One-leg standing balance and functional status in a population of 512 community-living elderly persons.
The objective of this cross-sectional study (whose baseline data were drawn from a longitudinal population study) was to determine if one-leg standing balance might be a useful marker of functional status in elderly persons independently living in an urban community (N = 512, mean age 73 +/- 7.0, 71.4% women). One-leg standing balance (ascertained by the Tinetti test) and functional status were obtained from a baseline gerontological assessment and follow-up questionnaires. Correlations were tested between one-leg balance and physical health and functional measurements. One-leg standing balance (OLSB) was abnormal in 24.7% of the population. At least one incapacity in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) was found in 60.6% of those with OLSB abnormality, vs 45.5% in those with OLSB "adaptive" (borderline abnormal), and 33.3% in those with normal one-leg standing balance (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed 3 independent factors related to one-leg balance abnormality: age > 71 years (OR = 5.11, CI = 1.99-13.10); IADL deficit requiring help with transportation (OR = 3.61; CI = 1.15-11.40); and "poor" health status on the Iowa Self-Assessment Inventory (OR = 2.67, CI = 1.35-5.27). We conclude that one-leg standing balance may be a simple, predictive and inexpensive marker helpful in screening for low functional level and frailty in clinical practice.
Vellas
B J
BJ
Departement de Médecine Interne, C.H.U. Toulouse-Purpan, Toulouse, France.
Rubenstein
L Z
LZ
Ousset
P J
PJ
Faisant
C
C
Kostek
V
V
Nourhashemi
F
F
Allard
M
M
Albarede
J L
JL
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged / Q000502:physiology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012944:Social Support; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*