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Sit-to-stand-and-walk from 120% Knee Height: A Novel Approach to Assess Dynamic Postural Control Independent of Lead-limb
Published on: August 30, 2016
Obese elderly women exhibit low postural stability: a novel three-dimensional evaluation system
José Ailton O Carneiro1, Taiza E G Santos-Pontelli, Karla H C Vilaça
1Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Department of Internal Medicine, SP, Brazil.
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
|June 6, 2012
Summary
Obese elderly women have poorer static postural balance and a reduced limit of stability compared to eutrophic women, increasing their fall risk. This highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy weight for senior mobility.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Public Health
Background:
- Aging is associated with changes in postural control.
- Obesity is a growing concern in the elderly population and may impact balance.
- Multisegmental static postural balance is crucial for fall prevention in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the multisegmental static postural balance of active eutrophic and obese elderly women.
- To investigate the influence of different sensory conditions on postural control in these groups.
- To assess postural sway using a three-dimensional motion analysis system.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 31 elderly women (16 eutrophic, 15 obese) aged 65-75 years.
- Assessment of anthropometric measurements, physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and body composition (deuterium oxide dilution).
- Three-dimensional motion analysis (Polhemus® Patriot) to measure postural balance parameters under various sensory conditions (eyes open/closed, stable/unstable surface).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in the limit of stability were found between eutrophic and obese elderly women.
- Obese women demonstrated reduced maximum anteroposterior and laterolateral displacement, indicating poorer balance.
- These differences were significant across multiple sensory conditions, including eyes closed on a stable surface and both eyes open/closed on an unstable surface.
Conclusions:
- Obese elderly women exhibit a significantly lower limit of stability compared to their eutrophic counterparts.
- Reduced postural sway area in obese women suggests increased vulnerability to falls.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight is critical for preserving postural stability and reducing fall risk in the elderly population.
