Quadriceps muscle strength and postural balance as intrinsic risk factors of falls in institutionalized healthy older adults: A cross-sectional study in two selected elders’ homes in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Background: Fall is a devastating consequence for elderly people that affects their quality of life. Many stumbles in the elderly are frequently associated with intrinsic risk factors such as muscle strength and balance impairments. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between quadriceps muscle strength and postural balance as intrinsic risk factors of falls among healthy elders in two selected elders’ homes in Colombo district, Sri Lanka.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted under a non-probability convenient sampling method with 60 elders (34 females & 26 males) who dwelt in the two selected elders’ homes in Colombo district. Fall history was obtained through an interview-administered assessment sheet. A modified sphygmomanometer was used to measure left and right quadriceps muscle strength. The postural balance was assessed using a mini version of the balance evaluation system test (Mini-BEST).

Results: Mean age of the study sample was 76.67±6.23 years. The mean and standard deviation values of left quadriceps strength and right quadriceps strength were 138.63 ± 24.35mmHg, 149.90 ± 28.53mmHg respectively. The mean and standard deviation of postural balance was 20.88 ± 2.70. According to Pearson correlation coefficient, a strong positive linear relationship was revealed between right and left quadriceps muscle strength and postural balance.

Conclusions: The results of our study revealed a strong positive relationship between quadriceps muscle strength and postural balance among elderly people in two elders’ homes. Therefore, it is recommended that maintaining good quadriceps strength and postural balance are more important to prevent falls in the elderly.