title: Differences in axial segment reorientation during standing turns predict multiple falls in older adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The assessment of standing turning performance is proposed to predict fall risk in older adults. This study investigated differences in segmental coordination during a 360° standing turn task between older community-dwelling fallers and non-fallers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-five older adults age mean (SD) of 71 (5.4) years performed 360° standing turns. Head, trunk and pelvis position relative to the laboratory and each other were recorded using a Vicon motion analysis system. Fall incidence was monitored by monthly questionnaire over the following 12 months and used to identify non-faller, single faller and multiple faller groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Multiple fallers were found to have significantly different values, when compared to non-fallers, for pelvis onset (p=0.002); mean angular separation in the transverse plane between the head and trunk (p=0.018); peak angular separation in the transverse plane between the trunk and pelvis (p=0.013); and mean angular separation between the trunk and pelvis (p<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Older adults who subsequently experience multiple falls show a simplified turning pattern to assist in balance control. This may be a predictor for those at increased risk of falling.
authors: School of Psychology, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. r.wright.1@bham.ac.uk
authors: Rachel L
authors: RL
authors: Wright
authors: Derek M
authors: DM
authors: Peters
authors: Paul D
authors: PD
authors: Robinson
authors: Alice J
authors: AJ
authors: Sitch
authors: Thomas N
authors: TN
authors: Watt
authors: Mark A
authors: MA
authors: Hollands
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012399:Rotation