Postural Control on a Wobble Board and Stable Surface of Young and Elderly People

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate postural control on stable and unstable surfaces of healthy young and elderly adults. [Subjects] Subjects were 14 healthy young and 10 elderly adults. Methods: The mean range of angular fluctuation, total angular change and mean angle were measured during standing on a wobble board. Postural control on a stable surface was measured using a platform with a center of foot pressure recorder. We measured the length of the displacement of the center of gravity (LNG) and the root mean square area (RMS) while standing for 20 seconds, and the anterior-posterior distance (A-P) while moving the centre of gravity as far forward and backward as possible. Results: Total angular change and A-P were significantly greater in the young group than in the elderly group. Conclusion: Young people have greater abilities than elderly people to move their center of gravity voluntarily and to correct balance.