Physical function, daily activities, and spinal pain in the elderly: A cross-sectional study.

Age was significantly correlated with functional mobility as measured by the Timed Up and Go test.

• The correlation between age and TUG test performance was r = 0.61, p < 0.001.
• The study included 28 community-dwelling seniors (25 women, 3 men) with a mean age of 70.8 ± 5.1 years.
• The TUG test was used as the primary measure of functional mobility.
• Reaction time was also assessed alongside TUG as a measure of functional mobility.

Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores were significantly correlated with postural sway area.

• The correlation between NDI and postural sway area was r = 0.45, p = 0.016.
• Postural balance was measured using a force platform.
• Disability was evaluated using both the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).
• This finding suggests that greater cervical spine disability is associated with larger postural sway in older adults.

No significant relationship was observed between spinal pain and physical activity levels.

• Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
• The absence of a significant correlation between pain and physical activity was noted despite significant associations found between pain-related disability and balance measures.
• The sample consisted of 28 community-dwelling seniors.

The study population consisted of community-dwelling older adults assessed across multiple functional domains.

• A total of 28 participants were included: 25 women and 3 men with a mean age of 70.8 ± 5.1 years.
• Assessments included the TUG test, reaction time, force platform-based postural balance, NDI, ODI, and IPAQ.
• The cross-sectional design was used to evaluate relationships between spinal pain, functional mobility, balance, and physical activity.
• Participants were community-dwelling seniors, representing a relatively independent older adult population.

Assessing cervical disability and postural stability was identified as important for identifying older adults at higher risk of mobility limitations.

• The authors suggest these assessments should be integral to geriatric evaluation.
• Findings were based on significant associations between NDI and postural sway area (r = 0.45, p = 0.016) and between age and TUG (r = 0.61, p < 0.001).
• The authors frame these findings in the context of population aging being associated with progressive functional decline and rising prevalence of chronic spinal pain.