Assessment of postural regulation during standing on the unstable board

Abstract

This study examined the anticipated postural control and the dynamic postural control ability through measuring required times with the maze-induction type balance board (MIBB) test. The subjects were eighty-seven healthy persons (20-83 years old), divided into three groups by age. The subject was made to take an upright stance on MIBB, then and carry out a task quickly, guide a ball through the maze after a signal, and the required time was measured. The required times were recorded for latitudinal and longitudinal directions. The results were as follows: 1) The required times of longitudinal and latitudinal directions of the aged group were significantly longer than those of the young and middle-age groups. 2) The aged and middle-aged groups by standing on one foot were divided into two groups of stable (holding of 30 sec. over) and unstable (holding of 30 sec. less). The length of center of gravity (C.G.) of opened eyes of the unstable group was significantly longer than that of the stable group (p<0.01), and the length of C.G. of closed eyes also gave a significant result (p<0.05). 3) The required time of longitudinal direction of the unstable group was significantly longer than that of the stable group (p<0.01), and the required time of latitudinal direction also gave a significant result (p<0.01). These results suggested that the MIBB test could be useful in dynamic balance training for keeping the body segments during movement and to prevent falling.