动态平衡训练仪治疗老年脑卒中后倾斜综合征的临床疗效

目的探讨动态平衡训练仪治疗脑卒中后倾斜(pusher)综合征的临床疗效。方法老年脑卒中后pusher综合征患者46例随机数字表法分为治疗组和对照组各23例。两组均给予常规康复训练,治疗组在此基础上增加动态平衡训练仪训练。治疗前、治疗后4 w和8 w采用躯干控制能力测试(TCT)、Berg平衡功能量表(BBS)和改良的Barthel指数(MBI)评估两组躯干控制功能、平衡功能和日常生活活动(ADL)能力。结果治疗4 w和8 w后,两组TCT、BBS和MBI评分均显著改善(P0.05);且治疗4 w后,治疗组TCT评分显著优于对照组(P0.05);治疗8 w后,治疗组TCT、BBS和MBI评分均显著优于对照组(P0.05)。结论动态平衡训练仪联合常规康复训练可显著提高老年脑卒中后pusher综合征患者躯干控制能力、平衡功能及ADL能力。     

XPH-B平衡仪联合躯干核心控制训练对帕金森病患者平衡功能的干预研究

目的 通过XPH-B平衡仪联合躯干核心控制训练干预,探索其对帕金森病患者平衡功能的影响。方法 纳入帕金森病患者40例,单盲随机分为对照组20例和治疗组20例。对照组进行常规康复治疗,治疗组患者在常规康复治疗的基础上再进行平衡仪联合躯干核心控制训练,两组均1次/天,40分钟/次,5次/周,共干预3周。使用XPH-B平衡仪、Berg平衡量表评分、TUGT测试时间作为客观评价指标对两组患者进行治疗前后平衡功能评定。使用SPSS 20.0进行数据统计分析。结果 对照组和治疗组基线数据无显著性差异。对照组和治疗组在干预3周后,与基线相比,平衡相关数据、TUGT测试时间显著减少,Berg平衡量表评分显著提高,跌倒风险指数显著降低(P<0.001)。治疗组与对照组相比,在3周干预后平衡相关数据、TUGT测试时间显著减少,跌倒风险指数显著降低(P<0.01),Berg平衡量表评分显著提高(P<0.05)。结论 常规的康复训练对帕金森病患者平衡具有改善作用,在此基础上使用XPH-B平衡仪联合躯干核心控制训练的方法可更有效改善帕金森病患者的平衡能力,进一步降低跌倒风险,提高患者生活质量,...     

虚拟现实技术功能训练联合平衡针对脑卒中偏瘫患者康复疗效观察

目的分析虚拟现实技术功能训练联合平衡针对脑卒中偏瘫患者肢体功能、日常生活能力和平衡功能的影响。方法将本院收治的96例脑卒中偏瘫患者分为对照组采取虚拟现实技术功能训练,观察组在对照组治疗基础上应用平衡针治疗,两组各48例。比较两组患者治疗前和治疗后1个月Fugl-Meyer量表(FMA)评分、平衡能力测试及改良Barthel指数(MBI)评分。结果治疗1个月后两组患者FMA评分均明显增加;观察组治疗后FMA评分与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(t=4. 46、4. 47,P 0. 01)。两组患者平衡功能均有改善,且观察组的改善幅度较对照组更为显著差异有统计学意义(t=6. 30、13. 57,P 0. 01)。两组MBI评分均明显增加;观察组治疗后MBI评分与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(t=4. 02,P 0. 01)。结论在虚拟现实技术功能训练的基础上,应用平衡针不仅可有效提高脑卒中偏瘫患者的肢体运动功能,而且可有效促进平衡功能的恢复,亦能够显著改善患者日常生活活动能力。     

