Sagittal plane spinal mobility is associated with dynamic balance ability of community-dwelling elderly people

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the correlation between the range of spinal mobility on the sagittal plane and the dynamic balance ability of elderly people living in communities. [Subjects and Methods] The persons studied were 31 healthy elderly people living in the community (16 females and 15 males). The range of mobility of the participants’ spines in the sagittal plane was measured by using a spinal mouse(®). Balance ability was evaluated by using Functional reach (FR), Timed up and go (TUG), and Maximum walking speed (MWS). [Results] A significant positive correlation between the flexion range of the lumbar vertebrae and the FR distance was identified, and a significant negative correlation between the extension range of the thoracic vertebrae and the time required for TUG was also identified. In addition, a significant positive correlation between the extension range of the entire spine and MWS, was identified. [Conclusion] The result of this study have clarified that mobility of the spine in the sagittal plane is associated with dynamic balance ability, which is related to falling.