Does a Relationship Exist Between Lower Body Power and Balance Scores Among Older Adults?

Falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional injury and death worldwide.

To determine if a relationship exists between lower body power scores and center of pressure (CoP) and limits of stability (LoS) scores.

A one-shot case study design (n = 13) was selected for the investigation. All participants were assessed stability scores via computerized posturography to determine CoP and LoS balance scores. Participants stood on a perturbed surface with their eyes open and closed. An experimental stair ramp with a switch mat timing device was used to determine lower body power scores in watts.

There was a strong correlation (r = 0.725, p = 0.005) between the posterior (LoS) plane and relative peak power. An intraclass R revealed a strong correlation among the three trials (R = 0.831) performed on the stair ramp.

Muscle power output and LoS scores have moderate to strong correlations with balance scores in older adults.