Muscular function and functional mobility of faller and non-faller elderly women with osteoarthritis of the knee

Abstract

Falls are a major concern in the elderly population with chronic joint disease. To compare muscular function and functional mobility among older women with knee osteoarthritis with and without a history of falls, 15 elderly women with a history of falls (74.20 ± 4.46 years) and 15 without a history of falls (71.73 ± 4.73 years) were studied. Muscular function, at the angular speed of 60, 120, and 180º/s, was evaluated using the Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer. The sit-to-stand task was performed using the Balance Master System and the Timed Up and Go test was used to determine functional mobility. After collection of these data, the history of falls was investigated. A statistically significant difference was detected in the time taken to transfer the center of gravity during the sit-to-stand test (means ± SD; non-fallers: 0.35 ± 0.16 s; fallers: 0.55 ± 0.32 s; P = 0.049, Student ttest) and in the Timed Up and Go test (medians; non-fallers: 10.08 s; fallers: 11.59 s; P = 0.038, Mann-Whitney U-test). The results indicated that elderly osteoarthritic women with a history of falls presented altered functional mobility and needed more time to transfer the center of gravity in the sit-to-stand test. It is important to implement strategies to guarantee a better functional performance of elderly patients to reduce fall risks.

Lighting for improving balance in older adults with and without risk for falls

“…The present study aimed to extend these findings by testing the effectiveness of a similar NL system on another measure, the weight transfer time (WTT), in two groups of older adults, those with and without fall risks. A longer WTT should be associated with more difficulty in getting up [12][13][14]. It was hypothesised that compared with wall-plug NLs, WTT in the STS test would be better with the novel NL system for both groups, and that the effect would be larger for fallers than for non-fallers.…”

Isokinetic testing of muscle strength in older adults with knee osteoarthritis: An integrative review

“…Knee strength appears to be negatively influenced by comorbidity [51] and sleep apnea [112]. A history of falling may [41] or may not [10] be associated with lower knee strength values. Levinger et al [69] have reported fewer steps after an induced forward fall in individuals with higher knee extensor strength performance.…”

Use of Timed Up and Go Test to Predict Risk of Fall in Indian Elderly

“…TUG and BBS test results of the knee OA mild and moderate to severe patient groups showed a statistically significant difference compared to the control group and concluded that moderate to severe OA patients had diminished balance control compared to mild OA patients and they were able to deduce that a decrease in muscle strength, proprioception, and increased pain contributes to postural instability. Another reason behind this instability was explained by Alencar et Al [19] that knee pain could results in lower weight bearing by the affected joint, preventing the ability of a person with OA to maintain the center of mass inside the base of support and also Pain due to knee OA might lead individuals to transfer from a sitting to a standing position in a more cautious manner, increasing the time to do the task. This suggests that there might be an underlying dysfunction which can result in a decline in physical functioning and an increase in risk of falls.…”