Relationship between Dynamic Trunk Balance and the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test in Elderly Women

Objectives: Among elderly individuals, falls are major contributors to becoming bedridden, and evaluating and preventing the risk of falls is thus important in the elderly. Trunk balance stability is important to prevent falling. To safely measure trunk balance function, we have developed a dynamic balance-measurement device that is used with the subject in a sitting position. This Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) is a simple balance evaluation test that appears useful for detecting problems with balance function. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between dynamic trunk balance and findings on the Mini-BESTest in elderly women. Methods: Participants comprised 31 healthy women >60 years old. Evaluation items were the Mini-BESTest total score; dynamic sitting balance, static postural balance, and muscle strength (back muscle, iliopsoas muscle, and quadriceps). Results: Mean total Mini-BESTest score was 21.1. Mean dynamic sitting balance measured as total center of gravity (COG) trajectory length was 1447.5 mm. A negative correlation (r=-0.382, p=0.034) was observed between total COG trajectory length and BESTest score. No correlations were evident between total COG trajectory length, stationary standing COG, and muscle strength. Conclusion: In elderly women, trunk balance in dynamic sitting correlated negatively with total Mini-BESTest score.