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 (p<0.001). In both groups, flexibility measurements except SRT showed a positive and medium significant correlation with FRT. There was also a negative correlation was found between age and body flexibility (SRT, BET, SBT) measurement scores in elderly group (p=0.001), but neither all flexibility measurements nor stability were associated with age in young group (p>0.05).

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.