Successful 10-second one-legged stance performance predicts survival in middle-aged and older individuals

Abstract

ObjectivesBalance quickly diminishes after the mid-50s increasing the risk for falls and other adverse health outcomes. Our aim was to assess whether the ability to complete a 10- s one-legged stance (10-second OLS) is associated with all-cause mortality and whether it adds relevant prognostic information beyond ordinary demographic, anthropometric and clinical data.MethodsAnthropometric, clinical and vital status and 10-s OLS data were assessed in 1702 individuals (68% men) aged 51–75 years between 2008 and 2020. Log-rank and Cox modelling were used to compare survival curves and risk of death according to ability (YES) or inability (NO) to complete the 10-s OLS test.ResultsOverall, 20.4% of the individuals were classified as NO. During a median follow-up of 7 years, 7.2% died, with 4.6% (YES) and 17.5% (NO) on the 10-s OLS. Survival curves were worse for NO 10-s OLS (log-rank test=85.6; p<0.001). In an adjusted model incorporating age, sex, body mass index and comorbidities, the HR of all-cause mortality was higher (1.84 (95% CI: 1.23 to 2.78) (p<0.001)) for NO individuals. Adding 10-s OLS to a model containing established risk factors was associated with significantly improved mortality risk prediction as measured by differences in −2 log likelihood and integrated discrimination improvement.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of uncontrolled variables such as recent history of falls and physical activity, the ability to successfully complete the 10-s OLS is independently associated with all-cause mortality and adds relevant prognostic information beyond age, sex and several other anthropometric and clinical variables. There is potential benefit to including the 10-s OLS as part of routine physical examination in middle-aged and older adults.

Effectiveness of Exercise in Patients with Overweight or Obesity Suffering from Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Consequently, physical activity is a key intervention to increase the individual functional capacity. Recently, another physical test [ 32 ] has been proposed; this is the 10 s one-legged stance performance, which predicts survival in middle-aged and older individuals, and may be a part of a routine physical examination, including of KO patients.…”

“…In regards to age, overweight or obesity, body composition, and ageing are associated with a progressive decline in physical fitness [ 39 ], including muscle strength, muscle power, flexibility, balance, and body composition [ 32 ]. The knee joint is crucial to corporal balance.…”

“…Furthermore, there is an expert consensus that the combination of sarcopenic obesity and loss of flexibility and balance is harmful to overall health, increasing the fragility of older people and, consequently, the risk of falls [ 55 ]. This is an important issue because falls are the second-highest cause of unintentional injury-based deaths worldwide [ 32 ]. Moreover, the number of accidents in the geriatric population older than 65 years old is increasing, for which the common cause is a multifunctional gait disorder [ 56 ].…”

Test-Retest reliability and preliminary reliable change estimates for Sway Balance tests administered remotely in community-dwelling adults

“…Telehealth, including health services provided using audio/video technology, not only provides access to rural or underserved communities, but is also becoming more commonplace since the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, where more frequent assessments are advantageous such as fall-risk intervention for older adults (24,26) and person's with a neurodegenerative disease (i.e., Parkinson's disease) (25), or with mTBI/concussion management for tracking a patient's recovery (3)(4)(5)(6), telehealth options may increase patient satisfaction, provide efficient and quality care, and also minimize healthcare costs.…”

“…The BESS is also used in research relating to chronic ankle instability ( 11 , 12 ) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction ( 13 ), exercise-induced dehydration ( 14 ), exposure to toxins, such as diesel fuel exhaust ( 15 ), and in interventions to improve balance in youth athletes ( 16 – 18 ), adults who are obese ( 19 ), older adults ( 20 – 24 ), and older adults with Parkinson's disease ( 25 ). In a recent study, older adults who could not complete a simple 10-second one-leg balance stance had lower survival rates over a median of 7 years, even when controlling for age, sex, obesity, and clinical comorbidities, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes ( 26 ).…”