姿势控制训练结合核心肌群训练对脑卒中患者运动功能的影响

目的:探讨姿势控制结合核心肌群训练对脑卒中患者下肢运动功能、平衡功能及步行能力的影响。方法:选择2015年12月到2017年12月我院收治的94例脑卒中偏瘫恢复期患者。患者被随机均分为常规康复组和联合训练组(在常规康复组基础上接受姿势控制和核心肌群训练),两组均治疗4周。观察比较两组治疗前后Fugl-Meyer运动功能量表(FMA)评分、Berg平衡量表(BBS)评分以及Holden步行功能分级(FAC)。结果:与治疗前比较,两组治疗4周后下肢FMA评分、BBS评分及FAC分级均显著升高,P均=0.001。与常规康复组比较,治疗4周后,联合训练组下肢FMA评分[(22.61±1.84)分比(25.84±1.67)分]、BBS评分[(23.28±1.92)分比(28.82±1.36)分]以及FAC分级[(2.96±0.71)级比(4.02±0.46)级]升高更显著,P均=0.001。结论:姿势控制训练结合核心肌群训练可明显促进脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢运动功能的恢复,改善平衡,提高步行能力,值得临床推广。     

本体感觉神经肌肉促进技术颈部运动模式对慢性脑卒中患者躯干控制与平衡功能的影响

目的:观察本体感觉神经肌肉促进技术(PNF)颈部运动模式对慢性脑卒中患者躯干控制与平衡功能的作用。方法:选择2014年2月到2016年12月我院收治的101例慢性脑卒中患者。患者被随机分为常规训练组(50例)和PNF组(51例,在常规训练组基础上加用PNF颈部运动模式训练),疗程为4周。测量比较两组训练前后躯干损伤量表(TIS)各维度分及总分、Berg平衡量表(BBS)得分、起立-行走计时测试(TUG)时间。结果:与训练前比较,训练4周后两组TIS各维度分及总分、BBS得分均显著升高,TUG时间显著缩短,P0.05或0.01;与常规训练组比较,PNF组训练4周后静态坐位平衡得分[(5.20±0.83)分比(5.90±0.70)分]、动态坐位平衡得分[(7.35±0.67)分比(7.86±0.72)分]、协调得分[(3.85±0.76)分比(4.67±0.73)分]、TIS总分[(16.80±1.50)分比(18.43±1.60)分]和BBS得分[(37.40±3.45)分比(40.10±3.27)分]升高更显著,TUG时间[(16.84±3.22)s比(15.18±1.83)s]降低更显著,P均0.01。结论:本体感觉神经肌肉促进技术颈部运动模式可以显著提高慢性脑卒中患者的躯干控制与平衡能力,值得推广。     

重心控制训练对脑卒中患者平衡功能的影响

目的探讨重心控制训练对脑卒中患者平衡功能的影响。方法将64例脑卒中患者随机分为对照组和观察组各32例。两组患者均予以传统的平衡功能训练,观察组患者在此基础上增加PRO-KIN平衡仪进行重心控制训练。分别于治疗前及治疗4周后评定两组患者静态姿势图的重心摆动外周面积(ENV area),评定Berg平衡量表(Berg Balance Scale,BBS)评分,并进行比较分析。结果经过4周治疗后,观察组患者重心摆动外周面积(ENV area)显著低于对照组患者(P0.01),Berg平衡量表(BBS)评分显著高于对照组患者(P0.01)。结论重心控制训练可有效提高脑卒中偏瘫患者的平衡能力。     

膝控制矫形器治疗老年重症卒中偏瘫患者康复疗效观察

目的探讨穿戴膝控制矫形器进行康复治疗对中老年重度卒中偏瘫患者下肢功能恢复的影响。方法符合入组标准的28例下肢本体感觉受累和(或)合并单侧空间忽略的偏瘫患者,分为矫形器组(常规康复治疗的基础上佩戴膝矫形器进行直立体位治疗,14例)和对照组(包括直立位训练的常规康复治疗,14例)2组。分别于训练前和训练后1月采用Fugl-Meyer下肢运动功能评定量表、Brunel平衡量表、Holden步行功能分级、划线试验和改良Barthel指数等对患者的运动、平衡、行走和日常生活能力进行评价。结果 1月后2组间比较,除划线试验、Fugl-Meyer下肢运动功能评定量表评分无显著性差异外,Brunel平衡量表、Holden步行功能量表、改良Barthel指数得分均有显著性差异(P0.05或P0.01),矫形器组疗效明显优于对照组。结论膝控制矫形器对重度老年卒中偏瘫患者下肢功能性活动能力恢复有较好的疗效,可积极推荐使用。     

