André Wilson de Oliveira Gil

Relationship between force platform and two functional tests for measuring balance in the elderly

BACKGROUND Clinical and laboratory methods have been developed to assess the different dimensions of postural control with the aim to increase the clinical relevance of decisions about balance deficit. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to correlate the force platform measurements with two functional tests used to evaluate balance in elderly. METHODS A total of 124 physically independent elderly volunteers participated in this study. Subjects performed the following three tests: 1) a traditional functional balance test, named the one-leg standing test, which measures the time in seconds at this position; 2) a functional agility/dynamic balance test, which quantifies the total time in seconds that a subject can stand up from a chair and move as quickly as possible around two cones; and 3) an unipodal balance test on a force platform. RESULTS The one-leg standing test yielded a mean of 12 seconds (SD=9 s), while the mean time observed in the functional agility/dynamic balance test was 26 seconds (SD=6 s). The correlations between the balance parameters of force platform and two functional tests varied between -0.28 and 0.20, which shows a weak association between them. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the idea that these functional tests do not necessarily furnish the same information regarding balance mechanisms as the force platform. This study contributes to the evaluation of balance in elderly and suggests that functional tests should be used with caution especially in regards to the purposes of the research and when conducting clinical assessments of the elderly.

Análise comparativa do equilíbrio unipodal de atletas de ginástica rítmica

ABSTRACT Introduction: Rhythmic gymnastics requires a high level of physical quality; therefore, good performance depends on muscular strength and endurance, motor coordination and postural balance. Objective: To develop a comparative analysis of postural balance in rhythmic gymnasts. Methods: 10 female rhythmic gymnasts were evaluated by a force platform on one foot and balance functional tests (Side Hop Test and Figure of Eight Hop Test). The following data of the force platform were analyzed: anteroposterior and mediolateral of the center of pressure parameters, while for the functional tests, the time in seconds was analyzed. Results: Significant difference (p = 0.01) was found between lower limbs in the median frequency parameter in the mediolateral direction, in which non dominant lower limb showed higher postural stability than the dominant one. For functional tests, there was no significant difference between limbs. Conclusion: The difference found in the balance control of mediolateral direction may be related to different muscular actions of the hip region, which is present during the sport practice for stabilization, trunk maintenance, and movement performance with lower limbs. These results indicate the need of a balance program and pelvic sta-bilization for the analyzed athletes in order to maintain muscular symmetry of the limbs for high sports performance.Keywords: postural balance, athletes, sports.

Relação entre testes funcionais e plataforma de força nas medidas de equilíbrio em atletas

