Dataset Information

Association ankle function and balance in community-dwelling older adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Ankle function declines with age. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between ankle function and balance in older adults, with a focus on range of motion (ROM) and strength.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study that included 88 healthy community-dwelling older adults. Ankle mobility was measured while bearing weight (lunge test) and not bearing weight. The plantar-flexor muscle strength was assessed using a hand-held dynamometer. Balance was measured in terms of dynamic balance and mobility (timed up and go test), monopodal and bipodal static balance with open and closed eyes (single-leg stand test and platform measures), and margins of stability (functional reach test). Linear correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted with a 95% CI.

Results and discussion

Most participants had limited ankle mobility (n = 75, 86%). Weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM was the strongest predictor of dynamic balance and included general mobility and stability ([Formula: see text] = [0.34]; ? = [-0.50]). In contrast, plantar-flexor muscle strength was a significant predictor of static standing balance with open eyes ([Formula: see text] = [0.16-0.2]; ? = [0.29-0.34]). Overall, weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM was a more representative measure of balance and functional performance; however, a non-weight-bearing mobility assessment provides complementary information. Therefore, both measures can be used in clinical practice.

Conclusion

This study supports the concept that ankle mobility contributes to the performance of dynamic tasks, while the plantar-flexor muscle strength helps to develop a standing static balance. Identification of alterations in ankle function is warranted and may assist in the design of tailored interventions. These interventions can be used in isolation or to augment conventional balance training in order to improve balance performance in community-dwelling older adults.

SUBMITTER: Hernandez-Guillen D

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7932177 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Association ankle function and balance in community-dwelling older adults.

Hernández-Guillén David D Tolsada-Velasco Catalina C Roig-Casasús Sergio S Costa-Moreno Elena E Borja-de-Fuentes Irene I Blasco José-María JM

PloS one 20210304 3

<h4>Background and purpose</h4>Ankle function declines with age. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between ankle function and balance in older adults, with a focus on range of motion (ROM) and strength.<h4>Methods</h4>This was a cross-sectional study that included 88 healthy community-dwelling older adults. Ankle mobility was measured while bearing weight (lunge test) and not bearing weight. The plantar-flexor muscle strength was assessed using a hand-held dynamomete ...[more]

PMID: 33661991

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Dataset Information

Association ankle function and balance in community-dwelling older adults.

Background and purpose

Methods

Results and discussion

Conclusion

Publications

Association ankle function and balance in community-dwelling older adults.

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