Changes LN postural sway related to fatigue

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the influence on postural sway of such condition as fatigue resulting from muscular work. Twelve of the male adults (26.7±6.2 yrs old) of a certain airport ground service company were served as the experimental subjects. The measurement of postural sway has been made by measuring the weight at two points of the supporting platform. The degree of postural sway was calculated by using an electronic computer (HITAC-10). The measurement was carried out before and after the work on each day during the experimental days. The following results were obtained. On the 1st day with eyes open the ratio of the postural sway after the work to that of before the work (‘after’/‘before’) was 1.25, with eyes closed 113, respectively. On the 2nd day with eyes open it was 1.38, with eyes closed 1.53, respectively. On the last day with eyes open it was 147, with eyes closed 1.23, respectively. The amount of postural sway after the work was greater as compared with that of before the work. The statistical analysis showed that these difference in postural sway was significant (P<0.05-0.001). The influence of several factors on the changes in postural sway was discussed, together with the experimental results obtained by other authors. In conclusion, these results suggest that balance impairment is mainly due to work-related fatigue. © 1979, The Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine. All rights reserved.