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have correlated the balance measurements based in functional tests and force platform in athletes.OBJECTIVE: to determine the relationship between three functional balance tests with the main measurements of the force platform in athletes.METHODOLOGY: Fifteen female athletes, indoor soccer and handball players, aged between 13 and 17 years, participated of this study. The athletes performed tree functional tests: 1) the star excursion balance test, 2) the lateral jump, and 3) the figure eight test; as well as the one leg-stance test on a force platform with the eyes open for 30 seconds. The parameters of center of pressure (COP) of the foot were calculated by stabilographic analysis. For all the tests (functional and platform), tree trials attempts were made, and the mean value retained for the analyses.RESULTS: The correlations between the functional tests and the force platform were from r = 0.01 to -0.69 (weak to moderate), depending on the COP variable. The best correlations (r = -0.69) were found between the star excursion balance test and the COP area, indicating that when a greater distance was reached, the better the postural balance. Secondly, a weak to moderate correlation was found between the figure eight test and COP area (e.g. r = 0.43). The side hop test did not present good correlation with the values obtained on the force platform.CONCLUSION: This study shows that to evaluate balance in athletes practicing indoor soccer and handball, the Star excursion balance test may be used in the absence of a force platform, to identify possible balance deficits.INTRODUCCION: Pocos estudios han correlacionado las medidas de equilibrio entre las principales pruebas funcionales y la plataforma de fuerza en los atletas. OBJETIVO: Determinar la relacion entre tres pruebas de equilibrio funcionales con las principales medidas de la fuerza en la plataforma de los atletas. METODO: Quince atletas del sexo femenino que practican el futbol de salon y balonmano, entre 13 y 17 anos participaron en el estudio. Los atletas realizaron tres pruebas funcionales: 1) Star excursion balance test, 2) salto lateral y 3) salto figura ocho, ademas de una prueba unipodal sobre una plataforma de fuerza con los ojos abiertos durante 30 segundos. Los parametros del centro de la presion de los pies (COP) se calcularon por analisis estabilografica. Para todas las pruebas (funcionales y plataforma), se llevaron a cabo tres ensayos y el promedio fue utilizado para su analisis. RESULTADOS: Las correlaciones entre las pruebas funcionales y la plataforma de fuerza fueron r = 0,01 a -0,69 (leve a moderada), en funcion de la variable COP. La mejor correlacion (r = -0,69) se encontro entre el rango de la prueba Star Excursion Balance y el area del COP, lo que indica que cuanto mayor es la distancia que se logra, mejor es el equilibrio. En segundo lugar, se encontro correlacion debil a moderada entre la prueba en figura de ocho y el area del COP (por ejemplo, r = 0,43). La prueba de salto lateral mostro una buena correlacion con las pruebas en la plataforma de fuerza. CONCLUSION: Este estudio demostro que para la evaluacion del equilibrio de los atletas del sexo femenino de futbol de salon y balonmano, el Star excursion balance test se puede utilizar en la ausencia de una plataforma de fuerza para identificar posibles deficiencias en el equilibrio.

Effects of Holding an External Load on the Standing Balance of Older and Younger Adults With and Without Chronic Low Back Pain

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of holding an external load on the standing balance of younger and older adults with and without chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Twenty participants with and 20 without CLBP participated in the study. Each group contained 10 younger (50% men) and 10 older adults (50% men). Participants were instructed to look straight ahead while standing on a force platform during two 120‐second trials with and without holding an external load (10% of body mass). The center of pressure area, mean velocity, and mean frequency in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions were measured. Results: Older adults had worse standing balance than younger adults did (P < .001, d = 0.20). There were no significant balance differences between participants with and without CLBP within age groups during standing balance condition. However, holding the external load significantly increased postural instability for both age groups and CLBP status, with mean effect size across center of pressure variables of d = 0.82 for older participants without CLBP and d = 2.65 for younger participants without CLBP. These effects for people with CLBP were d = 1.65 for subgroup of older and d = 1.60 for subgroup of younger participants. Conclusion: Holding an external load of 10% of body mass increased postural instability of both younger and older adults with and without CLBP.

Relationship between foot posture measurements and force platform parameters during two balance tasks in older and younger subjects

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to compare age-related differences in balance and anthropometric posture measurements of the foot and to determine any relationship between them. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty-eight older and 42 younger adults participated in this study. Foot posture was tested for four domains: 1) hallux flexion and extension range of motion using a goniometer, 2) navicular height and 3) length of the foot using a pachymeter, and 4) footprint (width of forefoot, arch index and hallux valgus). Balance was tested under two conditions on a force platform: bipodal in 60-s trials and unipodal in 30-s trials. The sway area of the center of pressure and velocity in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions were computed. [Results] Older individuals showed significantly poorer balance compared with younger adults under in the unipodal condition (center of pressure area 9.97 vs. 7.72 cm2). Older people presented a significantly lower hallux mobility and higher values for width of the forefoot and transverse arch index than younger adults. The correlations between all foot posture and center of pressure parameters varied across groups, from weak to moderate (r −0.01 to −0.46). Low hallux mobility was significantly related to higher center of pressure values in older people. [Conclusion] These results have clinical implications for balance and foot posture assessments.

