A study on the balance ability and plantar pressure of sarcopenia patients in different standing postures

Background

Sarcopenia usually manifests as a decrease in muscle mass and strength, seriously affecting the quality of life and independent living ability of elderly people. Moreover, sarcopenia is associated with various adverse outcomes such as mortality, postoperative infections, and severe complications, as well as affecting the balance and plantar pressure of the elderly.

Research question

What are the characteristics of balance ability and plantar pressure in sarcopenia population across different standing postures?

Methods

A plantar pressure measurement system was used to measure the COP parameters and plantar pressure of 70 individuals in four standing postures: Feet 10 cm apart (FA), Feet together (FT), Feet Semi Tandem (FST), and Feet Full Tandem (FFT). The plantar area was divided into ten regions based on the anatomical structure of the foot. An independent samples t-test was conducted for significance testing, and developed sarcopenia screening models based on binary logistic regression.

Results

Research has found that there are significant differences in the center of plantar pressure (COP) speed, 95 % elliptical region, COP length, and short axis length between populations with and without sarcopenia in the FST stance. The analysis of plantar pressure showed that the main differences between the two groups were located in the metatarsal and heel regions, and the accuracy of the binary logistic regression model constructed based on the FFT stance plantar pressure data without weight-adjusted for screening sarcopenia was as high as 94.3 %, which was superior to other standing postures.

Significance

The difference in balance ability between sarcopenia population and non-sarcopenia population is reflected in standing posture with a relatively narrower base of support on the plantar surface (FST), and FFT stance plantar pressure can be used as a new method for screening sarcopenia.