Falls in the elderly: Part I, Gait

The aim of this study was to determine a gait profile of two groups of elderly adults: one with a history of falls and one without a history of falls. The following gait characteristics were identified: step frequency, stance time, swing time, double support time, step length, heel width, heel height, toe height, and hip, knee, and ankle angular excursion. The history of falls group was composed of 25 subjects (seven men and 18 women), and the no history of falls group was composed of 30 subjects (12 men and 18 women). Two 16-mm Locam cameras were used to film the subjects. Each subject was filmed while walking on a motorized treadmill at 4 km/h and 6 km/h. The film data were digitized on a sonic digitizer interfaced to a VAX computer. The ANOVA statistic indicated significant (p less than .05) difference between the two independent variables for heel width. There appears to be no significant relationship between the studied gait characteristics (other than heel width) and falls in apparently healthy elderly individuals.     

Identification of kinetic differences between fallers and nonfallers in the elderly.

Falls are a major cause of decreased mobility and disability in the elderly. Multiple factors are believed to contribute to falling. Among these, gait abnormalities have drawn attention as a possible risk factor. Although previous studies have revealed few differences in gait parameters compared with similar aged controls, it was hypothesized that because of intrinsic differences in balance and motor control, we would observe differences in joint kinetics. In this study, 15 subjects (mean age, 77 +/- 9 yr), who had at least 2 mo of repeated falls from an unclear cause, were evaluated in a gait laboratory and were compared with a control group of 15 subjects (mean age, 75 +/- 5 yr) with no history of falls. Analysis of data demonstrated a significantly greater peak torque in the falls group for the following: hip flexion, hip adduction, knee extension, knee varum, ankle dorsiflexion, and ankle eversion (P < 0.003 in each comparison). Also, ankle plantarflexion torque was significantly decreased in the falls group (P = 0.001). Joint powers showed different absorption at the knee and ankle in the falls group. The discovery of these kinetic differences may provide further insight into the mechanism of falls in the elderly and, more importantly, lead to identifiable markers to detect those who may be susceptible to falls.     

Fall risk assessment in very old males and females living in nursing homes

BACKGROUND: Several studies identified muscle weakness, history of falls, gait deficit and balance deficit as the most common risk factors for falls. AIMS: To determine risk factors of fall in older males and females living in nursing homes and to compare characteristics of fallers and non fallers. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 40 nursing home elderly (13 males and 27 females), mean age 86.35, of which 17 (6 males and 11 females) fell at least once in the previous year and 23 (7 males and 16 females) had not fallen. Each participant filled a self-assessment questionnaire (general health questions and selected questions from the SF-36). An objective evaluation was performed with measurements of blood pressure and heartrate (supine and standing), lower extremity strength and power (dominate side only) by Biodex isokinetic dynamometry, dynamic postural stability by Biodex balance system (5 s trials at level 8) and gait assessment (6 min walk test at comfortable speed) by gait treadmill Biodex. RESULTS: The fallen males decreased significantly knee flexion peak torque (p=0.08), ankle plantarflexion peak torque and average power (p=0.05), compared with the not fallen group. The fallen females decreased significantly knee extension peak torque and average power (p<0.05), walking speed (p<0.005) and cadence (p<0.01), compared with the not fallen group. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the fallen males had greater deficits of ankle plantar-flexion strength and power, while fallen females had greater deficits of knee extension strength and power and less walking speed.     

Mechanical energy transfer during gait in relation to strength impairment and pathology in elderly women

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships among strength impairment, pathology and the mechanical energy transfers across the leg and low-back joints in a sample of frail elderly women with functional limitations. BACKGROUND: Past studies suggest mechanical energy analyses may be useful for identifying compensatory strategies used by elders during gait, but also suggest that age and strength are not the only factors that determine the extent of compensatory strategy use. METHODS: Gait data for 75 functionally limited women 60-90 years of age were analyzed. Subjects were categorized by strength and pathology diagnoses. Inverse dynamics was used to compute concentric (positive) and eccentric (negative) mechanical energy expenditures of the ankle, knee, hip and low-back during the stance phase of gait. Joint mechanical energy expenditures were compared between strength and diagnoses groups, and relationships among joint mechanical energy expenditures examined within groups. RESULTS: Weaker subjects demonstrated lower concentric ankle and eccentric knee mechanical energy expenditures, and higher eccentric low-back mechanical energy expenditures, than stronger subjects. Subjects with orthopaedic impairments demonstrated higher eccentric low-back mechanical energy expenditures than subjects with other impairments. Inverse correlations were found between ankle mechanical energy expenditures and hip and low-back mechanical energy expenditures for subjects with orthopaedic impairments. CONCLUSIONS: Elders with weak leg muscles and orthopaedic impairments increased hip and low-back mechanical energy expenditures, apparently to compensate for reduced ankle and knee mechanical energy expenditures. Further research is warranted to determine what long-term influences these compensatory strategies have on function and disability. Relevance. Mechanical energy methods could be useful for developing rehabilitative training programs to eliminate mobility impairments and avoid disablement in frail elders.fs     