Comparação do controle postural em cinco tarefas de equílibrio e a relação dos riscos de quedas entre idosas e adultas jovens

O envelhecimento e um processo natural que acarreta mudancas intrinsecas e extrinsecas ao organismo. O objetivo e analisar cinco tarefas de equilibrio postural em idosas atraves da Plataforma de forca, correlacionando com o risco de quedas avaliado pelo teste Timed Up and Go (TUG). Participaram do estudo 43 idosos e 40 adultos jovens, todos do sexo feminino, que foram avaliadas em uma plataforma de forca com um protocolo padrao: descalcas, com os bracos ao longo do corpo nas tarefas bipodal e semitandem, ambos olhos abertos e fechados, apoio unipodal utilizando o centro de oscilacao postural (COP) e as velocidades nos eixos anteroposterior (Vel AP) e medio-lateral (Vel ML). Apos 5 minutos de descanso, realizou-se o TUG. Os resultados mostraram que as idosas tiveram maior instabilidade postural (p<0.05) em relacao as adultas jovens, e a tarefa que mais desafiou o equilibrio foi o apoio unipodal COP 10,02 (cm2) Vel AP 3,00 (cm/s) e Vel ML 3,32 (cm/s), e as idosas tiveram um tempo medio no TUG de 9,01 segundos considerando um baixo risco de quedas. Conclusao: Idosas apresentam um maior deficit no equilibrio em relacao as jovens, sendo a tarefa de apoio UNP a que mais apresentou desafios no controle postural das duas populacoes. Idosas saudaveis apresentaram um baixo risco para as quedas, nenhuma correlacao foi encontrada entre o equilibrio postural atraves da plataforma de forca e risco de quedas do TUG.Aging is a natural process, which involves intrinsic and extrinsic changes in the organism. The objective is to analyze five tasks of postural balance in older women through the strength platform, correlating them with risk of falls evaluated by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Participants of this study were 43 older women and 40 young adult women. They were evaluated on a force platform with a standard protocol: barefoot with arms along the body in Semi-Tandem and bipedal stances, with both eyes open and then closed, unipedal support using the postural sway of the center of pressure (COP) and the velocities in the anteroposterior axis (AP) and medial-lateral (ML). After 5 minutes of rest, TUGT was applied. The results showed that older women had greater postural instability (p<0.05) than younger women. The most challenging task for balance was unipedal support COP: 10.02(cm2); AP velocity: 3.00 (cm/s); ML velocity: 3.32 (cm/s). Older women needed a mean time of 9.01 seconds in the TUGT, considering a low risk of falls. Conclusion: Older women present a higher deficit in their balance compared with young women, so as Unipedal Stance Test (UPST) task was the most challenging for postural control of the two populations. Healthy older women presented a low risk for falls. No correlation was found between postural balance through the force platform and risk of falls during the TUGT. O envelhecimento e um processo natural que acarreta mudancas intrinsecas e extrinsecas ao organismo. O objetivo e analisar cinco tarefas de equilibrio postural em idosas atraves da Plataforma de forca, correlacionando com o risco de quedas avaliado pelo teste Timed Up and Go (TUG). Participaram do estudo 43 idosos e 40 adultos jovens, todos do sexo feminino, que foram avaliadas em uma plataforma de forca com um protocolo padrao: descalcas, com os bracos ao longo do corpo nas tarefas bipodal e semitandem, ambos olhos abertos e fechados, apoio unipodal utilizando o centro de oscilacao postural (COP) e as velocidades nos eixos anteroposterior (Vel AP) e medio-lateral (Vel ML). Apos 5 minutos de descanso, realizou-se o TUG. Os resultados mostraram que as idosas tiveram maior instabilidade postural (p<0.05) em relacao as adultas jovens, e a tarefa que mais desafiou o equilibrio foi o apoio unipodal COP 10,02 (cm2) Vel AP 3,00 (cm/s) e Vel ML 3,32 (cm/s), e as idosas tiveram um tempo medio no TUG de 9,01 segundos considerando um baixo risco de quedas. Conclusao: Idosas apresentam um maior deficit no equilibrio em relacao as jovens, sendo a tarefa de apoio UNP a que mais apresentou desafios no controle postural das duas populacoes. Idosas saudaveis apresentaram um baixo risco para as quedas, nenhuma correlacao foi encontrada entre o equilibrio postural atraves da plataforma de forca e risco de quedas do TUG. El envejecimiento es un proceso natural, lo cual conlleva cambios intrinsecos e extrinsecos en el organismo. El objectivo es analizar cinco tareas de equilibrio postural en ancianas por medio de la plataforma de fuerza, presentandose correlacion con el riesgo de caidas evaluado por el Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Participaron del estudio 43 ancianas y 40 adultas jovenes, las cuales fueron evaluadas en una plataforma de fuerza con un protocolo patron: descalzas, con los brazos al longo del cuerpo en las tareas bipodal y semi-tandem, ambos ojos abiertos y cerrados, apoyo unipodal utilizando el centro de oscilacion postural (COP) y las velocidades en los ejes anteroposterior (Vel AP) y mediolateral (Vel ML). Despues de 5 minutos de descanso, se realizo el TUGT. Los resultados presentaron que las ancianas tuvieron mayor inestabilidad postural (p<0.05) en relacion a las adultas jovenes, y la tarea que mas desafio el equilibrio fue el apoyo unipodal COP 10,02 (cm2) Vel AP 3,00 (cm/s) y Vel ML 3,32 (cm/s), y las ancianas tuvieron un tiempo medio en el TUGT de 9,01 segundos considerando bajo riesgo de caidas. La conclusion es que ancianas presentan mayor deficit en el equilibrio en relacion a las jovenes, siendo la tarea de apoyo UNP la que mas presento desafios en el control postural de las dos poblaciones. Ancianas saludables presentaron bajo riesgo para las caidas, ninguna correlacion fue encontrada entre el equilibrio postural por medio de la plataforma de fuerza y riesgo de caidas del TUGT.

