Balance performance, force production, and activity levels in noninstitutionalized men 60 to 90 years of age

Muscle coordination is essential to the maintenance of posture and balance. Loss of balance in the elderly results in serious falls and can lead to illness, while fear of falling can lead to self-protective immobility. The elderly are known to have weaker trunk and hip muscles, but the relationship between muscular weakness and loss of balance has not been thoroughly studied. Heel-toe and one-legged balance, each with eyes open or shut, and hip musculature strength were measured in 54 healthy men, aged 60 to 90 years. There was a positive correlation between hip muscle strength and balancing ability. The heel-toe position with eyes open was not a challenge. Hip muscle strength was most strongly related to one-legged standing with eyes closed. More active men (based on self-description) tended to have stronger hip musculature. Postural balance and hip muscle strength decreased with increasing age. The results demonstrate the importance of maintaining physical activity in the elderly, and suggest that exercises to improve hip muscle strength should be part of the treatment of elderly patients with balance problems. Further study is needed to clarify the relationships among activity level, muscle strength, and balance in the older population. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
The purpose of this study was to collect and analyze balance and muscle performance data obtained from 54 men aged 60 to 90 years. Balance was tested using the sharpened Romberg test (SR) and the one-legged stance test (OLST) on each foot with eyes open and eyes closed. A strain-gauge-based quantitative muscle tester (QMT) was used to measure force production. All torque values were normalized as a percentage of body weight. A self-report of activity level also was recorded. The results indicated that OLST scores and normalized torques of the hip flexors, extensors, and abductors had a positive correlation and that SR scores and normalized torques of the hip extensors and right hip abductors had a positive correlation. Subjects who considered themselves to be very active had a significantly higher SR eyes-closed balance time as compared with those who rated themselves as less active. Subjects who considered themselves to be very active also had significantly higher normalized torque values for most muscle groups tested. Negative relationships were shown between age and balance time and between age and force production. [Iverson BD, Gossman MR, Shaddeau SA, et al. Balance performance, force production, and activity levels in noninstitutionalized men 60 to 90 years of age. Phys Ther. 1990; 70:348-355] Key Words: Aging, Equilibrium; Kinesiology/biomechanics, general; Muscle performance, measurement; Tests and measurements, functional.
Balance Performance, Force Production, and Activity Levels in Noninstitutionalized Men 60 to 90 Years of Age We often take balance for granted. Our ability to maintain an upright posture is [...]