Sagittal alignment cut-off values for predicting future fall-related fractures in community-dwelling osteoporotic women.

PURPOSE: Determining the optimal cut-off value of sagittal alignment for detecting osteoporotic patients at high risk for fall-related fractures is essential for understanding fracture risk and informing clinicians and physical therapists. We determined the optimal cut-off value of sagittal alignment for detecting osteoporotic patients at high risk for fall-related fractures in this study. METHODS: In the retrospective cohort study, we enrolled a total of 255 women aged ≥ 65 years who visited an outpatient osteoporosis clinic. We measured participants' bone mineral density and sagittal alignment, including sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic tilt, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, global tilt, and gap score at the initial visit. The cut-off value for sagittal alignment that was significantly associated with fall-related fractures was calculated after using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS: Ultimately, 192 patients were included in the analysis. After a mean follow-up of 3.0 years, 12.0% (n = 23) had fractures due to falls. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that SVA (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.022, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.005-1.039) was the only independent predictor of fall-related fracture occurrence. The predictive ability of SVA for the occurrence of fall-related fractures was moderate (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.728, 95% CI = 0.623-0.834), with a cut-off value of 100 mm for SVA. SVA classified by cut-off value was also associated with an increased risk of developing fall-related fractures (HR = 17.002, 95% CI = 4.102-70.475). CONCLUSION: We found that assessing the cut-off value of sagittal alignment would be useful information in understanding fracture risk in postmenopausal older women.

Does locomotive syndrome severity predict future fragility fractures in community-dwelling women with osteoporosis?

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether the locomotive syndrome (LS) severity affects future fragility fractures in osteoporosis patients. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 315 women with osteoporosis (mean follow-up period, 2.8 years) were reviewed, of whom 244 were included in the analysis. At baseline, we obtained medical information, bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and femoral neck, and sagittal vertical axis. Additionally, LS risk was assessed using the two-step test, stand-up test, and 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale scores. The LS risk test results were used to classify LS severity, which was rated on a 4-point scale from stage 0 (robust) to 3 (worsening). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to determine the association of the severity with future fragility fracture. RESULTS: Fragility fractures occurred in 37 of 315 participants (11.8%). This study showed that sagittal vertical axis (hazard ratio = 1.014; 95% confidence interval, 1.005-1.023; p value = 0.003) and LS severity (hazard ratio =1.748; 95% confidence interval, 1.133-2.699; p = 0.012) were independent risk factors for incidence of fragility fracture. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the LS severity to predicted fragility fractures. We suggested that the progression of LS associated with osteoporosis increases the fracture risk.

Effects of In-Hospital Rehabilitation on Preventing Hospital Readmissions in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of rehabilitation on hospital readmissions in patients with cirrhosis. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Acute hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Patients hospitalized due to cirrhosis (N=6485). INTERVENTIONS: We defined rehabilitation as any type and intensity of rehabilitation administered by physical, occupational, or speech therapists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Readmission within 30 days after discharge. RESULTS: Rehabilitation was provided to 1177 patients (19.0%). After propensity score matching, rehabilitation was associated with 30- and 90-day readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that rehabilitation is associated with lower proportions of 30- and 90-day readmissions in patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, rehabilitation may be one way to reduce the risk of readmission in patients hospitalized for cirrhosis.

Efficacy of supervised vestibular rehabilitation on functional mobility in patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction.

[Purpose] This study aimed to compare the effects of different intervention frequencies on walking ability and balance in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction. [Participants and Methods] Participants included in this case-control study were assigned to one of two groups: the multiple-intervention (once a week) and single-intervention groups. Results for the Timed Up and Go test, Dynamic Gait Index, Functional Gait Assessment, and Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale were determined at baseline and four weeks after initiating the vestibular rehabilitation program. Thereafter, intra- and inter-group differences in the rates of change of these parameters were determined. [Results] The Timed Up and Go test values, Dynamic Gait Index, and Functional Gait Assessment scores improved significantly after four weeks in the multiple-intervention group. The improvement rate in the Timed Up and Go test differed significantly between the two groups. The Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale scores did not significantly change in either group after four weeks. [Conclusion] Compared to a single intervention, multiple interventions by a physical therapist produced significantly greater benefits in a relatively shorter period of time in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction.

