Comparison of trunk acceleration ratios during stair negotiation in old-old females

[Purpose] This study compared trunk acceleration ratios in old-old adult females during stair negotiation. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve old-old adult females who could walk independently volunteered for this study. This study measured gait time and trunk acceleration ratios using an accelerometer during ascending and descending stairs [Results] The trunk acceleration ratio when descending stairs was significantly higher than that when ascending stairs. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that old-old females have greater deterioration of upper trunk control function for descending than for ascending stairs, regardless of task time. In addition, the trunk acceleration ratio during stair negotiation is a useful clinical marker to predict function and balance control ability in old-old females.