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Postural sway in normal subjects aged 20-70 years
H Røgind1, J J Lykkegaard, H Bliddal
1Department of Rheumatology, The Parker Institute, Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark. hroegind@dadlnet.dk
Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging
|May 20, 2003
Summary
This study establishes population-based reference values for postural sway, finding it increases with age and test difficulty. Factors like body weight, alcohol, and hypermobility influence balance control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- No established population-based reference data exists for postural sway.
- Postural control is crucial for daily activities and injury prevention.
- Understanding factors influencing postural sway is vital for clinical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference material for postural sway parameters.
- To investigate the influence of age, gender, body weight, smoking, alcohol, and hypermobility on postural control.
- To provide standards for posturographic measurements.
Main Methods:
- Age-stratified random sample of 133 participants from the Copenhagen City Heart Study.
- Postural sway measured using the Balance Master Pro(R).
- Analysis of parameters including average angular velocity, sway area, stability, and ankle strategy using SAS Proc Mixed.
Main Results:
- Postural sway increased significantly with test difficulty and age.
- No significant gender differences in postural sway were observed.
- Ankle strategy decreased with body weight and increased with modest alcohol consumption and hypermobility.
Conclusions:
- This study provides valuable reference data for postural sway in a general population.
- Age and test difficulty are key determinants of postural sway.
- Body weight, alcohol consumption, and hypermobility are significant modulators of balance control strategies.