Influence of Age, Gender, and Body Mass Index on Balance and Mobility Performance in Indian Community-Dwelling Older People
Rafi Mohammed, A. S. K. Basha, Shyam Jungade
Abstract
Background and purpose Various factors influence balance and mobility in older people. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) on balance and mobility in Indian Community-Dwelling older people.Design Cross-sectional, observational study.Methods Elderly men (n = 53) and women (n = 47) aged between 65 and 83 years were assessed using Berg balance scale (BBS), functional reach test (FRT), and timed up & go (TUG) test. Participants were categorized into normal weight, overweight, and obese.Results Age was significantly correlated with all the measures (BBS: r = −0.91; FRT: r = −0.46; TUG: r = 0.81). No significant difference was noted among weight groups in all the measures. Gender differences were found in BBS (p = 0.048) and FRT (p < 0.0001), but not found in TUG (p = 0.14).Conclusion BMI had no influence on balance and mobility. Age was significantly correlated with all the measures. Gender differences were found in balance, but not in mobility.