Relationship Between Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) and Gait Symmetry and Gait Symmetry Variability in Elderly Women

Lack of Balance Confidence is a psychological injury that can lead to limited activities and as a result anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life. There is limited research on Balance Confidence and its effect on gait parameters. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) and gait symmetry and the variability of gait symmetry in elderly women. The current research was descriptive and correlational. The sampling method was available. 21 elderly women eligible to include in the study completed ABC scale. Hp Cosmos Mercury treadmill and Optitrack 3D motion capture system were used to record the kinematic and temporo-spatial information of individuals' gait. The data acquisition process was recorded for at least 30 seconds after the treadmill speed was fixed at a data acquisition of 120 frames per second in at least 10 full gait cycles of individuals. The components of gait symmetry and gait symmetry variability were obtained from three temporo-spatial factors of step length, step width and stride time. The results were analyzed using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test. Correlation between variables showed that there is a significant and positive relationship between ABC and the variability of total gait symmetry. Also, the results showed that ABC has a positive and significant relationship with the symmetry of step length and width, and a negative and significant relationship with the variability of step length and width. However, there is no relationship between ABC and the variability of symmetry and time. According to the results of the research, it is suggested to design interventions to increase balance confidence among elderly women in order to improve the indices related to gait and subsequently the quality of life.