The measurement of a Wii Balance Board-derived anteroposterior sway velocity could complement existing clinical measures in the prediction of future falls among community-dwelling older adults, according to data recently published in Clinical Biomechanics.
Researchers tracked falls for 73 men and women ages 60 years to 85 years during a 1-year period. Standing balance was indexed by sway velocities measured with the Wii Balance Board. Clinical-based measures included the Short Physical Performance Battery, gait speed and Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess the Wii Balance Board’s ability to complement the TUG test in falls screening.
When used individually, the study found the Wii Balance Board anteroposterior and mediolateral sway velocity measures predictive of future falls. Only the anteroposterior sway velocity, however, was still predictive of future falls when adjusted with BMI and UG results. A faster anteroposterior velocity was associated with increased odds of falling.
Reference:
Kwok B, et al. Clin Biomech. 2015; doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2015.03.006.
Disclosure: See the study for a full list of all authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
