Article

Sit-to-stand (STS) movements are essential for daily activities. Failure to
perform STS movements efficiently and smoothly may lead to falls. In this study,
we developed a forceplate to analyze vertical ground reaction force (VGRF), STS
duration and generated muscle power to investigate which parameters were fall
status predictors. A total of 105 participants were included in this study and
were grouped into those (1) aged between 20 and 30 years (Young), (2) aged above
65 years without a history of falling (Non-fallers) and (3) aged above 65 with a
history of falling in the past 12 months (Fallers). The results indicated a
significantly higher maximal lower limb muscle power (MP) for the Young (9.05 +/-
3.66 W/kg), followed by Non-fallers (5.50 +/- 2.02W/kg) and Fallers (3.66 +/-
1.45 W/kg) as well as higher modified falls efficacy scale (MFES) scores for the
Young (Young: 9.88 +/- 0.10; Non-fallers: 6.27 +/- 1.40; Fallers: 4.83 +/- 0.89)
and shorter times for the five times sit-to-stand test (FSTST) for the young
(Young: 6.09 +/- 2.20 s; Non-fallers: 15.65 +/- 3.30s; Fallers: 19.82 +/- 4.46
s). There was a significant difference between the Young group and the
Non-fallers in the maximal vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) (138.79 +/-
24.20 N/BW in Young, 117.51 +/- 8.57 N/BW in old Non-fallers, p < 0.01), and
there was a significant difference between the Non-fallers and the Fallers in the
duration of the STS movement (2.74 +/- 0.87 s for the Non-fallers, 4.27 +/- 2.56
s for the Fallers, p < 0.01). The regression analysis results further indicated
that only MP and the STS stabilization phase could differentiate individuals who
had past fall events. Therefore, the equipment we developed could potentially be
useful in the assessment and monitoring of balance and the risk of falling in
older people.
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Langue : ANGLAIS