Stand-up test predicts occurrence of non-traumatic vertebral fracture in outpatient women with osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this retrospective study was to clarify the incidence of non-traumatic vertebral fracture among outpatient women with osteoporosis and to determine whether the stand-up test predicted the occurrence of non-traumatic vertebral fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 242 postmenopausal women over 60 years of age who received outpatient osteoporosis treatment at our hospital between November 2013 and July 2020 were longitudinally evaluated in this study. We obtained medical information and radiographic parameters, including sagittal vertical axis, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and sacral slope at baseline. Additionally, we measured physical parameters, including height, weight, body mass index, lumbar bone mineral density, visual analog scale score for pain, and the stand-up test. RESULTS: Vertebral fractures occurred in 20 of 242 participants (8.3%), and accounted for 48.8% the 41 total fractures in the study group. Among vertebral fractures, eight (40.0%) were traumatic, resulting from falls, and 12 (60.0%) were non-traumatic. Cox multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, body mass index, lumbar bone mineral density, and the time to non-traumatic vertebral fracture showed that the sagittal vertical axis (HR = 1.013, 95% CI 1.001-1.026), stand-up test score (HR = 3.977, 95% CI 1.156-13.683), and presence of difficulty with standing from a 20-cm-high seat using both legs (HR = 3.329, 95% CI 1.625-6.82) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of non-traumatic vertebral fracture. CONCLUSION: The stand-up test may be useful as a simple screening tool for non-traumatic vertebral fracture in patients with osteoporosis.

Effectiveness of Intensive Rehabilitation Therapy on Functional Outcomes After Stroke: A Propensity Score Analysis Based on Japan Rehabilitation Database.

AIM: To examine the association of the amount of rehabilitation with functional gains of elderly stroke patients at a convalescent rehabilitation ward using propensity score analysis methods and the Japan Rehabilitation Database. METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort study. From the database, 6875 patients who were admitted to the convalescent rehabilitation wards with stroke were identified. After excluding 4586 patients, 2325 were eligible for the study. Intensive rehabilitation therapy (IRT) was defined as rehabilitation therapy of more than 15 hours per week by a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and/or a speech therapist. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) gain, discharge rate to home, and FIM efficiency were examined using student's t test and the χ2 test after inverse probability weighting (IPW). RESULTS: IRT was provided to 862 patients (37.1%). The unadjusted data showed that patients in the IRT group had a longer hospital stay, more physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy. After adjustment for IPW, the baseline characteristics were found to be closely matched between the 2 groups. The IRT group showed significantly higher motor FIM gain, cognitive FIM gain, FIM gain, and discharge rate to home. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that a longer rehabilitation time per week was associated with increased functional gain in elderly stroke patients at convalescent rehabilitation wards.

Effects of weekend rehabilitation on vertebral compression fractures in the elderly.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the effect of rehabilitation and without weekend therapy on Activities of daily living (ADL) and readmission in vertebral fracture patients aged 60 years and older. METHODS: The present study used a hospital-based database created by JMDC Inc. The JMDC hospital-based database is an epidemiological database that has been storing medical claims and Diagnosis Procedure Combination survey data. This study included 40,743 admitted patients aged 60 years or older who were admitted for rehabilitation purposes with a diagnosis of compression fracture of the thoracic and/or lumbar spine based on a previous diagnostic survey. We extracted the medical information from the database. Patients who received rehabilitation 7 days a week were classified into two groups: the "weekend rehabilitation group" and "nonweekend rehabilitation group." To reduce confounding effects related to differences in patient background, we used propensity score with multiple logistic regression models. Analysis of the JMDC database was conducted with the approval of the Institutional Review Board (approval number: 1228-1). Because all data were anonymized, informed consent was not required. RESULTS: Propensity score matching resulted in 13,790 cases being included in the analysis. Barthel index (BI) at discharge, change in BI, and readmission were significantly different between the weekend rehabilitation and nonweekend rehabilitation groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested a reduced odds of readmission with weekend rehabilitation (odds ratio = 0.907, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.843-0.975, p-value = 0.008). Furthermore, greater changes in BI and BI at discharge were associated with the effect of weekend rehabilitation (unstandardized [B] = 3.922, 95% CI = 2.925-4.919), (unstandardized [B] = 3.512, 9% CI = 2.424-4.6), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Weekend rehabilitation was considered as an important part of the treatment program to acquire ADL and to prevent readmission.

