the balance variables were r = 0.70–0.89.
- The study included both fallers and non-fallers to assess the reliability of balance measures.
- The results indicated no systematic errors in the measurement protocol.
Takeaway
This study tested how well a balance measurement works for older people who fall and those who don't, and it found that the tests are reliable.
Methodology
Participants were tested using a forceplate for postural balance under single and dual-task conditions, with and without vision.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be applicable to all elderly populations as it focused on community-dwelling individuals.
Participant Demographics
37 elderly participants (29 women, mean age 73 ± 6 years) were included, consisting of both fallers and non-fallers.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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