[Posture and aging. Current fundamental studies and management concepts].
FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE OF POSTURE: In the elderly subject, preservation of posture is fundamental to maintaining functional independence. In recent years, there has been much progress in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying strategies used to control equilibrium in the upright position. Physiological aging, associated with diverse disease states, dangerously alters the postural function, particularly anticipated adjustments which allow an adaptation of posture to movement. CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF POSTURE: Several tests have been developed to assess posture in the elderly subject, particularly the time it takes to start walking. We selected certain tests which can be used in everyday practice to predict falls: the stance test, the improved Romberg test, the "timed get up and go test", measurement of walking cadence, assessment of balance reactions, sitting-standing and standing-sitting movements and capacity to get up off the floor. PATIENT CARE: Elderly patients with equilibrium disorders can benefit from specific personalized rehabilitation protocols. Different techniques have been developed for multiple afferential stimulation, reprogramming postural strategies, and correcting for deficient motor automatisms.
Mourey
F
F
Service de Médecine gériatrique, CHRU de Dijon. france.mourey@planet
Camus
A
A
Pfitzenmeyer
P
P
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D000368:Aged; D016330:Frail Elderly; D005684:Gait; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture