Reproducibility of dynamometers in handrail format in evaluating handgrip strength and traction in young and older adults.

Background: The aim of the present study was twofold: (1) to assess the reproducibility of two dynamometers in handrail format to measure handgrip strength and traction force in the young and older adults; (2) to compare the handgrip strength and traction of these two populations.

Approach: Twenty-four volunteers (12 older adults and 12 young adults) performed a functional effort related to handgrip strength and traction force during stair climbing. The participants were evaluated two times (separated by one week) using a coupled dynamometer that quantifies the muscular effort in grip and traction simultaneously to simulate stair climbing in bus service.

How many balance task trials are needed to accurately assess postural control measures in older women?

Unlabelled: Taking the average of different trials is recommended for better balance assessment, but few studies have really proven this point under different balance conditions.

Objective: To assess the effects of averaging trials of five different balance tasks on postural control measures in older women.

Methods: A total of 90 older women (means: Age: 68 years; Weight: 67 kg; Height: 1.

One-legged stance sway of older adults with and without falls.

Postural instability is a common problem among older people, and it is associated with mobility impairments, activity limitation and fear of falling. The evaluation of postural control can contribute to the early detection of balance deficits and help health professionals to manage this problem to prevent falls in older adults. The aim of this study was to identify center of pressure cut-offs to differentiate between older adults with and without falls in the past 12 months.

Relationship between force platform and two functional tests for measuring balance in the elderly.

Background: Clinical and laboratory methods have been developed to assess the different dimensions of postural control with the aim to increase the clinical relevance of decisions about balance deficit.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to correlate the force platform measurements with two functional tests used to evaluate balance in elderly.

Methods: A total of 124 physically independent elderly volunteers participated in this study.