前庭旋转训练对脑卒中偏瘫患者平衡功能的影响

目的探讨前庭旋转训练对脑卒中患者平衡功能的影响。方法46例脑卒中偏瘫患者随机分成两组:治疗组23例,采用前庭旋转训练,配合常规康复训练;对照组23例,仅进行常规康复训练。每天1次,每周训练6次,共4周。评价指标采用Berg平衡量表、Fugl-Meyer运动评分和Barthel指数法。每位患者均在治疗开始前和全部治疗结束后进行评定。结果两组对象在试验开始前评价指标比较差异无统计学意义,训练4周后治疗组的平衡、运动功能和生活活动能力均有明显改善,与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论前庭旋转训练对脑卒中患者的平衡功能恢复比单纯常规康复训练具有更佳的疗效,且平衡能力的改善有助于脑卒中患者下肢运动功能及日常生活活动能力的提高。     

虚拟现实康复锻炼对老年脑出血偏瘫患者肢体功能、神经功能、平衡功能及生活质量的影响

目的探讨虚拟现实康复锻炼对老年脑出血偏瘫患者肢体功能、神经功能、平衡功能及生活质量的影响。方法选择老年脑出血偏瘫患者62例,采用随机数字表法随机分为对照组31例与观察组31例。对照组采用神经内科常规药物及常规康复训练,进行早期自主及被动常规训练;观察组在对照组基础上结合虚拟现实康复锻炼。两组疗程均为4 w。比较两组干预前后肢体功能、神经功能[采用美国国立卫生研究院脑卒中量表(NIHSS)测定]、改良Barthel指数(MBI)评分、平衡功能及生活质量改善情况。结果两组干预后Fugel-Meyer运动量表(FMA)评分和简易上肢功能评分(STEF)较干预前显著增加(P0.05);观察组干预后FMA和STEF评分显著高于对照组(P0.05)。两组干预后NIHSS评分较干预前显著降低,而MBI评分较干预前显著增加(P0.05);观察组干预后NIHSS评分显著低于对照组,而MBI评分显著高于对照组(P0.05)。两组干预后NIHSS评分较干预前显著降低,而MBI评分较干预前显著增加(P0.05);观察组干预后NIHSS评分显著低于对照组,而MBI评分显著高于对照组(P0.05)。两组干预后躯体功能、认知功能、社会功能和情绪功能评分较干预前显著增加(P0.05);观察组干预后躯体功能、认知功能、社会功能和情绪功能评分显著高于对照组(P0.05)。结论虚拟现实康复锻炼可改善老年脑出血偏瘫患者肢体功能、神经功能、平衡功能及生活质量。     

强化姿势控制对伴高血压病AIS患者运动功能的影响

目的 观察分析早期强化姿势控制训练对伴有高血压病的急性缺血性脑卒中(AIS)偏瘫患者的疗效。方法 选取2020年10月至2021年9月于内蒙古自治区人民医院神经内科收治的伴高血压病的急性缺血性脑卒中偏瘫患者104例为研究对象,分为常规训练组(n=52)和联合训练组(n=52)。两组患者均给予早期常规康复治疗,联合训练组在常规训练组基础上给予强化姿势控制训练,两组均治疗4周。4周后分别采用FugI-Meyer运动量表(FMA)、Berg平衡量表(BBS)、Barthel指数表(MBI)以及Holden步行功能分级(FAC)评估并比较两组治疗前后肢体运动功能、平衡能力、日常生活能力和步行能力差异,并分析治疗后两组的差异。结果 与治疗前比较,两组治疗4周后FMA、BBS、MBI评分和FAC分级均显著提高(P均<0.001),且联合训练组FMA、BBS、MBI评分显著高于常规训练组(P<0.001),但治疗后联合训练组FAC分级较常规训练组无显著性差异(P=0.199)。结论 早期康复能明显改善伴有高血压病的急性缺血性脑卒中偏瘫患者的运动功能恢复,强化姿势控制训练对其运动功能提高更...     