Comparison of postural control in five tasks of balance and relation of risk of falls between older and young adult women

O envelhecimento e um processo natural que acarreta mudancas intrinsecas e extrinsecas ao organismo. O objetivo e analisar cinco tarefas de equilibrio postural em idosas atraves da Plataforma de forca, correlacionando com o risco de quedas avaliado pelo teste Timed Up and Go (TUG). Participaram do estudo 43 idosos e 40 adultos jovens, todos do sexo feminino, que foram avaliadas em uma plataforma de forca com um protocolo padrao: descalcas, com os bracos ao longo do corpo nas tarefas bipodal e semitandem, ambos olhos abertos e fechados, apoio unipodal utilizando o centro de oscilacao postural (COP) e as velocidades nos eixos anteroposterior (Vel AP) e medio-lateral (Vel ML). Apos 5 minutos de descanso, realizou-se o TUG. Os resultados mostraram que as idosas tiveram maior instabilidade postural (p<0.05) em relacao as adultas jovens, e a tarefa que mais desafiou o equilibrio foi o apoio unipodal COP 10,02 (cm2) Vel AP 3,00 (cm/s) e Vel ML 3,32 (cm/s), e as idosas tiveram um tempo medio no TUG de 9,01 segundos considerando um baixo risco de quedas. Conclusao: Idosas apresentam um maior deficit no equilibrio em relacao as jovens, sendo a tarefa de apoio UNP a que mais apresentou desafios no controle postural das duas populacoes. Idosas saudaveis apresentaram um baixo risco para as quedas, nenhuma correlacao foi encontrada entre o equilibrio postural atraves da plataforma de forca e risco de quedas do TUG.Aging is a natural process, which involves intrinsic and extrinsic changes in the organism. The objective is to analyze five tasks of postural balance in older women through the strength platform, correlating them with risk of falls evaluated by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Participants of this study were 43 older women and 40 young adult women. They were evaluated on a force platform with a standard protocol: barefoot with arms along the body in Semi-Tandem and bipedal stances, with both eyes open and then closed, unipedal support using the postural sway of the center of pressure (COP) and the velocities in the anteroposterior axis (AP) and medial-lateral (ML). After 5 minutes of rest, TUGT was applied. The results showed that older women had greater postural instability (p<0.05) than younger women. The most challenging task for balance was unipedal support COP: 10.02(cm2); AP velocity: 3.00 (cm/s); ML velocity: 3.32 (cm/s). Older women needed a mean time of 9.01 seconds in the TUGT, considering a low risk of falls. Conclusion: Older women present a higher deficit in their balance compared with young women, so as Unipedal Stance Test (UPST) task was the most challenging for postural control of the two populations. Healthy older women presented a low risk for falls. No correlation was found between postural balance through the force platform and risk of falls during the TUGT. O envelhecimento e um processo natural que acarreta mudancas intrinsecas e extrinsecas ao organismo. O objetivo e analisar cinco tarefas de equilibrio postural em idosas atraves da Plataforma de forca, correlacionando com o risco de quedas avaliado pelo teste Timed Up and Go (TUG). Participaram do estudo 43 idosos e 40 adultos jovens, todos do sexo feminino, que foram avaliadas em uma plataforma de forca com um protocolo padrao: descalcas, com os bracos ao longo do corpo nas tarefas bipodal e semitandem, ambos olhos abertos e fechados, apoio unipodal utilizando o centro de oscilacao postural (COP) e as velocidades nos eixos anteroposterior (Vel AP) e medio-lateral (Vel ML). Apos 5 minutos de descanso, realizou-se o TUG. Os resultados mostraram que as idosas tiveram maior instabilidade postural (p<0.05) em relacao as adultas jovens, e a tarefa que mais desafiou o equilibrio foi o apoio unipodal COP 10,02 (cm2) Vel AP 3,00 (cm/s) e Vel ML 3,32 (cm/s), e as idosas tiveram um tempo medio no TUG de 9,01 segundos considerando um baixo risco de quedas. Conclusao: Idosas apresentam um maior deficit no equilibrio em relacao as jovens, sendo a tarefa de apoio UNP a que mais apresentou desafios no controle postural das duas populacoes. Idosas saudaveis apresentaram um baixo risco para as quedas, nenhuma correlacao foi encontrada entre o equilibrio postural atraves da plataforma de forca e risco de quedas do TUG. El envejecimiento es un proceso natural, lo cual conlleva cambios intrinsecos e extrinsecos en el organismo. El objectivo es analizar cinco tareas de equilibrio postural en ancianas por medio de la plataforma de fuerza, presentandose correlacion con el riesgo de caidas evaluado por el Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Participaron del estudio 43 ancianas y 40 adultas jovenes, las cuales fueron evaluadas en una plataforma de fuerza con un protocolo patron: descalzas, con los brazos al longo del cuerpo en las tareas bipodal y semi-tandem, ambos ojos abiertos y cerrados, apoyo unipodal utilizando el centro de oscilacion postural (COP) y las velocidades en los ejes anteroposterior (Vel AP) y mediolateral (Vel ML). Despues de 5 minutos de descanso, se realizo el TUGT. Los resultados presentaron que las ancianas tuvieron mayor inestabilidad postural (p<0.05) en relacion a las adultas jovenes, y la tarea que mas desafio el equilibrio fue el apoyo unipodal COP 10,02 (cm2) Vel AP 3,00 (cm/s) y Vel ML 3,32 (cm/s), y las ancianas tuvieron un tiempo medio en el TUGT de 9,01 segundos considerando bajo riesgo de caidas. La conclusion es que ancianas presentan mayor deficit en el equilibrio en relacion a las jovenes, siendo la tarea de apoyo UNP la que mas presento desafios en el control postural de las dos poblaciones. Ancianas saludables presentaron bajo riesgo para las caidas, ninguna correlacion fue encontrada entre el equilibrio postural por medio de la plataforma de fuerza y riesgo de caidas del TUGT.

