Affiliations: [a] Istanbul Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Research and Training Hospital, Bahçelievler, Istanbul, Turkey | [b] Department of Orthopedic Physiotherapy, School of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey | [c] Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Bayram Unver, Department of Orthopedic Physiotherapy, School of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340, Izmir, Turkey. Tel.: +90 2324124928; Fax: +90 2324124946; E-mail:bayram.unver@deu.edu.tr
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Stair climbing is an important but neglected aspect of
independent living. Clinicians should pay attention to the ability to
negotiate stairs in elderly and disabled patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of
age, gender, medication use, cognitive status, lower extremity pathology and
pain on the activities of stair negotiation in the elderly population in
Turkish society. METHODS: Volunteer elderly people (254) were included the
study. Participants were assessed in terms of their medication use,
cognitive status, lower extremity pathology and pain and the activity of
climbing the stairs. RESULTS: Significant differences were found on the activities of
stair negotiation between the elderly with and without lower extremity
pathology, with and without lower extremity pain, with and without
medication use (p< 0.05). A positive and moderate correlation was found
between age and the activity of stair climbing (r= 0.24, p< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Activity of stair climbing is affected by age,
medication use, the presence of lower extremity pathology and pain. We
consider that this information will be helpful for planning an appropriate
and effective rehabilitation programme for elderly people for decreasing
their risk of falling and increasing their independence level during their
activities of daily living.
Keywords: Aging, stair negotiation, lower extremity, activities of daily living
