Ability to avoid falls among aged residents in a barrier-free welfare institution

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the physical functions of the elderly, living in a barrier-free home for the aged and to obtain basic data for giving appropriate guidance on exercise and daily life. A total of 38 women were tested. These included 18 persons (aged 72-87: mean: 80.7) who were living in the home for the aged, and 20 (aged 75-86: mean: 78.3) who voluntarily participated in the "fall prevention school", established in Tokyo Kosei-Nenkin Hospital. The following examinations were done: 1) BMI, Waist/Hip ratio; 2) good walker's index consisting of 10 m walking times, maximum length of steps, and 40 cm-staircase climbing; and 3) equilibrium examination done by gravinography. Statistical analysis was carried out using a paired t-test (p < 0.01). Values for the "good-walker's index" were significantly lower in, the "home" group than in the "school" group (p < 0.01). This was especially obvious with 40 cm-staircase climbing. Many of the subjects from the institution group required assistance and there was a significant difference in the chi-squire square distribution between the two groups. Furthermore, on gravinography, the "home" group had significantly inferior values in total length (cm) and Romberg's ratio (p < 0.01). It was clear that residents in the barrier-free home had a significant reduction in good-walker's index, indicating an apparent weakening of physical function.