Age-related changes in postural control in older women: transitional tasks in step initiation

Abstract

Background Aging, being a natural process, involves many functional and structural changes within the body. Identifying the age-related postural changes will provide insight into the role of aging on postural control during locomotion. The aim of this study was to identify age-related postural changes during a transitional task under different conditions. Methods Sixty healthy females divided into three age groups: A (50-60 y/o), B (60-70 y/o), and C (70-80 y/o). The transitional task was measured by two force platforms. The procedure consisted of three phases: quiet standing, transfer onto a second platform, and quiet standing on the second platform. Four different conditions were applied: unperturbed transfer, obstacle crossing, step-up, and step-down. Double-support time, transit time, and stability time before and after the step task were analyzed. Results The transit time was longer by 30% for subjects over 70 y/o. The double-support time was longer by 11% among adults 60-70 y/o, while in people over 70 y/o it was longer by almost 50% compared to the 50-60 y/o subjects. The stability time before the transitional task was longer by 17% among adults over 60 y/o compared to middle-age subjects. The stability times before and after the transitional task were longer for adults in the 50-60 y/o category. Conclusion The proposed procedure is adequate for assessing age-related changes in postural control while undergoing a transitional task. An analysis of the double-support time and stability time before and after the step task enabled the detection of early signs of balance changes in middle-age adults. Independent of age, the transitional task parameters changed with the increasing difficulty of the tasks.

Postural Balance and Gait Parameters of Independent Older Adults: A Sex Difference Analysis

“…The increase in the number of older people is associated with greater functional dependence in society, and alterations in postural balance and gait contribute significantly to this greater dependence [ 28 ]. It is known that aging generates deleterious changes in postural control systems [ 9 , 17 ], affecting the adequate control of CoP displacement, generating reduced postural stability and increased risk of falling [ 17 , 29 ]. However, the differences in standing postural balance and gait according to sex are still poorly addressed in the literature.…”

“…Balance can be assessed using either clinical balance tests—such as the Tinetti test, Berg Balance Scale, timed up-and-go, among others—or more objective measures such as posturography. However, clinical tests only assess visible balance deficits, and they may be less sensitive in the older adults who are active and independent [ 17 ].…”

Postural control performance of active and inactive older adults assessed through postural tasks with different levels of difficulty

“…One of the most alarming losses that affect older adults is the decline in postural balance, which is related to high rates of falls and can lead to loss of mobility and reduction of functional independence 4 . This decline in postural balance can be explained by deterioration in sensory, musculoskeletal, and neuromuscular systems and the coordination between them 3 , impaired cognitive function, and weakened motor responses 5 .…”

“…Furthermore, deterioration in the visual and vestibular systems decreases the sense of orientation and awareness of the body, which affects movement coordination and increases the motor reaction time3. These factors, combined with age-related lower physical activity levels, lead to postural instability and an increased risk of falls 4 .…”

The Effect of Nordic Walking Training with Poles with an Integrated Resistance Shock Absorber on the Body Balance of Women over the Age of 60

“…Due to physiological changes linked to the aging process of the body, the deterioration of all elements influencing the maintenance of proper body balance can be noticed [3].…”