Physical activity and postural balance in rural community dwelling older adults

The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) identify the types of physical activity being done among rural community dwelling older adults; and 2) determine the relationship between amount of physical activity and postural balance in that population.

Balance impairment coupled with other fall risk factors pose a formidable challenge for aging adults. This study identified types of physical activity rural-community dwelling older adults do and explored the relationship between amount (in minutes) of physical activity and balance.

A cross sectional, correlational design was used to recruit rural community-dwelling older adults. Data were collected using the Jackson Heart Study Physical Activity Survey, Berg Balance Scale, and Timed Up and Go Test; ActiGraph accelerometers were worn to objectively measure physical activity.

One hundred and one participants enrolled. Most were female (78%), White (74%), and between 65 and 91 years old. Berg Balance Scale scores positively correlated with average minutes of light (r = 0.262) and moderate (r = 0.276) physical activity; and the Jackson Heart Study Physical Activity Survey active living index (r = 0.320) and home and garden index (r = 0.324). In regression models, age and sex were the strongest predictors of Berg Balance Scale (adjusted r² = 0.313, F(6, 89) = 8.203, P ≤ 0.001). Physical activity was not associated.

Minutes of light or moderate physical activity were not associated with balance. However, investigating factors such as physical activity that influence health functional status and balance deserve continuous attention.