The relationship between trunk symmetry indices and demographic factors in the risk of falling in the older adults

Poster Presentation
Paper ID : 1255-SSRC
Authors
1دانشگاه تهران
2دانشکده تربیت بدنی و علوم ورزشی، دانشگاه تهران
Abstract
Abstract
Background: According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, 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. One of the most common causes of injury in the aging, which affects their health and also causes them to stay away from physical activities, is falling. Therefore, identifying risk factors related to falls can help in preventing and reducing injuries.
Objectives: The aim of the research is to investigate the relationship between trunk symmetry indices, which include indices (anterior trunk symmetry, posterior trunk symmetry, and posture index) with demographic factors (age, weight, height) in the risk of falling in aging men aged 75 to 85 years.
Methods: In the present study, 50 elderly men aged 75 to 85 years were selected in the nursing home of Tehran. Then measurements of trunk symmetry indices were performed. Data analysis in SPSS program and due to the normality of the data, Pearson correlation coefficient was used at a significance level of 95% and the alpha level  0.05 for the relationship between the variables.
Results: Finally, all three indices of anterior and posterior trunk symmetry and posture index had a significant relationship with the demographic index of height, but no significant relationship was found with the age index. Also, in the demographic index of weight, a significant relationship (P≤0.05) was found only with the anterior trunk symmetry index.
Conclusion: The results of the present study show that only increasing age cannot be a factor in increasing the risk of falling. Older people who were taller showed more asymmetry and structural changes in their trunks and also elderly people who gained weight showed changes in their trunks, especially in the anterior and posterior views, which disturbs the balance system of the elderly and increases the risk of falling.
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