Effects of Early Vestibular Rehabilitation in Patients With Acute Vestibular Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of early vestibular rehabilitation on physical function and dizziness in patients with acute vestibular disorders. DATABASES REVIEWED: The electronic databases examined included PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE (via Dialog), and PEDro. METHODS: The inclusion criteria in terms of the study participants were patients 20 years and older with an acute unilateral peripheral vestibular disorder. We included individual randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-RCTs, quasi-RCTs, and crossover trials. The outcomes were gait, balance (eyes open, eyes close), activities of daily living, dizziness, and vestibular function. Early vestibular rehabilitation was defined as rehabilitation within 14 days of vestibular disorder onset or surgery. Main outcome measures were gait, balance (eyes open, eyes close), activities of daily living, dizziness, and vestibular function. RESULTS: Twelve trials involving 542 participants were included. Early vestibular rehabilitation improved the Dizziness Handicap Inventory by -7.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], -10.48 to -3.88), balance during eyes close by -1.40 (95% CI, -2.42 to -0.39), and dizziness by -1.47 (95% CI, -2.74 to -0.21) compared with no intervention or placebo. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that early vestibular rehabilitation improved the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, balance (eyes close), and subjective dizziness in a patient with acute vestibular disorders. This result indicates that early vestibular rehabilitation can promote vestibular compensation.

Clinical features of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness with isolated otolith dysfunction as revealed by VEMP and vHIT findings.

Background: Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a relatively new disease entity, with diagnostic criteria published by the Bárány Society. PPPD is often preceded by a peripheral or central vestibular disorder. It is not clear how coexisting deficits due to preceding vestibular disorders affect PPPD symptoms. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the clinical features of PPPD with or without isolated otolith dysfunction using vestibular function tests. Methods: The study included 43 patients (12 males and 31 females) who were diagnosed with PPPD and completed oculomotor-vestibular function tests. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Niigata PPPD Questionnaire (NPQ), and Romberg test for stabilometry were examined. The 43 patients with PPPD were classified into four categories based on vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) and video head impulse test (vHIT) results: normal function for both semicircular canals and otoliths (normal), isolated otolith dysfunction (iOtoDys), isolated semicircular canal dysfunction (iCanalDys), and dysfunction of both otoliths and semicircular canals (OtoCanalDys). Results: Among the 43 patients with PPPD, the iOtoDys group was the largest (44.2%), followed by the normal group (37.2%), iCanalDys group (9.3%), and OtoCanalDys group (9.3%). Eight of the 19 iOtoDys patients showed both abnormal cVEMP and oVEMP responses unilaterally or bilaterally (both sacculus and utriculus damage type), whereas 11 showed either an abnormal cVEMP or an abnormal oVEMP response (either sacculus or utriculus damage type). In a three-group comparison of the both sacculus and utriculus damage type, the either sacculus or utriculus damage type, and the normal group, the mean total, functional, and emotional DHI scores were significantly higher for the both sacculus and utriculus damage type than for the either sacculus or utriculus damage type. The Romberg ratio, a measure of stabilometry, was significantly higher for the normal group than for the both sacculus and utriculus damage type and the sacculus or utriculus damage type in the iOtoDys group. Conclusions: The coexistence of sacculus and utriculus damage may exacerbate dizziness symptoms in patients with PPPD. Determining the presence and extent of otolith damage in PPPD may provide useful information on the pathophysiology and treatment strategies of PPPD.

