Relationship between standing postural alignments and physical function among elderly women using day service centers in Japan

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Posture and physical function have been quantified in mature adults, but not in elderly females.

OBJECTIVE:

To quantify standing posture and measures of physical function in community-dwelling women over the age of 65 years, and to examine relationships between these variables.

METHODS:

Fifty-three women were recruited from day care service users (average age: 83.7 ± 6.3 years old). Standing postural alignments were assessed using 2-dimensional analyses with a digital video camera. The time up and go test (TUG) and other physical function tests were conducted.

RESULTS:

Decreased lower cervical angle (increased forward head position) was significantly correlated with increased upper cervical angle (increased chin-up, $\mathit{r}=-0.45$ ), increased thoracic spine angle (increased kyphosis, $\mathit{r}=-0.38$ ), and decreased lumbar spine angle (thoracolumbar segments backward relative to the pelvis, $\mathit{r}=0.48$ ). The decreased lumbar spine angle was significantly correlated with increased thoracic angle (increased kyphosis, $\mathit{r}=-0.37$ ), increased pelvic plane angle (increased anterior pelvic tilt, $\mathit{r}=-0.49$ ), and decreased knee flexion angle ( $\mathit{r}=0.46$ ). Increased TUG time (slower walking speed) was correlated to increased forward head position ( $\mathit{r}=0.30$ ) and thoracolumbar segments forward relative to the pelvis ( $\mathit{r}=0.34$ ).

CONCLUSIONS:

Posture and physical function measures were provided for community-dwelling females who were >65 years of age. They did not demonstrate any correlation between measured knee strength, back strength or single leg standing with measures of postural alignment, but TUG showed a moderate correlation with the lower cervical and lumbar spine posture measures.