计算机辅助姿态平衡训练对小脑卒中后平衡障碍的影响

目的 探讨计算机辅助姿态平衡训练系统联合Bobath平衡训练对小脑卒中后平衡障碍的疗效.方法 40例小脑卒中后平衡障碍患者随机分为联合训练组和对照组,每组各20例,对照组给予Bobath平衡训练等常规康复治疗,联合训练组在此基础上使用计算机辅助姿态平衡训练系统进行康复治疗.在治疗前后采用Berg平衡量表(Berg Balance Scale,BBS)、改良Barthel指数(modifiedBarthel Index,mBI)和Fugl-Meyer评定量表(Fugl-Meyer Assessment,FMA)评价平衡功能、日常生活活动能力以及运动功能,并采用计算机辅助姿态平衡训练系统根据重心轨迹长度、轨迹矩形面积和轨迹外周面积进行姿势平衡能力评定.结果 两组患者治疗前各项指标均无显著统计学差异,治疗后BBS、mBI和FMA评分均较治疗前显著提高(P均＜0.001),重心轨迹长、轨迹矩形面积和轨迹外周面积均较治疗前显著下降(P ＜0.001或0.05);除FMA评分外,联合训练组治疗后各项指标均显著优于对照组(P均＜0.05).结论 在Bobath平衡训练基础上使用计算机辅助姿态平衡训练系统能显著改善小脑卒中后的平衡障碍和肢体运动能力,从而提高日常生活活动能力.     

改良强制性运动对老年帕金森病患者运动功能的影响

目的探讨改良强制性运动对于老年帕金森病患者运动功能的影响。方法将39例原发性帕金森病老年患者随机分为治疗组（20例）和对照组（19例）,均按常规神经内科治疗,并接受试验前、后两次康复讲座和咨询,治疗组进行8W的改良强制性运动训练。试验前后对两组患者进行简易上肢机能检查和Berg平衡量表评价。结果两组患者简易上肢机能检查评分均有改善,治疗组评分提高（20．7±15．17）,对照组评分提高（6．69±9．99）,差异有统计学意义沪〈0．01）。Berg平衡量表评分两组均有改善,治疗组评分提高（5．7±4．5）分,对照组提高（2．1±2．5）分,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论改良强制性运动对帕金森病患者上肢运动功能和下肢平衡协调能力提高有较好的疗效。     

Independent and combined effect of home-based progressive resistance training and nutritional supplementation on muscle strength,muscle mass and physical function in dynapenic older adults with low protein intake: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundWith the aging phenomenon, there is growing interest in developing effective strategies to counteract dynapenia, the age-related loss of muscle strength. The positive effect of progressive resistance training on muscle strength is well known, however, the effect of nutritional supplementation or its synergistic effect along with exercise on muscle strength is not a consensus in the literature, especially in populations with low protein intake.MethodsWe analyzed the muscle strength (handgrip strength and sit-to-stand test), muscle mass, body mass index, insulin resistance, and physical function (gait speed, timed up & go test, and single-leg-stance test) of 69 dynapenic older adults with low protein intake, before and after the intervention period of three months. The participants were randomly allocated into four groups: resistance training, supplementation, resistance training plus supplementation, and control.ResultsThere was a significant group x time interaction on the following outcome measures: handgrip strength (p < 0.001), gait speed (p = 0.023), and sit-to-stand test (p < 0.001). Considering the outcomes that showed a significant difference between and within groups, only the resistance training group and the resistance training plus supplementation group showed a large effect size in handgrip strength, gait speed, and sit-to-stand test, whereas the supplementation group showed a moderate effect size in gait speed. After the intervention period, there was no difference between the resistance training and the resistance training plus supplementation groups.ConclusionThis study reinforces the value of resistance training in improving muscle strength. The nutritional supplementation added no further benefits in this specific population.Registration number at the Brazilian registry of clinical trials: RBR-4HRQJF.     

