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Does trunk acceleration variability during walking improve for elderly people following cataract surgery?

Norvang, Ole Petter
Master thesis
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URI
http://hdl.handle.net/11250/281661
Date
2013
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  • Institutt for samfunnsmedisin og sykepleie [2408]
Abstract
Background; Increased trunk acceleration variability during gait may be considered as a sign

of impaired dynamic postural stability. Vision is an important factor in maintaining postural

stability during walking, and impaired vision has been shown to influence trunk acceleration

variability.

Purpose; The aim of this study was to examine the long-term effects of cataract surgery on

trunk acceleration variability during walking, in comparison to a vision-healthy control group.

Material and method; Trunk acceleration variability was investigated before and 12 months

after cataract surgery, to detect changes over time and compare these between the groups. One

hundred and four older adults (mean age 78.4 years, SD 4.9) undergoing cataract surgery and

fifty-three vision-healthy, older controls (mean age 80.8 years, SD 3.8) were included in this

study. Participants performed timed walking at preferred and fast gait speeds, and in two

lighting conditions; normal and subdued, and trunk accelerations in three dimensions were

measured during walking using a triaxial accelerometer. Trunk acceleration variability was

calculated by using an unbiased autocorrelation procedure.

Results; In normal light at preferred gait speed there were significant differences in the

changes between the cataract and the control group in all directions; AP (p=0.01), V (p<0.01),

and ML (p<0.01). In fast gait speed no significant differences in the changes between the two

groups were detected. In subdued light a similar pattern was found with significant

differences in the changes between the two groups in preferred gait speed; (AP (p=0.01), V

(p<0.00), and ML (p<0.00); but only a significant difference in the change in the vertical

direction during fast gait speed.

Conclusion; The findings of this study suggest that patients improve their postural stability

during walking during the year following cataract surgery.

Relevance

Postural stability amongst the elderly population is a complex challenge, and a topic that is

highly relevant to persons working with rehabilitation or to prevent a drop in daily

functioning for elderly. Knowledge to understand the relative role of vision correction in

maintenance of postural stability (balance during walking) is important, because of the

complex inter-relations between vision and trunk motion during gait, which is important for

daily functioning and falls risk. With an increasing elderly population in Norway, knowledge

of this will be important to prevent accidents, but also in order to prevent increasing costs

following a fall and thereby an increased need for help in daily life.
Publisher
NTNU

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