Comparison of Postural Control Measures between Older and Younger Adults Using Balance Master System

Lim, Kil Byong; Na, Young Moo; Lee, Hong Jae; Joo, Sung Joo

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Postural control ability is one of determinant factors of falls in older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine if age affected postural control measures in Balance Master system. METHOD: Forty-four healthy adults (22 men, 22 women) were divided into two groups; younger (20 to 29 years) and older (60 to 69 years) groups. All participants were tested by Balance Master system. A total 5 measurements were analyzed to determine the difference between older and younger group. RESULTS: Older adults demonstrated wider area of sway (o) under condition (eye closed on foam surface) in mCTSIB, low directional control (%) in slow front/back rhythmic weight shift, and low on-axis velocity (o/sec) in fast front/back rhythmic weight shift (p<0.05). Right/ Left weight symmetry (%) during sit to stand was significantly higher in older groups (p<0.05). Wider area of turn sway (o) and longer turn time (sec) during step/ quick turn were demonstrated in older groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that the postural control ability measured by Balance Master system was reduced in the older adults. Further studies should be carried out to correlate this reduction with the falls in healthy elderly.