Correlation between hip ankle flexibility and postural balance in elderly

Falling is a common problem in elderly. Researches show that impairment of balance and postural control plays a major role in falling. It is suggested that there is a positive correlation between hip and ankle flexibility and falling in elderly. This study aimed to determine if there is a correlation between hip ankle flexibility and postural balance in elderly In this cross sectional study، 30 elderly (22men and 8 women) subjects (aged 71±7 yrs) were participated. The Berg Balance Scale and the range of motions of ankle dorsiflexion، passive hip extension، iliopsoas length were measured and the relationship between them was investigated. Results showed that the correlation between ankle dorsiflexion range of motion، passive hip extension and iliopsoas length with balance were direct and significant based on Pearson''s test (p<0. 05). There was no relationship between age and balance، but balance in men was better than women. It seems that there is a relationship between hip and ankle flexibility and balance in older people، and this index can be used as a criterion to predict falls in elderly people.