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Method and Instrumented Fixture for Femoral Fracture Testing in a Sideways Fall-on-the-Hip Position
Published on: August 17, 2017
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Four Square Step Test Performance in Hip Fracture Patients.
Heather L Mutchie1, Denise L Orwig1, Brock Beamer2,3
1Division of Gerontology, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore.
Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy (2001)
|May 3, 2021
Summary
Preventing subsequent falls after hip fracture is crucial. The Four Square Step Test (FSST) reveals that many hip fracture patients struggle with dynamic balance, with cognition and fracture type impacting performance.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Preventing recurrent falls in hip fracture survivors is a critical clinical challenge.
- The Four Square Step Test (FSST) is a validated measure of dynamic balance, with scores over 15 seconds indicating increased fall risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Four Square Step Test (FSST) performance in hip fracture patients.
- To determine how patient characteristics (e.g., fracture side) and cognitive function influence FSST outcomes.
Main Methods:
- 40 patients (≥60 years) with hip fracture completed baseline assessments, including the FSST, demographics, fracture details, and cognitive tests (3MS, HVOT, TMT A/B).
- Patients were part of a larger trial on physical therapy interventions post-rehabilitation.
Main Results:
- 13 patients (32.5%) could not complete the FSST; they were older and had poorer cognitive function.
- Among the 27 who completed the FSST, the average time was 24.3 seconds, with only 7 finishing under 15 seconds.
- A significant interaction showed poorer FSST performance in patients with left-side pertrochanteric fractures and impaired visual-spatial skills (HVOT).
Conclusions:
- A significant portion of hip fracture patients cannot perform the FSST post-rehabilitation, indicating persistent balance deficits.
- Cognition and fracture characteristics (side, type) interact to affect dynamic balance as measured by the FSST.
- Further longitudinal research is needed to understand FSST utility in this population.