Musculoskeletal profile of male collegiate soccer players

Twenty-five collegiate soccer players were evaluated for lower extremity flexibility and muscle strength at the end of preseason training and before the onset of the collegiate soccer season on two successive seasons. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine whether symmetry was present in their legs and whether deficits in flexibility or strength would affect the susceptibility to hamstring or groin muscle strain injuries. The mean (+/- SE) flexibility of the dominant leg for hip abduction was 41 degrees +/- 1.2 degree; for hip flexion, 76 degrees +/- 1.9 degree; for hip extension, 174 degrees +/- 0.7 degree; and for ankle dorsiflexion, 33 degrees +/- 1.3 degree. The mean (+/- SE) isokinetic torque of the dominant leg (tested at 30 degrees per second) for knee extension was 214 +/- 8 newton meters and for flexion was 128 +/- 4 newton meters, while isometric strength for hip flexion was 315 +/- 8 newtons and for ankle plantar flexion was 1721 +/- 58 newtons. No significant differences were found between the dominant and nondominant legs in flexibility or strength. During this study no hamstring or groin strain injuries occurred. The lack of leg muscle strain injuries appeared to be directly related to the initiation of a controlled warmup and stretching program and underlines the importance of this in injury prevention. Interestingly, more than 50% (13 of 25) of the players were found to have significant deficits in one or more specific muscle groups. Two athletes sustained low back strain injuries and one athlete had a knee sprain injury.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Lower-extremity muscle forces measured by a hand-held dynamometer and the risk of falls among day-care users in Japan: using multinomial logistic regression analysis

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between the lower extremity muscle forces and risk of falls among the elderly who were using day-care services in the long-term care insurance system. METHOD: The study population comprised 96 women aged 69 - 91 years. At baseline, we assessed ADL, functional capacity, isometric muscle forces of knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion obtained with a hand-held dynamometer. After 1 year, we asked subjects about falls during the follow up period. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, only the knee extensor strength (p = 0.003) and ankle dorsiflexor strength (p = 0.02) differed significantly according to the fall status. After adjustment for age using multinomial logistic regression analysis, the weak quadriceps group was 7.50 times more likely than the strong group to fall once (p = 0.02), and 5.00 times more likely to fall twice or more (p = 0.02). The weakest ankle dorsiflexor group was 5.09 times more likely than the strongest group to fall twice or more (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that the forces of knee extensor and ankle dorsiflexor were strongly associated with falls among day-care users. Physiotherapy should focus on the lower-extremity muscle strength to prevent falls and deterioration of physical ability among elderly persons who are partially dependent and need support.     

Reduced hip extension during walking: healthy elderly and fallers versus young adults

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that reduced hip extension range during walking, representing a limiting impairment of hip tightness, is a consistent dynamic finding that (1) occurs with increased age and (2) is exaggerated in elderly people who fall. DESIGN: Using a 3-dimensional optoelectronic motion analysis system, we compared full sagittal plane kinematic (lower extremity joint motion, pelvic motion) data during walking between elderly and young adults and between elderly fallers and nonfallers. Comparisons were also performed between comfortable and fast walking speeds within each elderly group. SETTING: A gait laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-three healthy elderly subjects, 16 elderly fallers (otherwise healthy elderly subjects with a history of recurrent falls), and 30 healthy young adult subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All major peak joint angle and pelvic position values. RESULTS: Peak hip extension was the only leg joint parameter measured during walking that was both significantly lower in elderly nonfallers and fallers than in young adult subjects and was even lower in elderly fallers compared with nonfallers (all p <.05). Peak hip extension +/- standard deviation during comfortable walking speed averaged 20.4 degrees +/- 4.0 degrees for young adults, 14.3 degrees +/- 4.4 degrees for elderly nonfallers, and 11.1 degrees +/- 4.8 degrees for elderly fallers. Peak hip extension did not significantly improve when elderly subjects walked fast. CONCLUSION: An isolated and consistent reduction in hip extension during walking in the elderly, which is exaggerated in fallers, implies the presence of functionally significant hip tightness, which may limit walking performance. Overcoming hip tightness with specific stretching exercises is worthy of investigation as a simple intervention to improve walking performance and to prevent falls in the elderly.     

