The association of moderate-to-vigorous and light-intensity physical activity on static balance in middle-aged and older-aged adults.

Abstract

Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults ≥ 65years of age. Participation in physical activity (PA) is associated with improved balance, though it is impact in the middle-age population is not well understood. The purpose of the current study was to examine the influence of PA intensity on static balance in middle-aged and older aged individuals. Included were middle-aged adults (40-64years) and older adults (≥ 65years) from the 2003-2004years of the National Health and Nutrition Evaluation Survey. Light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were collected via accelerometer and static balance via the Romberg Test of Standing Balance. No significant odds ratio relationship was found between MVPA or LPA and having good static balance in the middle-aged population; 1.04 (95% CI 0.95, 1.13) p = 0.427 and 1.05 (95% CI 0.97, 1.14) p = 0.182, respectively. Whereas, in older adults, every 60-min increase in LPA was significantly associated with 28% higher odds of good balance (95% CI 1.15, 1.41; p < 0.001), and every 10-min increase in MVPA with 25% higher odds of good balance (95% CI 1.08, 1.45; p = 0.006). LPA and MVPA were not associated with good static balance in middle-aged adults, but in older adults LPA was significantly associated with good static balance. A significant relationship is found between age and fall risk, which is a major concern in the aging population.