노인의 넘어짐에 영향을 미치는 요인

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find out the factors associated with falling in elderly. Twenty subjects were evaluated in this study, aged 65 to 91 years. The subjects were elderly (over 65 years) who live in Ansan City. The fall-related factors(mental status, position sense, range of motion, muscle strength, balance, exercise, medication) were compared between faller group and non-faller group. Collected data were analysed by the t-test, X²test. The results of this study were as follow: 1. There were no significant difference in cognitive function compared between faller and non-faller group. 2. There were significant difference in position sense, muscle strength, range of motion(knee flexion, ankle dorsiflexion) compared between faller and non-faller group. The results of non-faller group presented in the factors were better than those of faller group. 3. There were significant difference in balance score(Berg Balance Scale) compared between faller and non-faller group. The results of non-faller group presented in the factor had more score than those of faller group. 4. There were significant difference in health-related factor(exercise) compared between faller and non-faller group. The result of non-faller group presented in the factor was better than faller group. These results suggested that exercise for improving the range of motion, muscle strength of ankle and balance may be strategies to prevent fall in elderly. Further studies are needs to identify which specific factors are related to fall in the elderly population.