Clinical determinants of failure in balance tests in elderly subjects.
We assessed the role of clinical and biological parameters on performance in four balance tests in elderly subjects. An observational study was conducted in the Center for Preventive Medicine of Nancy (France) in 2368 community-living elderly subjects aged 60 and older. Body mass index (BMI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), clock test, "Health score" and use of psychotropic drugs (UPD) were assessed. Participants performed four balance tests: "one-leg-stand" (OLS), "timed-up-and-go" (TUG), "rise-from-the-floor" (RFF) and "sit-to-stand" (STS). The statistical analysis showed that women were almost twice as likely to fail balance tests as men. In both women and men, the following determinant factors of the performance in balance tests were found: for OLS: age, BMI and health score; for TUG: age, BMI, clock test and health score; for RFF: BMI and health score. In addition, in women other determinant factors were: MMSE for OLS, UPD for TUG, age and clock test for RFF. In men, the clock test and the UPD were also significant determinant factors for OLS. Similar results were found for STS. In conclusion, female sex, overweight, low cognitive status, low self-perception of health and UPD were associated with a higher risk of failure in balance tests.
Manckoundia
Patrick
P
Département de Médecine Interne, Centre de Gériatrie et Médecine Interne, Hôpital de Brabois CHU de Nancy, Rue de Morvan, 54511 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France. patrick.manckoundia@chu-dijon.fr
Buatois
Séverine
S
Gueguen
René
R
Perret-Guillaume
Christine
C
Laurain
Marie-Christine
MC
Pfitzenmeyer
Pierre
P
Benetos
Athanase
A
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged / Q000502:physiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness; D004856:Postural Balance; D012737:Sex Factors