Decline in sensorimotor systems explains reduced falls self-efficacy.

Author: Pauelsen M1, Vikman I2, Johansson Strandkvist V3, Larsson A4, Röijezon U5
Affiliation:
1Luleå University of Technology, Department of Health Sciences, Sweden. Electronic address: mascha.pauelsen@ltu.se.
2Luleå University of Technology, Department of Health Sciences, Sweden. Electronic address: irene.vikman@ltu.se.
3Luleå University of Technology, Department of Health Sciences, Sweden. Electronic address: viktor.johansson.strandkvist@ltu.se.
4Luleå University of Technology, Department of Health Sciences, Sweden. Electronic address: Agneta.larsson@ltu.se.
5Luleå University of Technology, Department of Health Sciences, Sweden. Electronic address: ulrik.roijezon@ltu.se.
Conference/Journal: J Electromyogr Kinesiol.
Date published: 2018 Jul 9
Other: Volume ID: 42 , Pages: 104-110 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2018.07.001. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 207


Physical performance including balance tasks is one of the main factors explaining the variance in falls self-efficacy in older adults. Balance performance is often measured by use of gross assessment scales, which assess the result of integration of all systems involved in postural control. We aimed to investigate which measurements of postural control correlate to falls self-efficacy scores as measured by the FES-I instrument, and which sensory and motor systems best explain them. A cross sectional study was designed, in which 45 older adults performed quiet stance and limits of stability trials during which their center of pressure (CoP) excursion was recorded. Falls self-efficacy was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale - International. Eyesight, vestibular function, proprioception, reaction time and strength were also measured. Hierarchical orthogonal projection of latent structures was used to model FES-I with the CoP trials and then with the sensory and muscle function data. Fes-I could be explained to 39%, with the eyes open trials and the limits of stability trials loading the heaviest. The base model could be explained to 40% using the sensory and muscle function data, with lower limb strength, leg proprioception, neck proprioception, reaction time and eyesight loading the heaviest.

KEYWORDS: Aging; Fear; Postural balance; Posture; Self efficacy

PMID: 30015133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2018.07.001

BACK