Abstract

Objective of the study. The aim of the study was to assess postural stability and the risk for falls in women over 60, as well as to evaluate the correlation between body mass index, postural stability and the risk for falls.

Material and methods. The research was conducted on a group of 74 women aged 60 to 85 who participated in a rehabilitation stay at a sanatorium. The subjects were divided into classes based on the value of the BMI. Specialistic balance assessment tests were used to evaluate balance. Postural stability and the risk for falls were determined using the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and the Romberg’s test. A stabilometric platform was applied to assess balance using the analysis of COP parameters, while the FRT test was used to evaluate the ability to maintain balance while leaning out and to assess the risk for falls.

Results. The analysis of the results of Functional Reach Test showed no significant effect of body mass index on balance. The analysis of the results of the Romberg’s test revealed statistically significant influence of the body mass index on some parameters.

Conclusions. Body mass index did not have a significant impact on the results of the FRT test. The analysis of the outcomes showed that overweight and obese people have a greater problem with maintaining balance in the presence of a disturbing factor. For those over the age of 60, this may be an additional factor increasing the risk for falls.

Key words:

postural stability, risk for falls, women, BMI