Effect of Vestibular Rehabilitation Program Using a Booklet in Patients with Chronic Peripheral Vestibular Hypofunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of a supervised home-based vestibular rehabilitation program using a booklet on gait function and dizziness in patients with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction. Methods: This was a non-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Patients (n=42) with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction were randomly divided into the vestibular rehabilitation group (VR group; n=20) or the control group (n=22). Patients in the VR group received a supervised home-based vestibular rehabilitation program using a booklet in addition to physician care for 4 weeks. The physical therapist checked the home program when the VR group visited the outpatient clinic once a week. Patients in the control group received physician care only during the trial period. The primary outcome was functional gait assessment (FGA). The secondary outcomes were the dynamic gait index (DGI) and the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI). Results: Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed a significant interaction for FGA, DGI, DHI total, and DHI emotional scores (P<0.05) with the VR group improving more than the control group. No significant interactions were found for DHI physical and DHI functional scores (P≥0.05). Conclusions: The home-based vestibular rehabilitation program in this study was effective in improving gait function and dizziness in patients with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction. Regular supervision may have improved adherence to home exercise and contributed to the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation.

Prediction Model including Gastrocnemius Thickness for the Skeletal Muscle Mass Index in Japanese Older Adults.

Non-invasive and easy alternative methods to indicate skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) have not been established when dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) cannot be performed. This study aims to construct a prediction model including gastrocnemius thickness using ultrasonography for skeletal muscle mass index (SMI). Total of 193 Japanese aged ≥65 years participated. SMI was measured by BIA, and subcutaneous fat thickness and gastrocnemius thickness in the medial gastrocnemius were measured by using ultrasonography, and age, gender and body mass index (BMI), grip strength, and gait speed were collected. The stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted, which incorporated SMI as a dependent variable and age, gender, BMI, gastrocnemius thickness, and other factors as independent variables. Gender, BMI, and gastrocnemius thickness were included as significant factors, and the formula: SMI = 1.27 × gender (men: 1, women: 0) + 0.18 × BMI + 0.09 × gastrocnemius thickness (mm) + 1.3 was shown as the prediction model for SMI (R = 0.89, R2 = 0.8, adjusted R2 = 0.8, p < 0.001). The prediction model for SMI had high accuracy and could be a non-invasive and easy alternative method to predict SMI in Japanese older adults.

The utilization and demographic characteristics of in-hospital rehabilitation for acute vestibular neuritis in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utilization and demographic characteristics of in-hospital rehabilitation for patients with acute vestibular neuritis using the Japan Medical Data Center (JMDC) database. METHODS: We gathered information on patients that were at least 20 years of age who were admitted with a diagnosis of VN (ICD-10 code: H81.2). We defined in-hospital rehabilitation service use as payment of insurance claims for at least one session of rehabilitation during admission. RESULTS: We identified 809 patients that were eligible for this study; among these, 59 patients (7.3%) received rehabilitation while 750 patients did not. The median total time spent and the median time per day in inpatient rehabilitation were 140 min and 11.7 min, respectively. Factors that significantly affected the rehabilitation service use, in order of greater odds, were primary care, internal medicine, and age in multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 4.42, 2.17, 1.33, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that (1) utilization of rehabilitation services by acute patients with VN was low; and (2) age, admission to internal medicine, and admission to primary care were associated with the use of rehabilitation services.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sarcopenia in Patients with Dizziness.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia and factors associated with sarcopenia in patients with dizziness. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. PATIENTS: A total of 162 patients 65 years or older with the chief complaint of dizziness or vertigo (dizziness group) and 132 community-dwelling elderly (control group) were recruited during their visit to the otolaryngology clinic between May 2020 and October 2021. RESULTS: Of the 162 patients with dizziness (dizziness group), 53 (32.7%) were classified as sarcopenia according to the 2019 criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. There were significant differences in the prevalence of sarcopenia between the dizziness group and the control group ( p < 0.01). The factors that significantly affected the sarcopenia, in order of greater odds ratio, were HADS_A, age, and DHI_Total (odds ratio = 1.223, 1.130, and 1.022, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that (i) the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with dizziness is higher than a community-dwelling elderly; (ii) patients with dizziness and sarcopenia have higher DHI_functional, DHI_emotional, DHI_total, and HADS_A compared with patients with dizziness but without sarcopenia; and (iii) age, HADS_A, and DHI were associated with sarcopenia in patients with dizziness.