The effect of walking speed on lower-extremity joint powers among elderly adults who exhibit low physical performance

OBJECTIVES: To compare peak joint powers and joint angles between comfortable and fast walking speeds among a group of elderly adults who exhibit low physical performance, and to test the primary hypothesis that peak ankle powers would not change when walking speed was increased, but that peak hip power output would increase significantly with speed. DESIGN: Three-dimensional analysis of joint kinematics and kinetics during comfortable and fast walking by both healthy and low-performing elderly adults (age, >70y). SETTING: Gait laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four healthy elderly adults and 27 elders who exhibited low performance on a standard battery of walking, standing balance, and chair-rise tasks that places them at risk of mobility-related disability. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peak lower-extremity joint powers and joint angles. RESULTS: Low-performing elders increased both ankle and hip power outputs to increase walking speed. However, peak ankle power remained significantly below that of the healthy elderly adults even when the low-performing elders walked at a faster gait speed. Joint-power changes in the low-performing elderly were accompanied by a reduction in hip extension and ankle dorsiflexion, and an increase in transverse pelvic rotation. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with healthy elderly, the low-performing elderly adults showed speed-independent differences in ankle and hip mechanics that may reflect underlying neuromuscular impairments. In particular, an understanding of the interdependent contributions of hip flexibility and ankle power limitations seem important to inform interventions to maintain gait into advanced age.     

Lower limb muscle moments and power during recovery from forward loss of balance in male and female single and multiple steppers

Background

Studying recovery responses to loss of balance may help to explain why older adults are susceptible to falls. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether male and female older adults, that use a single or multiple step recovery strategy, differ in the proportion of lower limb strength used and power produced during the stepping phase of balance recovery.

Methods

Eighty-four community-dwelling older adults (47 men, 37 women) participated in the study. Isometric strength of the ankle, knee and hip joint flexors and extensors was assessed using a dynamometer. Loss of balance was induced by releasing participants from a static forward lean (4 trials at each of 3 forward lean angles). Participants were instructed to recover with a single step and were subsequently classified as using a single or multiple step recovery strategy for each trial.

Findings

(1) Females were weaker than males and the proportion of females that were able to recover with a single step were lower than for males at each lean magnitude. (2) Multiple compared to single steppers used a significantly higher proportion of their hip extension strength and produced less knee and ankle joint peak power during stepping, at the intermediate lean angle.

Interpretation

Strength deficits in female compared to male participants may explain why a lower proportion of female participants were able to recover with a single step. The inability to generate sufficient power in the stepping limb appears to be a limiting factor in single step recovery from forward loss of balance.     

The effects of ankle bracing on motion of the knee and the hip joint during trunk rotation tasks

BACKGROUND: The use of prophylactic ankle braces is common during athletic activities since the ankle is one of the most commonly injured joints. Past studies have focused on the effects of ankle braces on ankle movement restriction, preventing injuries, proprioception, balance and athletic performance. However, the influence of ankle restriction on other joints has not been studied. The constraint of ankle movement may lead to an increased loading on the knee joint, which could be a potential risk of knee injuries during athletic activities. The primary goal of the current study was to determine quantitatively the effect of an ankle brace on the knee axial rotation during two different trunk turning tasks. METHODS: Ten healthy subjects performed trunk turning movements while standing on one leg: turning sideways to catch a ball and turning sideways to touch a target with the shoulder. The tasks were performed with and without an ankle brace worn on the supporting leg. The trunk axial rotation in reference to the floor and three dimensional joint angular motions of the ankle, knee and hip were determined. FINDINGS: The use of an ankle brace resulted in reduced trunk axial rotation during the ball catching tasks, and increased knee axial rotation during the target touching tasks. INTERPRETATION: The results of this study showed that the effect of the ankle brace on the knee axial rotation depended on the context of the tasks performed. Under situations that required forceful trunk turning movement while standing on a single leg, the ankle braces may cause an increase in the knee axial rotation indicating higher risk of knee injury.     

