Validity of clinically derived cumulative somatosensory impairment index.
METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Population-based cohort.


METHODS
InCHIANTI ("Invecchiare in Chianti" or aging in the Chianti area) study participants (N=960; age, 21-91 y, 51.8% women).


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
The Cumulative Somatosensory Impairment Index was derived from baseline performance on clinical tests of pressure sensitivity, vibration sensitivity, proprioception, and graphesthesia. Global postural control was assessed using Frailty and Injuries Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques (FICSIT) balance test, time to complete 5 repeated chair stands, and fast walking speed, at baseline and at 3-year follow-up.


RESULTS
In participants without neurologic conditions (n=799), the Cumulative Somatosensory Impairment Index was significantly different in age groups classified by decades (P<.001). Compared with participants without prevalent conditions, the Cumulative Somatosensory Impairment Index was significantly higher in persons with diabetes (P=.017), peripheral arterial disease (P=.006), and a history of stroke (P<.001). In the overall population (N=960), in the fully adjusted multiple regression models, the Cumulative Somatosensory Impairment Index independently predicted deterioration in FICSIT scores (P=.002), time for 5 repeated chair stands (P<.001), and fast gait speed (P=.003) at 3-year follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
The Cumulative Somatosensory Impairment Index is a valid measure that detects relevant group differences in lower limb somatosensory impairment and is an independent predictor of decline in postural control over 3 years.
School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. nandinijd@yahoo.com
Nandini
N
Deshpande
E Jeffrey
EJ
Metter
Luigi
L
Ferrucci
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020886:Somatosensory Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult