Citation

Scheicher ME, Fonseca LCS, Bortolloto TB, de Carvalho IF. J. Bodyw. Mov. Ther. 2018; 22(2): 482-486.

Affiliation

Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil; 737 Hygino Muzzi Filho Avenue, 17.525-900 Marília, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: isabelafeitosa.fisio@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.05.012

PMID

29861254

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The deterioration in the somatosensory and motor systems observed with increasing age can cause balance problems. Studies have shown that the use of infrapatellar bandages can enhance proprioception and improve postural balance. AIMS: To evaluate the effect of an infrapatellar bandage on static balance and mobility in elderly female fallers and non-fallers.

METHODS: Forty older women (20 fallers and 20 non-fallers) were evaluated. Mobility (Timed Up and Go test) and balance (force platform) were measured in the presence and absence of additional sensory information (elastic infrapatellar bandage).

RESULTS: Mobility differed in fallers (p = 0.0001), but not in non-fallers (p = 0.27), when the patellar bandage was applied. Additional sensory information did not improve static balance in either group (p > 0.05), but a trend towards improvement was observed in fallers.

CONCLUSION: Additional sensory input from an infrapatellar bandage improves mobility but not bipedal stance in elderly fallers.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Accidental falls; Aging; Compression bandages; Postural balance; Proprioception