Examine the Differences in the Dynamic Balance of Young Adults and Middle-Aged Women as Determined by the Star Excursion Balance Test

Abstract

Background: Dynamic balance is crucial for performing daily activities and preventing falls, particularly as individuals age. Previous studies have indicated that dynamic balance, as assessed by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), tends to diminish with aging, impacting overall quality of life and increasing the risk of injuries. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the differences in dynamic balance between young adults and middle-aged women using the SEBT, to understand how aging affects balance and postural control. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving fifty fit and active women, divided into two age groups: young adults (aged 18–25 years, n=25) and middle-aged women (aged 40–60 years, n=25). Participants with any lower extremity or spinal musculoskeletal disorders in the last 6 months, those who were physically unfit, and pregnant women were excluded. The SEBT was administered to assess dynamic balance, with participants performing three reaches in each of the eight directions in a randomized order. The mean reach distance was calculated for each direction. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, with independent sample t-tests to compare reach distances between the two groups. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The young adult group demonstrated significantly greater reach distances compared to the middle-aged group in all directions of the SEBT. Specifically, medial reach distances were 54.96 ± 5.63 cm for the young adults and 41.79 ± 7.36 cm for the middle-aged group, with a P-value of <0.001. Similar trends were observed in anteromedial, anterior, anterolateral, lateral, posterolateral, posteromedial, and posterior reaches, indicating a consistent decline in dynamic balance with age. Conclusion: The study confirms that dynamic balance, as measured by the SEBT, significantly decreases from young adulthood to middle age in women. This underscores the importance of incorporating balance training and physical activity into lifestyle interventions to mitigate age-related declines in balance and postural control.