Association between age and dynamic balance capability assessed by use of force plates

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate dynamic balance capability, bathyesthesia, and the composite compensation of bathyesthesia and visual sense for dynamic balance assessed by use of force plates and to examine their correlation to age in a cross-sectorial manner. Participants of this study were 147 healthy people (55 men, 92 women). To evaluate dynamic balance capability, we evaluated the index of postural stability (IPS), which is the logarithmic value of the ratio of the area of stability limits to the area of postural sway, with participants standing on a hard surface with eyes opened. To measure bathyesthesia, we evaluated the modified index of postural stability (MIPS), i.e., the IPS with participants standing on a soft surface with eyes closed. As for the composite compensation index of bathyesthesia and visual sense for dynamic balance, we calculated the rubber IPS Romberg ratio (MIPS/IPS). The correlation coefficients (Spearman's rho) of IPS, MIPS and MIPS/IPS to age were -0.666 (p < 0.001), -0.697 (p < 0.001) and -0.600 (p < 0.001), respectively. These results suggest that dynamic balance capability and bathyesthesia decline with advancing age, and the composite compensation of bathyesthesia and visual sense for dynamic balance strengthens with advancing age.