Erika Jonsson1, Ake Seiger, Helga Hirschfeld. 1. Karolinska Institutet, Neurotec Department, Division of Physiotherapy, Motor Control and Physical Therapy Research Laboratory, 23100, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden. erika.s.jonsson@neurotec.ki.se
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate postural steadiness during 30 s of one-leg stance in healthy young and elderly adults, by analysing the pattern of the ground reaction force variability. DESIGN: A laboratory set-up was used to analyse the variability of the ground reaction forces in relation to time as a measure of postural steadiness. BACKGROUND: The one-leg stance test is a measure considered to assess postural steadiness in a static position by a temporal measurement. The common notion is that a better postural steadiness, i.e. less force variability, allows for longer time standing on one leg. However, there is lack of evidence how postural steadiness during one-leg stance changes over time. METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy elderly and 28 healthy young adults were tested by means of force plates assessing ground reaction forces while performing one-leg stance. RESULTS: During one-leg stance, two phases could be identified in both groups: First a dynamic phase, a rapid decrease of force variability, and thereafter a static phase, maintaining a certain level of force variability. During the first 5 s of one-leg stance the force variability decreased significantly more in the young group resulting in a lower force variability level during the static phase than in the elderly. CONCLUSIONS: The difficulties in maintaining the static position in elderly seems dependent on the reduced initial decrease in force variability and/or musculoskeletal components. We suggest that the first 5 s are crucial when assessing balance during one-leg stance.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate postural steadiness during 30 s of one-leg stance in healthy young and elderly adults, by analysing the pattern of the ground reaction force variability. DESIGN: A laboratory set-up was used to analyse the variability of the ground reaction forces in relation to time as a measure of postural steadiness. BACKGROUND: The one-leg stance test is a measure considered to assess postural steadiness in a static position by a temporal measurement. The common notion is that a better postural steadiness, i.e. less force variability, allows for longer time standing on one leg. However, there is lack of evidence how postural steadiness during one-leg stance changes over time. METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy elderly and 28 healthy young adults were tested by means of force plates assessing ground reaction forces while performing one-leg stance. RESULTS: During one-leg stance, two phases could be identified in both groups: First a dynamic phase, a rapid decrease of force variability, and thereafter a static phase, maintaining a certain level of force variability. During the first 5 s of one-leg stance the force variability decreased significantly more in the young group resulting in a lower force variability level during the static phase than in the elderly. CONCLUSIONS: The difficulties in maintaining the static position in elderly seems dependent on the reduced initial decrease in force variability and/or musculoskeletal components. We suggest that the first 5 s are crucial when assessing balance during one-leg stance.
Authors: Yejee Lim; Kyunghee Kim; Sun-Hee Ko; Kwanhoon Cho; Eun-Hee Jang; Seung-Hwan Lee; Dong Jun Lim; Ki Hyun Baek; Hee-Sung Ha; Mi Sun Park; Hyeon-Woo Yim; Won-Chul Lee; Kun-Ho Yoon; Ho Young Son; Ki Won Oh; Moo-Il Kang Journal: J Bone Miner Metab Date: 2015-06-09 Impact factor: 2.626
Authors: Praval Khanal; Lingxiao He; Georgina K Stebbings; Gladys L Onambele-Pearson; Hans Degens; Alun G Williams; Martine Thomis; Christopher I Morse Journal: Aging Clin Exp Res Date: 2021-03-13 Impact factor: 3.636