Factors affecting the outcome of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have reported that developmental, environmental, medical, psychological, visual, and other sensory-related factors can influence the outcome of vestibular rehabilitation. However, only a few studies have used patient's daily lives as the main outcome. In addition, in some studies, rehabilitation was not supervised by a physical therapist. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the outcome of physical-therapist-supervised vestibular rehabilitation in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders, with the impact of dizziness on quality of life as the main outcome. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 47 patients with peripheral vestibular disorders. A physical therapist provided 40 min of vestibular rehabilitation once a week for 4 weeks. Age, sex, disease duration, Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC scale), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were investigated. Multiple regression analysis was performed, with the DHI rate of change before and after the intervention as the objective variable. RESULTS: Vestibular rehabilitation improved all outcomes. In the multiple regression analysis, the ABC scale was identified as a factor that significantly influenced the DHI rate of change (ß = -0.428, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: A higher ABC scale score was associated with a lower DHI rate of change (i.e., better improvement). Therefore, it may be important to assess psychological aspects, especially confidence in balance, when implementing vestibular rehabilitation in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders.

Gastrocnemius thickness by ultrasonography indicates the low skeletal muscle mass in Japanese elderly people.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the relationship between gastrocnemius thickness by ultrasonography and the skeletal muscle mass in Japanese elderly people. METHODS: The total of 195 healthy Japanese aged ≥65 years participated (average age, 72.4 ±â€¯4.3y; male, n = 72). The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was measured using the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and the gastrocnemius thickness and collected echo intensity (CEI) were measured using ultrasonography. The low SMI was defined as <7.0 kg/m2 in men and <5.7 kg/m2 in women, and participants were classified into the low SMI and the normal group. Association of the gastrocnemius thickness with the low SMI was analyzed by the logistic regression analysis after adjusting age, gender, body mass index (BMI), physical performances and CEI. The cut-off value of gastrocnemius thickness to indicate the low SMI was calculated by a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: The low SMI rate was 16.9％ (n = 33). BMI was significantly lower (19.9 vs 22.5 kg/m2; p < 0.01), the gastrocnemius thickness lower (11.0 vs 13.3 mm; p < 0.01), and CEI higher (97.5 vs 87.0; p = 0.02) in the low SMI group than those in the normal group. The gastrocnemius thickness was independently associated with the low SMI (OR, 0.584; 95% CI, 0.416-0.818; p < 0.01). The cut-off value of gastrocnemius thickness was <11.6 mm (AUC, 0.83; sensitivity, 0.83; specificity, 0.73; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Gastrocnemius thickness by ultrasonography was associated with low skeletal muscle mass, and the cut-off value to indicate the low skeletal muscle mass was revealed.

Association of height loss with falls and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older women.

