Correlation between new activity-based balance index with accelerometer data and postural balance in elderly woman

Stability and balance in the elderly are measured using several methods. The purpose of this study was to introduce a new activity based balance index using accelerometer and determine the relationship between this index and postural stability in older woman.

Ninty-two elderly women were selected and participated in this study. For measuring balanace, One Leg Stance, Berg, Functional Reach, 10 m Walking, Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the Fear of Falling tests were used. During the above tests, the acceleration of the center of the body using three axial accelerometer produced by Didehpardaze Saba Co. was recorded.

Data showed significantly negative correlation between balance index and TUG and the 10m walking, respectively (p=0.001, r=-0.503, p=0.001, r=-0664). There was a positive and significant correlation between balance index and fear of falling score (p=0.001, r=0.444). Functional reach test and Berg balance scale significantly correlated with balance index (p=0.001, r=0.395, p=0.001, r=0.336), respectively. The area under curve for receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plots in predicting falling were significant showed sensitivity of 0.857 and a specificity of 0.445.

It can be concluded that the use of accelerometer and new balance index is a reliable and valid method for measuring balance of elderly women, which indicates that the ABI can predict falling in the elderly.