Static postural balance in healthy individuals: Comparisons between three age groups

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare static postural balance of healthy individuals of three age groups in different conditions of support and vision. Seventy one individuals, divided into 3 groups, were analyzed: young group (YG: 22.2 ± 2.1 years), middle aged group (MAG: 50.7 ± 5.7 years) and older individuals group (EG: 66.8 ± 5.4 years). Their balance was tested on a force platform, under 3 support and 3 visual conditions. Measures included: total (TD), anterior-posterior (APD) and mediolateral displacement (MLD) of the center of pressure (CoP). ANOVA revealed significant differences for interactions between group X support conditions and group X visual conditions for the 3 variables (p<0.01), with greater displacements for the MAG and EG groups during single-leg stance with partial and occluded vision (p<0.05). Static postural balance decreased over time in healthy individuals, and conditions of support and visual negatively affected balance with the increment of age.