OBJECTIVES: Height loss is associated with vertebral fracture risk and osteoporosis. We assumed that height loss may indicate the risk of falls because the presence of osteoporosis is significantly associated with sarcopenia development. We studied the association of height loss with falls and sarcopenia. METHODS: This study included 610 community-dwelling women. We measured the height, weight, appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength, and gait speed. Additionally, we recorded the individual's tallest height, and the presence or absence of single or multiple falls during the preceding 12 months. The participants were classified into nonheight loss, 2- to 3-cm height loss, 3- to 4-cm height loss, and over 4-cm height loss groups. The association of height loss with falls and sarcopenia were examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We found that 3- to 4-cm height loss and over 4-cm height loss were significantly associated with falls (odds ratio [OR], 1.637; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.023-2.619; P = 0.04), (OR, 1.742, 95% CI, 1.054-2.877; P = 0.03), respectively. Additionally, over 4-cm height loss was significantly associated with sarcopenia for ASMI calculated by participant's tallest recalled height squared (OR, 2.676; 95% CI, 1.122-6.284; P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: We found that the risk of falls was advanced at 3- to 4-cm height loss and over 4-cm height loss, and sarcopenia started at over 4-cm height loss. Height loss may be a useful indicator of the risk of falls and sarcopenia.

Kinematic gait asymmetry assessment using joint angle data in patients with chronic stroke-A normalized cross-correlation approach.

BACKGROUND: Gait asymmetry is an important characteristic often studied in stroke patients. Several methods have been used to define gait asymmetry using joint angles. However, these methods may require normative data from healthy individuals as reference points. This study used normalized cross-correlation (CCnorm) to define kinematic gait asymmetry in individuals after stroke and investigated the usefulness of this assessment. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is the analysis of kinematic gait asymmetry based on joint angle data using CCnorm useful for gait assessment in patients with chronic stroke? METHODS: The study involved 12 patients with chronic stroke. A motion analysis system was used to record gait speed, hip joint angles, knee joint angles, ankle joint angles, stance time, and swing time. The CCnorm was calculated using the flexion-extension joint angles of hip, knee, and ankle in the sagittal plane to assess the degree of kinematic gait asymmetry. The symmetry ratio (SR) was calculated using stance and swing times to assess the degree of temporal gait asymmetry. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the lower extremity (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). RESULTS: Hip CCnorm was correlated with SRswing (r=-0.612, p < 0.05). Knee CCnorm was correlated with SRstance (r = 0.807, p < 0.01), SRswing (r=-0.752, p < 0.05), gait speed (r = 0.654, p < 0.05), BBS (r = 0.717, p < 0.01), and FIM (r = 0.735, p < 0.01). SIGNIFICANCE: Hip and knee joint CCnorm appear to be useful tools for the assessment of gait asymmetry in stroke patients. In addition, kinematic gait asymmetry of the knee joint could reflect physical function, balance, and activities of daily living. These findings underline the importance of using kinematic gait asymmetry assessment in chronic stroke patients.

Rate of torque development and the risk of falls among community dwelling older adults in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Rate of torque development (RTD) is defined as the slope of the torque-time curve obtained during an isometric contraction. Several studies have shown that RTD is lower in fallers than in nonfallers. However, these studies had small sample size and was not adjusted confounding factors. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is RTD associated with falls history in healthy community dwelling older adults. METHODS: This was cross-sectional study. In total, 122 participants aged ≥65 (mean, 71.3 ± 4.4) years were recruited for this study. We assessed RTD, muscle strength, functional capacity, and physical activity. We assessed RTD over the first 200 ms of the maximal isometric contraction, whereby the onset of contraction was deemed as the point at which torque had risen 4 Nm above the baseline. Differences between the 3 groups (no fall group, single fall group and multiple falls group) were examined using one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis test. A post-hoc Bonferroni or Games-Howell test was used to assess the differences between the individual groups. A multivariate multinomial logistic model was built using the factors associated with the fall category. RESULTS: RTD was significantly different between the no fall group and multiple falls group (P = 0.047). Similarly, RTD was significantly different between the single fall group and multiple falls group (P = 0.016). RTD was associated with both the no fall group and single fall group (odds ratio = 2.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-3.97, odds ratio = 2.45, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-4.98, respectively) in multinomial logistic regression. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first study to investigate the relationship between RTD and falls history in community-dwelling older adults in multivariate analysis. RTD is more strongly associated with falls history than other performance measures in community-dwelling elderly.