Usefulness of the Toe Pressure Strength When Standing to Assess the Risk of Falls in Care-dependent Elderly

Abstract

: [Purpose] The relationship between the toe pressure strength when standing and risk of falls was examined to evaluate the former as an index of the latter. [Partici-pants and Methods] Seventy-five care-dependent elderly people were included to measure their toe pressure strength when standing, Fall Risk Index (FRI-5) scores, and Kihon Check List, in addition to physical function parameters. The participants were divided into groups with and without an increased risk of falls, based on their FRI-5 scores, to identify factors increasing and decreasing the risk of falls. A cutoff to screen for an increased risk was also calculated. [Results] There were 42 with and 33 without an increased risk of falls. The toe pressure strength when standing, Kihon Check List, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score were correlated with the risk of falls. The cutoff toe pressure strength when standing to screen for an increased risk was 23.6 kgf. [Conclusion] The re-sults support the usefulness of the toe pressure strength when standing to assess the risk of falls in the care-dependent elderly.