Alteración del equilibrio en adultos mayores institucionalizados en la Congregación de las Hermanitas de los Ancianos Desamparados “Hogar Cristo Rey”; septiembre 2023- febrero 2024

Abstract

Background: Aging is a natural phenomenon characterized by morphological and physical changes in the elderly population. A significant change that impacts quality of life is the loss of balance, which increases the risk of falls, injuries, and disability, leading to greater dependence in this population. The Berg Balance Scale is commonly used to quantify this impairment. Objective: To determine the prevalence of balance impairment in institutionalized older adults at the “Hogar Cristo Rey” residence in Cuenca, through the application of the Berg Balance Scale during the period of September 2023 to February 2024. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out in 60 institutionalized older adults in the "Hogar Cristo Rey". The Berg balance scale was used and the analysis used the SPSS V.29 system, using descriptive statistics and Kendall's tau C statistic to evaluate the relationship between the risk of falls and the variables collected. Results: the data show a similar proportion by sex, with a predominance of those aged 80 and over, and of overweight/obese subjects. Most of them have been in the company for five years or less. 55% have a moderate risk of falling, and 30% a high risk. The subjects with less time in the institution are those with the highest risk of falls.