Altered gait mechanics and longer time to complete a 3-meter timed up and go (TUG) task are risk factors for falls in older adults. While acute change in posture influences static balance, it remains unclear if a supine resting position alters gait patterns, compared to seated rest in older adults. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is to explore the effects of resting postures on TUG performance and gait features during the TUG task. METHODS:In this within-subject design study, thirty-eight older adults (73.55 ± 1.04 yrs, 71.89 ± 2.31 kg, 1.64 ± 0.01 m) completed the TUG under two randomly ordered resting conditions; following 10 minutes of seated rest (SEAT) and following 10 minutes of supine rest (SUP). Participants were instructed to begin on “go” and “begin when they were ready”, with time starting when they reached a seated position in SEAT and SUP conditions respectively. Total time (TUGToT, s), averaged gait velocity (TUGVel, cm/s), cadence (TUGCad, spm), and active propulsion (TUGAPT, %: the percentage of gait time when the center of gravity extends beyond the base of support until contralateral heel contact) over the single trial were calculated. TUG trials were calculated using Tekscan Walkway system. Paired sample t-tests were used to determine gait differences between two resting conditions. RESULTS: TUGToT was significantly longer after the SUP compared to the SEAT (12.14 ± 4.35 s vs. 10.52 ± 2.65 s, p=0.001). TUGVel was significantly slower after the SUP compared to the SEAT (85.28 ± 28.73 cm/s vs. 102.03 ± 21.43 cm/s, p<0.001). TUGCad was significantly lower after the SUP compared to the SEAT (108.94 ± 21.57spm vs. 119.44 ± 13.50 spm, p=0.001). TUGAPT was significantly less after the SUP compared to the SEAT (58.00 ± 25.53% vs. 71.72 ± 22.14%, p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical standards identify older adults that take longer than 12 seconds to complete the TUG at increased risk of falling. Our results indicate that a sudden postural change from supine resting position results in increased falls risk. These findings have potential to inform patient, provider, and caregiver efforts to lower risk of falls in older adults.
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