Sit to Stand Transfer in Senior Athletes

Abstract

1007 PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was twofold: to observe the performance of senior athletes on a sit-to-stand balance test as measured on the NeuroCom BalanceMaster® system; and to compare the results by age(50–64 years, and 65 and over) and gender. METHODS: Analyses are based on 173 World Senior Games participants in 2002, aged 50 years and older. Data were obtained from voluntary participation in balance and mobility screening (i.e., sit-to-stand test). Of these individuals, 156 participated in other screenings (% body fat, bone density, and choelsterol), and 73 also completed a questionnaire involving physical activity and history of chronic disease. RESULTS: Bivariate analyses for discrete and continuous data were performed. Data from the sit-to-stand test included: time to transfer weight over center of base of support, rising power, and amount of center of gravity (COG) sway. A significant difference was found between stratified age groups, gender, and self classification of activity level on rising power. A significant difference between genders existed for BMI. Significant correlations existed between rising power and both bone density and body fat. CONCLUSIONS: The rising power measure was more sensitive to age, gender, and physical activity than weight transfer and COG sway. These results suggest that the activity level of senior athletes may help maintain balance variables (COG sway and weight transfer) associated with the sit-to-stand transfer. Whether or not these results are a result of participation in specific sport activities or activity in general is unknown. Similar research also needs to compare results of less active “community dwelling” seniors to help further clarify the effect of activity on maintenance of balance factors across age and between gender.