Article

Increasing leg strength, leg power and overall balance can improve mobility and
reduce fall risk. Sensor-based assessment of peak power during the sit-to-stand
(STS) transfer may be useful for detecting changes in mobility and fall risk.
Therefore, this study investigated whether sensor-based STS peak power and
related measures are sensitive to the effects of increasing leg strength, leg
power and overall balance in older adults. A further aim was to compare
sensitivity between sensor-based STS measures and standard clinical measures of
leg strength, leg power, balance, mobility and fall risk, following an
exercise-based intervention. To achieve these aims, 26 older adults (age: 70-84
years) participated in an eight-week exercise program aimed at improving leg
strength, leg power and balance. Before and after the intervention, performance
on normal and fast STS transfers was evaluated with a hybrid motion sensor worn
on the hip. In addition, standard clinical tests (isometric quadriceps strength,
Timed Up and Go test, Berg Balance Scale) were performed. Standard clinical tests
as well as sensor-based measures of peak power, maximal velocity and duration of
normal and fast STS showed significant improvements. Sensor-based measurement of
peak power, maximal velocity and duration of normal STS demonstrated a higher
sensitivity (absolute standardized response mean (SRM): >/= 0.69) to the effects
of training leg strength, leg power and balance than standard clinical measures
(absolute SRM: </= 0.61). Therefore, the presented sensor-based method appears to
be useful for detecting changes in mobility and fall risk.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS