Balance and gait of elderly people: evaluation using technology

Abstract

Introduction: Elderly people suffer multiple changes in balance related to decreased muscle strength, multisensory and cognitive changes that contribute to the occurrence of falls, which may result in impairment of functional capacities and even death. Balance assessment is complex and involves multifactorial causes, in which the specialist nurse in rehabilitation nursing plays a fundamental role, with a view to developing strategies and interventions that favor the autonomy and independence of the elderly. In this follow-up, this study aims to evaluate the balance and, subsequently, the gait of elderly people using a technology built based on the Tinetti Index.

Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive and exploratory study was carried out. Using a non-probabilistic convenience sampling technique, 119 elderly people from two homes and a Braga district day center participated in the study. Data collection took place from January to March 2018, using a questionnaire for sociodemographic characterization and health condition and using technology (mat) to assess balance and gait.

Results: 119 elderly people were evaluated. The use of technology contributed to improving the movements performed by the elderly, facilitating the evaluation and interpretation of results in relation to balance and gait by the nurse specialist in rehabilitation nursing. In the global gait assessment with and without the mat, the use of the mat contributed to more effective movements and with a statistically significant association (p<0.05), with the exception of foot-to-toe movement.

Conclusion: In addition to facilitating the assessment of static and dynamic balance, the use of technology contributed to improving the gait ability of elderly people. Although further studies are needed, it is recommended that balance and gait be assessed using technology.