计算机辅助认知训练对脑损伤患者认知功能和抑郁的影响

目的观察计算机辅助的认知训练对脑损伤患者认知功能和抑郁的影响。方法采用单盲方法,选择脑损伤后18d至1年,有认知功能障碍和抑郁症状的患者46例,随机分为计算机辅助训练组（26例）和传统康复训练组（20例）。所有患者均接受传统康复训练（Bobath、Brunnstrom等神经发育促进技术,2次／d,30～40min／次）和药物治疗。同时给予辅助训练组患者计算机辅助认知训练,30min／次,2次／d。训练时间均为5周。认知功能判断采用神经行为认知功能检查量表（NCSE）和画钟试验,并结合临床判定;抑郁状态评定采用汉密尔顿抑郁量表（HAMD,〉8分为抑郁）。结果训练前,辅助训练组与传统康复训练组NCSE量表的定向能力、专注能力、语言能力、记忆能力、计算能力、推理能力、结构组织能力评分,画钟试验评分及HAMD评分,差异均无统计学意义,P〉0．05。①训练后,两组NCSE量表各项评分及画钟试验评分均较训练前提高（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）;与传统康复训练组比较,辅助训练组除结构组织能力外,NCSE其他各项评分及画钟试验评分均提高,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。②训练后,辅助训练组HAMD评分较训练前显著降低（P〈0．01）,传统康复训练组无明显改变;辅助训练组HAMD评分较传统康复训练组下降（P〈0．05）。结论计算机辅助的认知训练能够改善脑损伤患者认知功能障碍,并使抑郁症状得到改善。     

Step-by-step inpatient rehabilitation for critical illness after coronavirus disease 2019: A CARE-compliant case report

Introduction:Since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, COVID-19 has become a worldwide pandemic. Muscle weakness and deconditioning caused by COVID-19-induced critical illness requires rehabilitation.Patient concerns:A 74-year-old male patient complained of general weakness after COVID-19, requiring ventilator treatment.Diagnosis:He was confirmed as having COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction test.Interventions:During admission in the intensive care unit, medical staff wearing level D protective equipment performed the bedside manual range of motion exercise. After a negative COVID-19 test, the patient was transferred to a general ward, where sitting balance training and pulmonary rehabilitation were additionally performed by rehabilitation therapists wearing protective gear. When the patient was able to stand up with support, standing balance training and sit-to-stand training were performed.Outcomes:After a month of rehabilitation, the patient could sit alone, but he needed help with standing balance. The Berg Balance Scale score improved from 0 to 4, and the Modified Barthel Index score improved from 8 to 18. He was able to breathe in room air without an oxygen supply.Lessons:This case report shows an example of how safe and effective rehabilitation can be provided to COVID-19 patients.     

The efficacy of a specific balance-strategy training programme for preventing falls among older people: a pilot randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND: older people participate in exercise programmes to reduce the risk of falls but no study has investigated a specific balance strategy training intervention presented in a workstation format for small groups. OBJECTIVE: to determine whether a specific balance strategy training programmeme delivered in a workstation format was superior to a community based exercise class programme for reducing falls. DESIGN: a randomised controlled trial model. SETTING: Neurological Disorders, Ageing and Balance Clinic, Department of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland. SUBJECTS: 73 males and females over 60 years, living independently in the community and who had fallen in the previous year were recruited. METHODS: all subjects received a falls risk education booklet and completed an incident calendar for the duration of the study. Treatment sessions were once a week for 10 weeks. Subject assessment before and after intervention and at 3 months follow-up included number of falls, co-morbidities, medications, community services and activity level, functional motor ability, clinical and laboratory balance measures and fear of falling. RESULTS: all participants significantly reduced the number of falls (P < 0.000). The specific balance strategy intervention group showed significantly more improvement in functional measures than the control group (P = 0.034). Separate group analyses indicated significantly improved performance in functional motor ability and most clinical balance measures for the balance group (P < 0.04). The control group only improved in TUG and TUGcog. CONCLUSIONS: the results provide evidence that all participants achieved a significant reduction in falls. Specific balance strategy training using workstations is superior to traditional exercise classes for improving function and balance.     

动态腕手矫形器辅助下的动作观察疗法训练对脑卒中患者手功能的影响

目的探讨动态腕手矫形器辅助下的动作观察疗法训练对脑卒中后偏瘫患者手功能的影响。 方法选取苏州瑞盛康复医院神经康复科自2017年3月至2020年9月收治的脑卒中后偏瘫手功能障碍患者40例,采用随机数字表法将其分为对照组（20例）和观察组（20例）。对照组进行常规康复治疗+动作观察疗法训练,观察组进行常规康复治疗+动态腕手矫形器辅助下的动作观察疗法训练。于治疗前、治疗4周后分别用改良Ashworth痉挛评定量表（MAS）评定手部的屈肌张力,Fugl-Meyer上肢运动功能评定量表（FMA-UE）评定手腕及手的运动功能,改良Barthel指数（MBI）评定患者的日常生活能力情况。 结果2组患者治疗后的MAS评分均较治疗前明显降低,且观察组低于对照组,差异均具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。2组FMA-UE评分、MBI指数评分均较治疗前明显提高,且观察组高于对照组,差异均具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论动态腕手矫形器辅助下的动作观察疗法训练可以提高脑卒中患者手的运动功能及日常生活活动能力。     

