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The effect of aging on postural stability: a cross sectional and longitudinal study
R A Du Pasquier1, Y Blanc, M Sinnreich
1Department of Neurology and Kinesiology laboratory, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
Neurophysiologie Clinique = Clinical Neurophysiology
|December 16, 2003
Summary
Postural stability declines with age, measurable by center of pressure velocity (COPxv). This simple method reliably quanties age-related stability loss, aiding differentiation from disease.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Neurology
Background:
- Postural stability is crucial for daily activities and its decline can indicate aging or disease.
- Understanding age-related changes in postural stability is essential for distinguishing physiological aging from pathological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify posturographic parameters that best indicate aging's effect on postural stability.
- To quantify the rate of postural stability impairment associated with aging.
Main Methods:
- 50 healthy volunteers (25-83 years) underwent posturographic assessment using a force plate.
- Center of pressure displacement and velocity (COPxv) were measured during two-legged stance with eyes open and closed.
- Longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses were performed to assess reliability and aging effects over time.
Main Results:
- Center of pressure velocity (COPxv) effectively reflects age-related postural instability.
- Increased sway was observed in older adults (>60 years) with eyes closed.
- Reliability of measurements was 79%, and the estimated rate of postural stability impairment due to aging was 0.0041 cm/s/year.
Conclusions:
- Measuring COPxv during a two-legged stance is a reliable and simple method for assessing postural stability.
- The study precisely estimated the rate of age-related postural stability decline, aiding in differentiating aging from neurodegenerative diseases.