Abstract
Objective : The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a physical activity program on static balance in elderly women. Method : The sample was randomly subdivided into an experimental group (EG; n=28; 65.64±2.36 years; BMI= 27.52±3.13) and a control group (CG; n=21; 66.84±2.31 years; BMI= 27.67±2.78). The EG participated in twice-weekly 60-minute sessions of physical activity for 12 weeks, with a perceived intensity level between 3 and 5 (CR10 scale). Static balance was evaluated using a baropodometric platform. Mean postural amplitude oscillations were measured in displacement from the center of pressure (COP), left lateral (LLD), right lateral (RLD), anterior (AD) posterior (PD) and elliptical (EA) area. Results : Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed a significant decrease in EG pre and post-test oscillations (p<0.05) in the COP, AD (∆=0.59;p=0.021), PD (∆=-0.91; p=0.001) and EA (∆=1.56; p=0.044) displacement. When comparing the groups, post-test amplitude oscillations in the COP, RLD (∆%=-7.40;p=0.006), AD (∆%=-30.63; p=0.007), PD (∆%=-42.96; p<0.001) and EA (∆%=-34.41;p=0.017) of the EG were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of the CG. There were no significant LLD alterations. Conclusion : The results confirm that static balance improved with physical exercise in EG subjects.
Highlights
Ageing is a natural phenomenon involving biological, environmental and psychological factors.[1]
Intergroup comparison showed that center of pressure (COP) amplitude displacement in the experimental group (EG) were significantly lower ( p
The findings of the present study show a significant decrease in mean COP amplitudes for RLD, AD, PD and EA displacement in the EG when compared with the CG
Summary
Ageing is a natural phenomenon involving biological, environmental and psychological factors.[1] Significant changes occur in cell, tissue and organ activity and physiological processes become less efficient.[2] The neuromuscular system declines and strength, muscle mass and joint mobility decreases.[3,4,5]. These factors can influence coordination and control of static and dynamic balance,[6,7,8] which, in turn, reduces postural stability These results in gait deviation, instability, nausea and frequent falls.[9,10,11] These falls are often the most dangerous consequences of imbalance and movement difficulties and account for 70% of accidental deaths in people over 75.12
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