Trunk symmetry indices can affect the risk of falling in older adults (Correlational study)

Abstract

Abstract Background According to the statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of aging people is increasing. Paying attention to the issues, needs and diseases of this stage is a social necessity to maintain health and functional ability. Falling is one of the most common causes of injury in aging people and affects their health. In this regard, it is necessary to diagnose and evaluate aging patients at risk of falling with noninvasive and low-cost methods. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between trunk symmetry indices and the risk of falling in aging men. Methods In the present study, 50 elderly men between 75 and 85 years old were selected. Then, height and weight were measured, and anatomical points were marked on the subjects in three views. To assess the risk of falling, time up and go and functional reach tests were used. Then, with the Photoshop program, the measurements of each line and the markings of each subject were calculated with the formula for each index. The data were analyzed in the SPSS program, and the normality of the data was considered for the relationships between the variables according to the Pearson correlation coefficient at a significance level of 95% (P ≤ 0.05), which was used to evaluate the ability of the indicators to predict the risk of falling. Simple linear regression was used. Results Finally, the anterior and posterior trunk symmetry indices and body posture indices were significantly related to the fall risk, except for the anterior trunk symmetry index, which was significantly related to the time up and go test (P ≤ 0.05), and the ability to predict the risk of falling. Conclusion The results of the present study show that the presence of asymmetries and structural changes in the posture of the trunk in all three anterior, posterior and lateral views during aging causes disturbances in the balance system of people and increases the risk of falling.