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Characteristics of Older Adults With Self-Reported Stooping, Crouching, or Kneeling Difficulty

¹ Department of Biomedical Engineering, ² Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and ³ Division of Geriatric Medicine and Institute of Gerontology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
⁴ Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Health Care System, Michigan.

Address correspondence to Manuel Hernandez, MS, Mobility Research Center, 2025 Traverwood Drive, Suite E, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. E-mail: manueleh{at}umich.edu

Abstract

Background. Stooping, crouching, and kneeling (SCK) are fundamental components of daily living tasks, and nearly a quarter of older adults report a lot of difficulty or inability to perform these movements. This study examined characteristics associated with SCK difficulty to explore underlying mechanisms and remediation strategies.

Methods. One hundred eighty-four older adults with no, low, or high SCK difficulty underwent a comprehensive laboratory visit at the University of Michigan.

Results. Twenty-one percent of participants (n = 39) reported a lot of difficulty or inability to stoop, crouch, or kneel. Characteristics independently associated with increasing SCK difficulty were self-reported leg joint limitations, (odds ratio [OR] = 3.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64-9.01), Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale score (OR = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95–0.99), and knee extension strength (OR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55–0.94).

Conclusions. Increasing SCK difficulty is associated with balance confidence as well as leg limitations. Remediation of SCK difficulty will likely require a program that encompasses both behavioral and physical issues.

Key Words: Stooping difficulty • Crouching difficulty • Kneeling difficulty