Correlation between balance and Functional Ability in Elderly: A Pilot study Samuel SE1, Shaji E P2, Suresh B V3 1Professor and Principal 2Postgraduate Student 3Professor and Head of the Department Department of Neurology, Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotherapy, AJ Tower, Balmatta, Mangalore, India *Corresponding author: -Shaji E.P, Postgraduate Student, Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotherapy, AJ Tower, Balmatta, Mangalore, 575002, India.
Online published on 16 January, 2018. Abstract Background & Objectives Higher-functioning older adults refer to older adults aged 65 years and older who are active, ambulatory, and living independently in the community (eg, residential homes, independent living facilities, and retirement facilities). Aging progressively impairs sight, vestibular input, and somatosensory information, which results in a reduction of environmental perception and precision of movements. The objective of the study was to find the relationship between balance and activities of daily living in elderly individuals. Methods The study involved 30 subjects (community living and those identified from old age homes), aged 65 and above. Balance was assessed using Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Physical independence in daily activities was evaluated using the Barthel Index (BI). The Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between the parameters evaluated. Significance was set at the level of 5% (p< 0.05). Results The population's mean age was 78.37 ± 6.68 years. The mean BBS score was 51.87 ± 4.21, whereas the mean BI score was 94.67 ± 7.76. Statistically significant relationships were found between the BBS and BI (r =0.678; p=0.000). Conclusion The results showed a strong positive correlation (r =0.678) between bal ance and independence level. Results from a larger sample may be necessary to corroborate the findings of the present study. Top Keywords balance, functional ability, elderly. Top |