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KMID : 0384320070280040263
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Korean Journal of Family Medicine
2007 Volume.28 No. 4 p.263 ~ p.270
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Clinical Availability of Maximal Step Length
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Lee Seung-Joo
Shin Jae-won
Kong In-Sik
Yoo Sang-Ho
Lee Jung-Un
Cho Be-Long
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Abstract
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Background: Many clinical measures have been used to assess fall risk in elderly adults. The purpose of this study was to assess the interrelationship of maximal step length (MSL) measurement as protective strategies and risk
factors of falls.
Methods: The study population consisted of 149 community-dwelling people (≥60 yrs). Demographic data,
depression degree (GDS-short form), fatigue degree (revised Chalder’s fatigue scale) were reviewed by self-recorded
questionnaire. K-MMSE, MSL, US and TUG were done when they visited our clinic. We examined whether MSL was correlated with the six leg-directions and was related to other measures to evaluate fall risk. To examine the association between MSL and other variables, we analyzed data by T-test, ANOVA and multiple regressions.
Results: The MSLmean correlated highly with each legdirection MSL (correlation coefficient, r=0.771∼0.941, P＜
0.01), US (r=0.392, P＜0.01) and TUG (r=-0.608, P＜0.01). The MSLmean/L (MSLmean, leg length adjusted) correlated
strongly with frequent fall (P=0.005). Also, the MSLmean/L had a tendency to be low in the elderly, females, in those
with regular exercise, widowed or divorced, DM, stroke, dementia suspicion, inclination toward depression, arthritis
and frequent falls, but higher score on fatigue groups. Age (P＜.001), sex (P=0.001), DM (P＜.001), frequent falls (P= 0.017), dementia suspicion (P=0.016), and arthritis (P=0.024) variables were related with MSLmean/L when we examined these variables by multiple regression analysis.
Conclusion: MSL was correlated highly with other functional performance test and DM, age, sex, frequent fall,
dementia suspicion, and arthritis variables for fall risk. (JKorean Acad Fam Med 2007;28:263-270)
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KEYWORD
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maximal step length, MSL, TUG, US, fall risk, frequent falls, elderly adults
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