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

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, r = −0.45), increased thoracic spine angle (increased kyphosis, r = −0.38), and decreased lumbar spine angle (thoracolumbar segments backward relative to the pelvis, r = 0.48). The decreased lumbar spine angle was significantly correlated with increased thoracic angle (increased kyphosis, r = −0.37), increased pelvic plane angle (increased anterior pelvic tilt, r = −0.49), and decreased knee flexion angle (r = 0.46). Increased TUG time (slower walking speed) was correlated to increased forward head position (r = 0.30) and thoracolumbar segments forward relative to the pelvis (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.