Comparing tools of balance tests in assessing balance of middle-aged women with or without exercises

Abstract

Background: Fall risks among middle-aged women are relatively high. However, there is a lack of studies on tools of balance tests and their accuracy among middle-aged women. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare three tools of balance tests to predict falls of middle-aged women who exercise regularly and who do not. Methods: Eighty-five middle-aged women (50-64 years old) were included in this study, and 40 women of them (47.1%) exercised regularly. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and 30-second Chair Stand Test (30-s CST) were the tools examined in this study. The numerical data of this study were analyzed by using a Mann-Whitney test. Those were significant if p<0.05. Accuracy of the tools of balance tests was evaluated by using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Area under the curve (AUC) was significant if ≥0.70. Results: Based on this study, the middle-aged women (EG) indicated lower score of TU than sedentary (SG) test (6.9 ± 0.9 vs 8.3 ± 1.7, p = <0.000), and higher score of 30-s than sedentary (SG) test (20.1 ± 3.6 vs 17.2 ± 5.6, p = 0.026). Three participants (3.53%) reported history of falls. The TUG test had better accuracy to predict the falls (AUC 0.922, 95% CI 0.840 -1.005, sensitivity 1.00, specificity 0.84, p=0.013). Mostly, the participants (≈70%) preferred to practice Tai Chi and Yoga. Conclusion:The middle-aged women who exercised could have a better score of the balance tests, and the TUG test could predict falls of them.Latar Belakang: Risiko jatuh pada perempuan paruh baya cukup tinggi. Namun, studi tentang tes keseimbangan dan akurasi tes tersebut pada perempuan paruh baya belum banyak diungkap. Tujuan Penelitian: Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk membandingkan tiga tes keseimbangan dalam memprediksi risiko jatuh pada perempuan paruh baya yang melakukan olahraga dan yang tidak melakukan olahraga.

Feasibility of the modified 30-second sit-to-stand test in an isolation ward of moderate COVID-19

“…A higher score of the m30STS indicates a greater lower extremity strength. 11,15 This test rarely causes fatigue because it only takes 30 sec and is based on the patient's ability. 10,16,17 Furthermore, the m30STS indirectly evaluates the cardiorespiratory fitness, evidenced by a moderate to strong positive correlation with the 6MWT.…”

“…In the healthy elderly, a higher score of m30STS indicated better physical fitness, greater ability to perform the out-of-bed mobilization, especially walking, and could predict fall or recurrent fall incidence. 5,10,11 recurrent fall risks during the out-of-bed mobilization (r = −0.30, p = 0.03). However, all subjects in our study showed a good tolerance of the m30STS, characterized by the absence of desaturation state (SaO 2 <90%), no increased heart rate exceeding the danger threshold (>150 times/min), and no fall incidence.…”

“…This finding is correlated with the natural history of cardiovascular system deterioration and musculoskeletal strength and endurance, especially the lower extremity muscles, which are eventually easy to fatigue while performing daily activities. 6,7,11,15,17,18 Males anatomically have a higher trunk rotation ability which results in a higher torsion for trunk movement for more flexibility, ease, and strength in hip flexion and extension. 20 We did not face any significant difficulty during the test.…”

“…Consistent with previous studies, we found that the m30STS is simple, easy, and safe for moderate COVID-19 patients who are initiating the out-of-bed mobilization activities, such as walking, in an isolation ward. 5,10,11,19 We limited the subjects with SaO 2 <94% to prevent the unpredictable states such as risk of falls and fear of mobilization due to eventual oxygen re-supplementation. In conclusion, the m30STS is a potential and safe tool for moderate COVID-19 patients with SaO 2 >95% without desaturation when initiating the out-of-bed mobilization.…”

“…The movements were repeated as quickly as possible within 30 sec, and the number of successful stands was recorded. [10][11][12][13] The m30STS score was then classified according to the stratification in a healthy elderly population. 13 The SaO 2 and heart rate measurements were performed before and after the m30STS to ensure the patient's safety.…”