POSTURAL BALANCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF 70-74 YEARS OLD WOMEN

Abstract

The aim was to study age-related quality of life (QoL) and postural balance (OPB) in 70-74 years old women. Methods. A total of 700 women aged 65-74 years were examined. The first (reference group) age group (AG) included women aged 65-69 years (n = 437), and the second AG (study group) included women 70-74 years old (n = 263). Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) associated with health were assessed using the questionnaire SF-36v1. To evaluate CPB, the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and the Motor Control Test (MCT) were performed using the computerized dynamic posturography Smart Equitest Balance Manager. Results. It was found that MCS indicators in women aged 70-74 were higher than in women 65-69 years old (p = 0.008), and PCS indicators did not differ between groups (p > 0.1) The study of the peculiarities of the CPB showed that in women 70-74 years old, compared with the previous age group, the ratio for sensory analysis - Somatosensory increases (p = 0.006). Thus, the values of the computerized dynamic posturography according to SOT and MCT data indicate the state of CPB in women 70-74 years old at the level of 65-69 year old women. Conclusions. The quality of life associated with health in 70-74 years old women concerning the Physical Component Summary does not differ from that of the 65-69 years old women, however, there is an increase in the Mental Component Summary after 69 years. Women 70-74 years old don't have changes in the Equilibrium Score, Postural Strategy Score, sensory organization of postural control, as well as an increase in the time of coordinated motor reactions. However, they experience an increase in the ratio for sensory analysis - Somatosensory.