Citation

Lee JJ, Hong DW, Lee SA, Soh Y, Yang M, Choi KM, Won CW, Chon J. Am. J. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/PHM.0000000000001292

PMID

31464747

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Although there are similar characteristics between obese individuals and fall-susceptible population, little is known about relationships between body weight and risk factors for fall, particularly in the elderly population. The objective of this study was to determine whether body mass index (BMI) based obesity is associated with decreased balance and whether instability has relationships with the main risk factors for falls.

METHODS: A total of 317 participants were categorized based on their BMI. Clinical balance assessments were performed using the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test and Short Physical Performance Battery. The knee extensor strength of each individual was measured using a dynamometer. Total sway distance (TSD) was calculated on Inbody posturography® in 4 conditions.

RESULTS: The results of 3 clinical balance assessment tools showed significant correlation with BMI. The obese group showed decreased isokinetic knee extensor muscle strength and had a higher TSD than the normal-weight group.

CONCLUSIONS: The elderly population with obesity exhibits poor balance performing ability and it is associated with the decreased strength of the lower extremities and impaired postural stability. The logistic regression analysis of our study showed that BMI based obesity can be regarded as a fall risk.

Language: en