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Effect of exercise on postural sway in the elderly
R G Crilly1, D A Willems, K J Trenholm
1Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Gerontology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
A 12-week exercise program did not improve postural stability in elderly women. Researchers hypothesize that age-related nervous system decline may cause irreversible loss of function, preventing improvements in postural sway.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Postural stability is crucial for elderly mobility and fall prevention.
- Age-related changes, particularly in the nervous system, can significantly impact balance.
- Previous interventions have shown mixed results in improving postural control in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of a structured exercise program in enhancing postural stability among elderly women.
- To determine if exercise can mitigate age-related deterioration in postural sway.
Main Methods:
- Fifty female residents from assisted living facilities (mean age 82) were randomized into an exercise or control group.
- The exercise group participated in 36 classes over 12 weeks focused on postural stability.
- Postural sway was measured using a force platform with eyes open and closed.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant improvement in postural sway was observed in the exercise group compared to the control group.
- The intervention did not lead to enhanced postural stability in the elderly participants.
Conclusions:
- The exercise program was ineffective in improving postural stability in this cohort of elderly women.
- Age-related deterioration in the nervous system may lead to irreversible functional loss, limiting the benefits of exercise for postural control in advanced age.