Postural Sway in Older Adults with Anxiety
Author Information
Author(s): Suarez Jethro Raphael, Blount Amber, Lafontant Kworweinski, Lighthall Nichole, Huang Helen, Park Joon-Hyuk, Thiamwong Ladda
Primary Institution: University of Central Florida
Hypothesis
Does self-reported anxiety affect postural sway direction in community-dwelling older adults?
Conclusion
Older adults with higher self-reported anxiety tend to sway more in the medial-lateral direction compared to those with lower anxiety.
Supporting Evidence
- The study involved 170 community-dwelling older adults.
- Participants were categorized based on their anxiety levels using a self-reported assessment.
- Significant differences in sway direction were found between the anxiety groups.
Takeaway
Older people who feel anxious might wobble more when standing still than those who don't feel anxious.
Methodology
The study used the BTrackS Balance System to measure sway in older adults categorized by anxiety levels using the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory Short Form.
Limitations
Results may be influenced by other factors such as past injuries and depression.
Participant Demographics
Community-dwelling older adults aged 61 to 91, with a mean age of 74.3 years, predominantly female (152 women).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p = 0.03
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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