Comparación del control postural en cinco tareas de equilibrio y la relación de los riesgos de caídas entre ancianas y adultas jovenes

O envelhecimento e um processo natural que acarreta mudancas intrinsecas e extrinsecas ao organismo. O objetivo e analisar cinco tarefas de equilibrio postural em idosas atraves da Plataforma de forca, correlacionando com o risco de quedas avaliado pelo teste Timed Up and Go (TUG). Participaram do estudo 43 idosos e 40 adultos jovens, todos do sexo feminino, que foram avaliadas em uma plataforma de forca com um protocolo padrao: descalcas, com os bracos ao longo do corpo nas tarefas bipodal e semitandem, ambos olhos abertos e fechados, apoio unipodal utilizando o centro de oscilacao postural (COP) e as velocidades nos eixos anteroposterior (Vel AP) e medio-lateral (Vel ML). Apos 5 minutos de descanso, realizou-se o TUG. Os resultados mostraram que as idosas tiveram maior instabilidade postural (p<0.05) em relacao as adultas jovens, e a tarefa que mais desafiou o equilibrio foi o apoio unipodal COP 10,02 (cm2) Vel AP 3,00 (cm/s) e Vel ML 3,32 (cm/s), e as idosas tiveram um tempo medio no TUG de 9,01 segundos considerando um baixo risco de quedas. Conclusao: Idosas apresentam um maior deficit no equilibrio em relacao as jovens, sendo a tarefa de apoio UNP a que mais apresentou desafios no controle postural das duas populacoes. Idosas saudaveis apresentaram um baixo risco para as quedas, nenhuma correlacao foi encontrada entre o equilibrio postural atraves da plataforma de forca e risco de quedas do TUG.Aging is a natural process, which involves intrinsic and extrinsic changes in the organism. The objective is to analyze five tasks of postural balance in older women through the strength platform, correlating them with risk of falls evaluated by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Participants of this study were 43 older women and 40 young adult women. They were evaluated on a force platform with a standard protocol: barefoot with arms along the body in Semi-Tandem and bipedal stances, with both eyes open and then closed, unipedal support using the postural sway of the center of pressure (COP) and the velocities in the anteroposterior axis (AP) and medial-lateral (ML). After 5 minutes of rest, TUGT was applied. The results showed that older women had greater postural instability (p<0.05) than younger women. The most challenging task for balance was unipedal support COP: 10.02(cm2); AP velocity: 3.00 (cm/s); ML velocity: 3.32 (cm/s). Older women needed a mean time of 9.01 seconds in the TUGT, considering a low risk of falls. Conclusion: Older women present a higher deficit in their balance compared with young women, so as Unipedal Stance Test (UPST) task was the most challenging for postural control of the two populations. Healthy older women presented a low risk for falls. No correlation was found between postural balance through the force platform and risk of falls during