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Age-related differences in time-limit performance and force platform-based balance measures during one-leg stance
Rubens A da Silva1, Martin Bilodeau, Rodolfo B Parreira
1Center for Health Science Research, Laboratory of Functional Evaluation and Human Motor Performance, Universidade Norte do Paraná (UNOPAR), 675 Paris Ave., CEP 86041-120, Londrina-PR, Brazil. rubens@unopar.br
Balance assessments using force platforms and one-leg standing time-limit (TLimit) effectively distinguish between older and young adults. These methods show acceptable reliability for evaluating balance in diverse age groups.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Poor posture control in older adults is linked to higher risks of falls and mobility decline.
- Objective balance assessment tools are crucial for understanding age-related changes in postural stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the test-retest reliability and group-difference sensitivity of one-leg standing time-limit (TLimit) and force platform balance parameters.
- To examine the relationship between TLimit and selected force platform-derived balance measures.
- To compare balance performance between healthy older and young adults.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-eight older adults (69±5 years) and thirty young adults (21±4 years) participated.
- Participants performed maximum 30s one-leg stance trials and a time-limit (TLimit) trial.
- Force platform data analyzed included center of pressure area, sway amplitude (RMS), mean velocity, and mean frequency (AP/ML).
Main Results:
- All measured balance parameters, including TLimit, were sensitive to differences between older and young adults.
- Test-retest reliability was acceptable (ICC: 0.40-0.85), with higher reliability for mean velocity and frequency in older adults.
- Correlations between balance parameters and TLimit ranged from -0.16 to -0.54.
Conclusions:
- One-leg standing TLimit and force platform measures are valid tools for assessing balance differences across age groups.
- These methods demonstrate acceptable reliability for use in research and clinical settings.
- Findings support the development of robust measurement tools for evaluating balance in older and younger populations.
