[Unipedal stance time and fall risk in the elderly].
BACKGROUND
We undertook this study to relate unipodal stance time (UST) as a falls indicator in the elderly and to corroborate with UST exercise increments.


METHODS
One hundred sixty eight elderly subjects (age >70 years) with two or more falls during the previous 12 months were compared with 150 similar subjects without falls. UST chronometry and quadriceps and triceps brachialis strength dynamometry were used. Equilibrium and antigravity muscle-strengthening exercise program with 20 work sessions were carried out. Results were analyzed with chi(2), Student's t-test, and Fisher tests.


RESULTS
UST of the control group showed 28.84 +/- 4.73 sec (mean +/- SD). The UST sample showed 19.18 +/- 4.24 sec. The test was initially impossible to carry out in 42 cases (p = 0.05). The final evaluation showed 142 cases with 30 sec of UST (p = 0.00001), isometric force increased in 70% and 30%, respectively (p = 0.05). At 6-month follow-up, 53 falls were reported, 29 were in patients who could not accomplish UST measurement on initial evaluation.


CONCLUSIONS
UST <30 sec is an indicator of falls in elderly people, and exercise programs increase UST.
Domínguez-Carrillo
Luis Gerardo
LG
Especialista en Medicina de Rehabilitación, Facultad de Medicina de León, Universidad de Guanajuato. lgdominguez@saludangeles.com
Arellano-Aguilar
Gregorio
G
Leos-Zierold
Héctor
H
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000503:physiopathology; D012306:Risk; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013997:Time Factors