The contribution of postural balance analysis in older adult fallers: A narrative review

• Published in: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 409 - 417
• Main Authors: Pizzigalli, L., PhD, Micheletti Cremasco, M., PhD, Mulasso, A., MSc, Rainoldi, A., PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01-04-2016
• Subjects: Accidental Falls; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Centre of pressure; Dynamic posturography; Falls; Humans; Older adults; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Postural Balance - physiology; Posture - physiology; Risk Factors; Static posturography; Falls; Static posturography; Older adults; Centre of pressure; Dynamic posturography
• ISSN: 1360-8592; 1532-9283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.12.008

Summary Objective Falls are a serious health problem for older adults. Several studies have identified the decline of postural balance as one of the main risk factors for falls. Contrary to what may be believed, the capability of force platform measurements to predict falls remains uncertain. The focus of this narrative review is the identification of postural characteristics of older adults at risk of falling using both static and dynamic postural balance assessments. Methods The literature analysis was conducted on Medline/PubMed. The search ended in May 2015. Results Centre of pressure (CoP) path length, CoP velocity and sway in medial lateral and anterior-posterior are the variables that distinguish older adult fallers from non-fallers. Discussion Recommendations to medical personnel on how to provide efficient balance training for older adults are offered, discussing the relevance and limitations of postural stability on static and dynamic board in falling risk prevention.