Evaluation of an ergonomically modified bed to enhance mobilization in geriatric rehabilitation

The number of older patients with decreased capacity to independently perform a sit-to-stand transfer will increase during the next decade. It was hypothesized that an ergonomically modified bed prototype would either allow patients to stand up from the prototype independently or with reduced impact on the lower extremities. Standing up from the prototype was examined by force plate measurements in 30 patients of a geriatric rehabilitation hospital (median age 83.5 years). Nine of the patients were not able to stand up from the bed without arm rests, but were able to stand up with the help of arm rests. In those 21 patients, able to stand up even without arm rests, the use of arm rests caused a lower maximum vertical ground reaction force (p=0.03). No differences in quality concerning using or not using the armrests were documented neither for the time to stand up nor for symmetry of ground reaction force. In summary, the study shows that an ergonomically modified bed adds increased independency during the sit-to-stand transfer in selected patients. The reduction of peak vertical ground reaction force by using arm rests could be beneficial for certain patient groups.     

改良综合康复疗法对卒中急性期中重度偏瘫患者疗效的观察

目的 探讨改良综合康复治疗对卒中急性期中重度偏瘫患者肢体康复的疗效。方法将40例卒中急性期中重度偏瘫患者按照入院病历号单双顺序,分为综合康复组21例和一般康复组19例。部分抽取传统的Bobath疗法、强制性运动疗法及运动想象疗法用于综合康复组,一般康复组接受传统的Bobath疗法。两组康复训练时间均为40min,2次/d,每周5 d,治疗时间为4周。两组分别在治疗前及治疗后4周时,进行Fugl-Meyer运动功能量表（FMA）评分和功能独立性量表（FIM）评分。结果治疗前,综合康复组和一般康复组FMA评分分别为13.8±1.9和14.2±1.4,FIM评分均为48±8;治疗后4周时,综合康复组的FMA评分（37±8）高于一般康复组（29±6）,t=3.55,P〈0.01;综合康复组FIM评分（79±8）高于一般康复组（67±8）,t=4.74,P〈0.01,差异有统计学意义。结论将传统的Bobath疗法、强制性运动疗法及运动想象疗法进行部分抽取,综合使用,较单独使用传统的Bobath疗法,对急性期中重度偏瘫患者肢体康复的疗效可能更佳。     

Physical fatigue affects gait characteristics in older persons

BACKGROUND: Fatigue affects self-reported functioning in older persons. Balance and gait problems increase fall risk. The effect of physical fatigue in the elderly population in general, and on balance control during walking in particular is not well known. This study investigates how a repeated sit-to-stand task affects gait control in older persons. METHODS: Twenty-two persons (mean age 78 years) took part in a fatigue group (FG), and 22 persons (mean age 80 years) in a matched control group (CG). Participants walked back and forth on a walkway at different walking speeds. Gait data were adjusted for pretest-posttest differences in walking speed. The FG participants were physically fatigued by a repeated sit-to-stand task. Trunk data were obtained by a triaxial accelerometer and foot level data by an electronic walkway. RESULTS: There were no group differences in preferred gait speed (p =.96) or in step length (p =.47) following the fatiguing task, but there were significant increases in step width (p =.023) and in mediolateral trunk acceleration amplitude (p =.038) in the FG group. Step-length variability (p =.004) and interstride trunk acceleration variability in the vertical direction (p =.002) increased, and tended to increase in the anteroposterior direction (p =.10) and to decrease in the mediolateral direction (p =.10) in the FG only. CONCLUSION: Gait changes following a physical fatiguing task agree with changes previously found in older persons at risk of falling, suggesting that physical fatigue may represent a risk factor for falls in elderly persons.