the TUGT. O envelhecimento e um processo natural que acarreta mudancas intrinsecas e extrinsecas ao organismo. O objetivo e analisar cinco tarefas de equilibrio postural em idosas atraves da Plataforma de forca, correlacionando com o risco de quedas avaliado pelo teste Timed Up and Go (TUG). Participaram do estudo 43 idosos e 40 adultos jovens, todos do sexo feminino, que foram avaliadas em uma plataforma de forca com um protocolo padrao: descalcas, com os bracos ao longo do corpo nas tarefas bipodal e semitandem, ambos olhos abertos e fechados, apoio unipodal utilizando o centro de oscilacao postural (COP) e as velocidades nos eixos anteroposterior (Vel AP) e medio-lateral (Vel ML). Apos 5 minutos de descanso, realizou-se o TUG. Os resultados mostraram que as idosas tiveram maior instabilidade postural (p<0.05) em relacao as adultas jovens, e a tarefa que mais desafiou o equilibrio foi o apoio unipodal COP 10,02 (cm2) Vel AP 3,00 (cm/s) e Vel ML 3,32 (cm/s), e as idosas tiveram um tempo medio no TUG de 9,01 segundos considerando um baixo risco de quedas. Conclusao: Idosas apresentam um maior deficit no equilibrio em relacao as jovens, sendo a tarefa de apoio UNP a que mais apresentou desafios no controle postural das duas populacoes. Idosas saudaveis apresentaram um baixo risco para as quedas, nenhuma correlacao foi encontrada entre o equilibrio postural atraves da plataforma de forca e risco de quedas do TUG. El envejecimiento es un proceso natural, lo cual conlleva cambios intrinsecos e extrinsecos en el organismo. El objectivo es analizar cinco tareas de equilibrio postural en ancianas por medio de la plataforma de fuerza, presentandose correlacion con el riesgo de caidas evaluado por el Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Participaron del estudio 43 ancianas y 40 adultas jovenes, las cuales fueron evaluadas en una plataforma de fuerza con un protocolo patron: descalzas, con los brazos al longo del cuerpo en las tareas bipodal y semi-tandem, ambos ojos abiertos y cerrados, apoyo unipodal utilizando el centro de oscilacion postural (COP) y las velocidades en los ejes anteroposterior (Vel AP) y mediolateral (Vel ML). Despues de 5 minutos de descanso, se realizo el TUGT. Los resultados presentaron que las ancianas tuvieron mayor inestabilidad postural (p<0.05) en relacion a las adultas jovenes, y la tarea que mas desafio el equilibrio fue el apoyo unipodal COP 10,02 (cm2) Vel AP 3,00 (cm/s) y Vel ML 3,32 (cm/s), y las ancianas tuvieron un tiempo medio en el TUGT de 9,01 segundos considerando bajo riesgo de caidas. La conclusion es que ancianas presentan mayor deficit en el equilibrio en relacion a las jovenes, siendo la tarea de apoyo UNP la que mas presento desafios en el control postural de las dos poblaciones. Ancianas saludables presentaron bajo riesgo para las caidas, ninguna correlacion fue encontrada entre el equilibrio postural por medio de la plataforma de fuerza y riesgo de caidas del TUGT.

