Correlation between Body Mass Index and Postural Balance in Elderly

Objective: Falling is a common problem in growing elderly population. Researches show that impairment of balance and postural control plays a major role in falling. The biomechanical evidence suggests that increased body mass index (BMI) worsens the postural control. The purpose of this study was to determine one of the effective factors for falls in elderly and also to suggest different preventive approaches. Materials & Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 30 women and men, over 60 years old were selected. The Burg Balance Scale and BMI were measured and the relationship between these two variables was investigated. Results: Results showed a significant relationship between BMI and balance based using Pearson test (R= -0.39 and P<0.05). Although no statistically significant relationship was found between age and balance, balance in men seemed to be better than women. Conclusion: It appears that there is a relationship between BMI and balance in older people, and this index can be used as a criterion to predict falls in elderly people.