Balance, postural control and muscle strength in osteoporotic elderly women with and without falls

Abstract

Falls are one of the biggest public health problems in the elderly population, worsening when related to the presence of osteoporosis. Among the various risk factors are highlighted decreased balance, muscle strength and postural control. This study aim is to compare the balance, postural control and muscle strength in osteoporotic elderly women with and without falls reported in the last year. We evaluated 45 women between 65 and 85 years, divided into two groups, based on reports of falls in the 12 months prior to assessment: group with falls (n=21) and group without falls (n=24). Balance was assessed using the Berg balance scale; postural control by the modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance (mCTSIB); performed by equipment Balance Master®, and muscle strength of knee flexors and extensors and ankle extensor by the dynamometer® EMG System of Brazil. We considered the level of significance α=0.05. There were significant differences in balance (p<0.01) and the speed of oscillation of the center of pressure (CP) during the test conditions mCTSIB eyes closed surface (p=0.05) and unstable eyes open (p<0.01), with higher values for the group with falls. The groups were similar to muscle strength (p>0.05). Our results indicate that osteoporotic elderly women with a history of falls in the last 12 months have poor balance and postural control in elderly osteoporotic compared to those without falls.