Limitations in activities in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: The relationship with body functions,comorbidity and cognitive functioning

Purpose. To determine the relationship between body functions, comorbidity and cognitive functioning on the one side and limitations in activities on the other, in elderly patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee.

Method. A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in which 288 patients with hip or knee OA were included. Patients were recruited from rehabilitation centres and hospitals (Departments of Orthopedics, Rheumatology or Rehabilitation). Apart from demographic and clinical data, information about limitations in activities, body functions (pain, muscle strength, range of joint motion), comorbidity and cognitive functioning was collected by questionnaires and tests. Statistical analyses included univariate and stepwise multivariate regression analysis.

Results. Self-reported limitations in activities (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) were significantly associated with pain, muscle strength knee extension, range of motion (ROM) hip flexion and morbidity count. Performance-based limitations in activities (timed walking test) were significantly associated with ROM (knee flexion, hip flexion and knee extension), muscle strength hip abduction, pain, cognitive functioning and age.

Conclusions. Self-reported limitations in activities in hip or knee OA are largely dependent on pain and to a lesser extent on range of joint motion, muscle strength and comorbidity. Performance-based limitations in activities are largely dependent on range of joint motion and muscle strength, and to a lesser extent on pain, cognitive functioning and other factors. These findings point to the role of body functions in limitations in activities in OA of the hip or knee. Although less important, comorbidity and cognitive functioning play a role as well.     

Electromyographic and cinematographic analysis of movement from a kneeling to a standing position in healthy 5- to 7-year-old children

Physical therapists often use transitional postures such as half-kneeling to help children with movement dysfunction attain an upright posture. Little is known, however, about how healthy children activate lower extremity muscles to move the hip, knee, and ankle joints as they move from kneeling through half-kneeling to stand up against gravity. The purpose of this study was to describe movement from kneeling to standing in 10 healthy 5- to 7-year-old children. Electromyography was used to record the activity of four lower extremity muscles. Cinematography was used to record joint motion of the hip, knee, and ankle of the leg initiating movement, in addition to trajectories of specific anatomical landmarks as the children rose from a kneeling to a standing position. Greater active range of motion of the hip, knee, and ankle was necessary to move from a kneeling to a standing position using the half-kneel transitional posture than is required during normal gait. The activation patterns of the gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris muscles of the leg initiating movement exhibited variability among subjects during the kneel-to-stand movement. Maximum joint range of motion and position of the hip, knee, and ankle joints at specific points in the movement exhibited less variability than patterns of muscle activation. The results showed that movement from a kneeling to a standing position in healthy children is quantifiable and can be used to help determine what normal components of movement are necessary to successfully master this movement against gravity that is antecedent to ambulation. Further studies are needed to investigate antigravity movement in younger children and in children with movement dysfunction to more fully understand normal and abnormal movement in children.     

Fall risk assessment in very old males and females living in nursing homes

Background:?Several studies identified muscle weakness, history of falls, gait deficit and balance deficit as the most common risk factors for falls.

Aims:?To determine risk factors of fall in older males and females living in nursing homes and to compare characteristics of fallers and non fallers.

Methods:?This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 40 nursing home elderly (13 males and 27 females), mean age 86.35, of which 17 (6 males and 11 females) fell at least once in the previous year and 23 (7 males and 16 females) had not fallen. Each participant filled a self-assessment questionnaire (general health questions and selected questions from the SF-36). An objective evaluation was performed with measurements of blood pressure and heartrate (supine and standing), lower extremity strength and power (dominate side only) by Biodex isokinetic dynamometry, dynamic postural stability by Biodex balance system (5?s trials at level 8) and gait assessment (6?min walk test at comfortable speed) by gait treadmill Biodex.

Results:?The fallen males decreased significantly knee flexion peak torque (p?=?0.08), ankle plantarflexion peak torque and average power (p?=?0.05), compared with the not fallen group. The fallen females decreased significantly knee extension peak torque and average power (p?<?0.05), walking speed (p?<?0.005) and cadence (p?<?0.01), compared with the not fallen group.

Conclusions:?This study shows that the fallen males had greater deficits of ankle plantar-flexion strength and power, while fallen females had greater deficits of knee extension strength and power and less walking speed.     

