The Examination of the Relationship Between Flexibility and Stability of Trunk in Older Adults

Abstract

Purpose: This study was planned to examine the relationship between body flexibility and stability in the elderly and to compare it with adults.Methods: People over 40-year-of-age had no musculoskeletal problems in the spine, had good cognitive functions, and could walk independently were included in this cross-sectional study. 156 participants were grouped as the young n: 65 and the elderly group n: 91 . Flexibility assessment included Sit and Reach Test SRT , Back Extension Test BET and Side Bending Test SBT . Antero-posterior stability of body was measured by Functional Reach Test FRT .Results: The flexibility of trunk in four directions and stability were better in young group than elderly group p0.05 .Conclusion: Loss of flexibility is a more important risk factor than aging for balance and stability impairment. So it is suggested that treatment protocols should include approaches increasing body flexibility to increase body stability

Keywords

• Flexibility,stability,elderly

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