Balance and skeletal alignment in a group of elderly female fallers and nonfallers

The purpose of this study was to determine whether sagittal plane posture differed between fallers and nonfallers and to explore the relationship between skeletal alignment and balance in elderly females. Forty-eight women > 65 years of age were recruited from various medical and senior citizen centers. Thirteen of these women were classified as fallers. Spinal posture was measured in standing using an inclinometer, and lower extemity joint angles were assessed in standing using a universal goniometer. The Berg Balance Scale, the Functional Reach Test, end a modified Timed Get Up and Go Test were used to measure balance. Spinal alignment did not differ significantly between fallers and nonfallers; however, knee joint angle was significantly greater in fallers compared to nonfallers. Significant, but low, correlations were found between the inclination of the upper thoracic spine and all three balance measures. Lower thoracic slope and knee joint angle in standing were also weakly related to two of the three balance measures. This study supports the hypothesis that a significant but weak relationship exists between balance and skeletal alignment in elderly females.