Compensatory advantages of toe walking

OBJECTIVES: The study's hypothesis is that toe walking requires less peak muscle strength distally about the ankle and knee compared with normal heel-toe walking and thus may have compensatory advantages for patients with upper motor neuron injury and distal muscle weakness. DESIGN: Motion analysis and force platform data were collected in able-bodied subjects during toe walking and normal walking. Sagittal plane joint torques reflecting muscle force requirements and joint powers reflecting nonisometric muscle contraction were compared between the two conditions using paired t tests, applying a Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. SETTING: A gait laboratory. SUBJECTS: Seventeen able-bodied adults, 9 of whom were ballet dancers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peak hip, knee, and ankle joint torque and power variables during walking. RESULTS: Peak ankle plantarflexor torque and ankle power generation during terminal stance and preswing were reduced (p<.001), as compared with normal heel-toe walking. The normal ankle dorsiflexor torque at initial contact-and the knee extensor torque and knee power generation during loading response were all essentially absent during toe walking. Hip extensor torque and hip power generation during the loading response phase were greater for toe walking (p<.001). CONCLUSION: Toe walking may require less ankle plantarflexor, ankle dorsiflexor, and knee extensor strength than normal heel-toe walking and thus may have compensatory advantages for patients with upper motor neuron injury and distal lower extremity weakness.     

强化髋内收肌等长肌力训练对功能性踝关节不稳的效果北大核心CSCD

目的探讨强化髋内收肌等长肌力训练对功能性踝关节不稳者平衡能力影响。方法 2019年11月至2020年1月,从深圳某高校中招募功能性踝关节不稳的大学生18例,按照随机数字表法分为对照组(n=9)和试验组(n=9)。两组均进行踝关节稳定训练,试验组增加髋内收肌等长肌力训练。每次1 h,每周3次,共4周。训练前后分别进行坎伯兰踝关节不稳评定问卷(CAIT)、 Y平衡测试(YBT)、Balance-check平衡设备和Back-check髋内收肌最大等长肌力测试。结果训练后,两组CAIT评分、YBT各方向距离、Balance-check的得分较训练前提高(t>2.540, P<0.05);试验组Back-check髋内收肌肌力较训练前显著提高(t=8.485, P<0.001)。试验组CAIT评分、YBT (后内侧、外侧)距离、Balance-check得分、Back-check髋内收肌肌力的训练前后差值均大于对照组(t>2.168, P<0.05),平均旋转角速度、最大旋转角速度和平衡等级差值均小于对照组(t>2.804, P<0.05)。结论加强髋内收肌等长肌力训练更有利于功能性踝关节不稳者平衡能力恢复。     

大学生动静态平衡能力与形态指标的相关性研究

目的:分析人体形态学各指标与大学生平衡能力间的相关性,并以此为大学生平衡能力的提高提供依据。方法:对133名受试者进行动静态平衡能力及身高、体重、柔韧性等人体形态指标进行测试,对男女两组平衡能力进行T检验,对受试者的平衡能力与各指标进行pearson分析。结果:男女受试者的动静态平衡能力均无差异性(P>0.05),静态平衡测试值与柔韧性、全身反应时、背肌力、身高、体重、BMI指数、踝关节背屈活动度之间的相关系数均小于0.2,无相关性。动态平衡测试值与身高、体重、BMI均呈负相关,与柔韧性及踝关节背屈活动度之间成正相关。结论:大学生的动态平衡能力与柔韧性及踝关节的灵活程度密切相关,但该文所测各项数据与静态平衡能力均无关联。     

Functional capacity, muscle strength and falls in women with fibromyalgia

Background

Patients with fibromyalgia have difficulty with activities of daily living, they exhibit reduced muscle strength and high incidence of reported falls. The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional performance and lower limb muscle strength in women with fibromyalgia and determine the relationship between muscle strength and falls.

Methods

Sixteen females with fibromyalgia and 16 healthy women participated in the study. Pain intensity, fibromyalgia impact on quality of life, physical activity level and fall prevalence were assessed. The peak torque and the rate of torque development were determined in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (hip, knee and ankle joints) using a load cell. The 30 s chair stand, 8 ft up and go, sit and reach, and functional reach tests were used to characterize functional performance.

