Kinematic analysis of motor strategies in frail aged adults during the Timed Up and Go: how to spot the motor frailty?

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this work was to analyze and compare the movement kinematics of sit-to-stand (STS) and back-to-sit (BTS) transfers between frail aged adults and young subjects, as well as to determine the relationship between kinematic changes and functional capacities.MethodsWe analyzed the Timed Up and Go (TUG) movements by using a 3D movement analysis system for real-time balance assessment in frail elderly. Ten frail aged adults (frail group [FG]) and ten young subjects (young group [YG]) performed the TUG. Seven spatiotemporal parameters were extracted and compared between the two groups. Moreover, these parameters were plotted with TUG test duration.ResultsThe experiments revealed that there were significant differences between FG and YG in trunk angle during both STS and BTS, and in TUG duration. The trunk angle of the young subjects was more than two times higher than that of the FG. As expected, the TUG duration was higher in the FG than in YG. Trunk angles during both transfers were the most different parameters between the groups. However, the BTS trunk angle and STS ratio were more linked to functional capacities.ConclusionThere was a relationship between kinematic changes, representing the motor planning strategies, and physical frailty in these aged adults. These changes should be taken into account in clinical practice.

The association between frailty and detrusor overactivity in older adults

“…However, there is evidence in the literature to suggest that in addition to age-related physiologic changes, age-related cognitive changes in the planning and coordination of movement may also contribute to the decrease in physical aptitude as well, 36 with significant differences in the subtle movement kinematics between young and frail individuals during sit-to-stand and backto-sit during the TUGT. 37 Furthermore, TUGT was chosen over other frailty measures due to its costeffectiveness, simplicity, and ease of administration, making it easily usable and adaptable to other practices as a screening tool for frailty. 24 Prior literature also demonstrates that TUGT is an established measure of frailty in the perioperative setting, 18,20,[23][24][25] making it an optimal measure to use in surgical clinical practice.…”

Walking Along Curved Trajectories. Changes With Age and Parkinson's Disease. Hints to Rehabilitation

“…Older adults tend to reorient their head, shoulder and pelvis simultaneously, followed by foot displacement, regardless of visual condition. The command to implement curved walking implies modification of all the fundamental spatio-temporal variables of gait (105), more so in older adults who frequently fall compared with non-fallers (100). Interestingly, multiple fallers show a simplified turning pattern to assist balance control (106).…”

Association Between Timed Up-and-Go Test and Future Changes in the Frailty Status in a Longitudinal Study of Japanese Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…According to a report that evaluated the complex elements of TUG using a three-dimensional movement analysis system, much more time was spent on sitting movement (back-to-sit transfer) than on rising movement (sit-to-stand transfer) and the forward bending angle of the trunk at the time of rising and sitting became smaller in frail individuals than in non-frail individuals. 39 The former is explained by the fact that it is more difficult for older adults to maintain balance while sitting because visual information is lacking, and gravity increases during sitting but not during the rising movement. The latter was examined because motor prediction is impaired in older adults.…”