Relationship Between Lumbar Region Stability and Lower Extremity Motor Function in Community-Dwelling Elderly Individuals

This study aimed to determine the relationship between lumbar region stability and lower extremity motor function in community-dwelling elderly individuals. The study included 10 community-dwelling elderly individuals (male, 1; females, 9; age: 79.3±7.0 years). The lumbar region extension angle during prone hip extension movement was measured as an index of lumbar region stability, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), which comprehensively evaluates lower extremity motor function, was measured using three items: normal walking speed, tandem position, and five-repetition sit-to-stand test as an index of lower extremity motor function. For the measurement of the lumbar region extension angle, inertial sensors were installed at three locations: the right thigh, lumbosacral vertebral transition, and thoracolumbar vertebral transition. Lumbar region extension angle was defined as the difference in the tilt angle between the inertial sensors at the lumbosacral vertebral transition and thoracolumbar vertebral transition during prone hip extension movement. The lumbar region extension angle was calculated at a 10° tilt of the inertial sensor of the right thigh and at the maximum tilt angle. As a result, there was a negative correlation between the lumbar region extension angle at a 10° tilt of the inertial sensor of the right thigh and SPPB scores. On the other hand, there was no correlation between the lumbar region extension angle at the maximum tilt angle of the inertial sensor of the right thigh and SPPB scores. In conclusion, lumbar region stability in the middle of lower extremity movement is associated with lower extremity motor function in community-dwelling elderly individuals.

Keywords: Community-dwelling elderly individuals; Lumbar region stability; Lower extremity motor function; Short Physical Performance Battery.