Findings

Women with fibromyalgia showed deficits in lower limb muscle strength, balance and agility and exhibited decreased knee extension peak torque and rate of torque development. In addition, they showed lower hip adduction and extension peak torque in comparison to the control group (P > 0.05). Hip extension rate of torque development, duration of fibromyalgia symptoms, overall pain, knee pain, and fibromyalgia impact were strong predictors of the number of falls in patients with fibromyalgia (R2 = 0.86; P < 0.05), when considered collectively.

Interpretation

Women with fibromyalgia showed reduced functional performance and lower limb muscle strength, mostly explained by pain. There was a high prevalence of falls in this population, as explained by hip extensors rate of torque development, duration of fibromyalgia symptoms and pain.     

Kinetic alterations independent of walking speed in elderly fallers

OBJECTIVES: To determine if joint kinetic gait alterations in fallers persist when they attempt to walk at a faster speed that is more comparable with nonfallers' comfortable walking speed. DESIGN: Retrospective, case-control study. Stereophotogrammetric and force platform data were collected. SETTING: A gait laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen elderly subjects who had at least 2 falls in the last 6 months from an unclear cause and 23 elderly subjects with no history of repeated falls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differences in all major peak joint kinetic (moment and power) values during the gait cycle between elderly nonfallers walking at comfortable speed and elderly fallers walking at (1) comfortable and (2) fast speed. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences present at both comfortable and fast walking speeds were present in 4 sagittal plane parameters. There was an increase in peak external hip flexion moment in stance, a reduction in peak hip extension moment, a reduction in knee flexion moment in preswing, and a reduction in knee power absorption in preswing. CONCLUSION: The presence and persistence of 4 specific alterations in sagittal plane joint kinetics at both comfortable and fast walking speeds imply specific intrinsic pattern differences and allow for new insights into the mechanics of gait in elderly people who fall. The presence of these alterations also suggests they may serve as potential identifiable markers to detect those who may be at risk for falls.     

Functional Capacity of Oldest Old Living in a Long-stay Institution in Rio De Janeiro,Brazil

[Purpose] A significant increase in the number of oldest old has occurred worldwide. The aim of this study was to characterize the functional capacity of the oldest old residents in a long-stay institution in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. [Subjects and Methods] All participants were evaluated according to the following metrics: anthropometry, body composition (bioelectrical impedance), handgrip strength, balance (Berg scale and stabilometry), ankle mobility (electrogoniometry), physical capacity (six-minute walk test), quality of life (WHOQOL-OLD), and dietary habits (questionnaire). [Results] Twenty elderly subjects with a mean age of 85.75 ± 5.22 years and a mean fat percentage of 39.02 ± 5.49% participated in the study. The group at risk of falls (n = 8) had a lower handgrip strength and walked a shorter distance over the course of six minutes compared with the group not at risk of falls. The obese group (n = 15) had higher values for stabilometric variables than the nonobese group. There was a positive and significant correlation between ankle joint mobility and physical capacity (r = 0.47). [Conclusion] High values for obesity and low values for handgrip strength and physical capacity were associated with worse body balance. Low values for ankle mobility were also associated with worse physical capacity in this population.Key words: Elderly, Functional capacity, Institutionalization     

腰段硬膜外腔布比卡因镇痛后反射改变与下肢运动障碍

目的探讨腰段硬膜外布比卡因止痛后脊神经反射与肌肉运动阻滞的相关差异。方法男性成年患者５０例,随机分为Ａ、Ｂ、Ｃ、Ｄ、Ｅ ５组,每组 １０例,分别在术后双盲法硬膜外注入 ０． １％０． １５％、０． ２％、０． ２５％布比卡因及生理盐水 １０ ｍｌ,注药前后记录目测类比评分（ＶＡＳ）。结果ＶＡＳ评分,Ａ、Ｂ、Ｃ、Ｄ与Ｅ组Ｐ＜０．０１;反射变化,Ａ与Ｅ组Ｐ＞０．０５,Ｂ、Ｃ、Ｄ与Ｅ组Ｐ＜０．０５或０．０１;关节运动变化：Ａ与Ｅ组Ｐ＞０．０５,Ｂ、Ｃ、Ｄ与Ｅ组Ｐ＜０．０１,各组反射与运动变化率相近,但其中反射完全消失率与运动完全消失率之比为５：１。结论布比卡因腰段硬膜外止痛出现运动神经阻滞时,脊神经反射比肌肉运动变化更为敏感,可作为临床示警性指标。