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Influence of Submaximal Exercise on Postural Control in Older Adults
Hans-Georg Palm1, Christian van Uden, Hans-Joachim Riesner
1From the Trauma Research Group, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, German Armed Forces Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
Objective:
The authors conducted this cross-sectional study to assess the influence of submaximal exercise on postural stability as measured by computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) and compared this study's CDP results with clinical balance tests such as the Berg Balance Test and the Timed Up and Go test using a descriptive/explorative approach.
Design:
Forty-three participants performed two exercise tasks (6-min walk test and stair climbing). CDP and established scores (Berg Balance Test and Timed Up and Go test) were used to assess postural instability.
Results:
Despite significant pulse rate increases (approximately 20%, P < 0.05), no clear differences in CDP results were found after completion of either exercise task. The overall stability index scores for all subjects remained unchanged (P = 0.98). A descriptive analysis showed that excellent Berg Balance Test and Timed Up and Go test results were associated with good CDP results.
Conclusions:
Submaximal exercise did not adversely affect postural stability in these older adults.
