ORIGINAL
ARTICLE – abstract
The
effects of physical and non-physical functioning on one-leg standing
Balance in a population of institutionalized adults Altug F.,
Cavlak U.,
Buker N., Kitis A.
Pamukkale
University, School of Physical
Therapy and Rehabilitation in Denizli, Turkey
Abstract
Aim:
To determine the effects of physical and non–physical
functioning on one-leg standing balance ability, eighty five
institutionalized persons older than age 55 (48 women, 37 men; mean age
73.13±8.06) were examined. Methods: This study was carried
out from February 2007 to June 2007 in different two rest homes in
Denizli, Turkey. One- leg standing balance (OLSB) test was performed on
right limb with eyes open and closed. Philadelphia Geriatric Center
Morale Scale (PGCMS), Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) were used to
evaluate the non–physical functioning. To examine physical
functioning of the subjects, Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS), and 6-m.
Walking Speed Test (WST) were also used. All the participants could
perform all five tests. Results: Elderly women had lower scores
regarding all the outcome continuous variables compared to the older
men. Stepwise regression analysis showed that mobility level was the
most effective factor on the one-leg standing balance ability, while
the non–physical functioning had no any effect. Conclusion:
The data support that elderly people with a decreased mobility level
are at risk for standing balance.
Key
words:Institutionalized
elderly, morale status, mental health, mobility level, walking
velocity, balance ability.
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