Characteristics of older adults with self-reported stooping, crouching, or kneeling difficulty.
BACKGROUND
Stooping, crouching, and kneeling (SCK) are fundamental components of daily living tasks, and nearly a quarter of older adults report a lot of difficulty or inability to perform these movements. This study examined characteristics associated with SCK difficulty to explore underlying mechanisms and remediation strategies.


METHODS
One hundred eighty-four older adults with no, low, or high SCK difficulty underwent a comprehensive laboratory visit at the University of Michigan.


RESULTS
Twenty-one percent of participants (n = 39) reported a lot of difficulty or inability to stoop, crouch, or kneel. Characteristics independently associated with increasing SCK difficulty were self-reported leg joint limitations, (odds ratio [OR] = 3.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64-9.01), Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale score (OR = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99), and knee extension strength (OR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.94).


CONCLUSIONS
Increasing SCK difficulty is associated with balance confidence as well as leg limitations. Remediation of SCK difficulty will likely require a program that encompasses both behavioral and physical issues.
Hernandez
Manuel E
ME
Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. manueleh@umich.edu
Murphy
Susan L
SL
Alexander
Neil B
NB
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture