Relationship between standing postural alignments and physical function among elderly women using day service centers in Japan

BACKGROUND: Posture and physical function have been quantified in mature adults, but not in elderly females. OBJECTIVE: To quantify standing posture and measures of physical function in community-dwelling women over the age of 65 years, and to examine relationships between these variables. METHODS: Fifty-three women were recruited from day care service users (average age: 83.7 +/- 6.3 years old). Standing postural alignments were assessed using 2-dimensional analyses with a digital video camera. The time up and go test (TUG) and other physical function tests were conducted. RESULTS: Decreased lower cervical angle (increased forward head position) was significantly correlated with increased upper cervical angle (increased chin-up, r = -0.45), increased thoracic spine angle (increased kyphosis, r = -0.38), and decreased lumbar spine angle (thoracolumbar segments backward relative to the pelvis, r = 0.48). The decreased lumbar spine angle was significantly correlated with increased thoracic angle (increased kyphosis, r = -0.37), increased pelvic plane angle (increased anterior pelvic tilt, r = -0.49), and decreased knee flexion angle (r = 0.46). Increased TUG time (slower walking speed) was correlated to increased forward head position (r = 0.30) and thoracolumbar segments forward relative to the pelvis (r = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Posture and physical function measures were provided for community-dwelling females who were > 65 years of age. They did not demonstrate any correlation between measured knee strength, back strength or single leg standing with measures of postural alignment, but TUG showed a moderate correlation with the lower cervical and lumbar spine posture measures.