Can functional exercise capacity discriminate older individuals with poor postural control

Inestabilidad postural puede estar relacionada con las limitaciones funcionales como resultado del proceso de envejecimiento. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la comparacion entre la capacidad funcional del ejercicio en el control postural de las personas de edad avanzada. Los participantes fueron divididos en tres grupos de acuerdo a su capacidad de ejercicio funcional basado en la Prueba de Caminada de seis minutos (PC6M): 1) grupo Bajo Rendimiento (BR: distancia recorrida ≤ 80% del valor predijo, n = 19), 2) grupo Normal Rendimiento (NR: distancia recorrida 81-100% del valor predijo, n = 21) y 3) grupo Alto Rendimiento (AR: distancia recorrida >100% del valor predijo, n = 23). Todos los grupos realizaron tres pruebas sobre un solo pie por 30s en la plataforma de fuerza. BR presento un mal equilibrio postural en comparacion con NR y AR; con diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) encontrado entre los grupos de los parametros area y velocidad antero-posterior del centro de presion y el limite de tiempo para la postura de una sola pierna. Estos resultados tienen implicaciones para las estrategias de rehabilitacion en relacion con el ejercicio, la evaluacion del equilibrio y la intervencion en los ancianos.

Effects of cold water immersion on variables of balance in healthy subjects with open and closed eyes

Introduction Cryotherapy is the use of cold as therapeutic approach. Although often used, its impact on the postural balance is not well-known.Objectives To analyze the effects of cold water immersion in the postural balance on single-leg balance in healthy subjects through the variables of center-of-pressure, velocity anteroposterior and medial-lateral oscillations, comparing conditions open and closed eyes in the moments before, immediately, 20 and 40 minutes after cold water immersion.Material and methods Cross-sectional study with 30 male subjects, cold water immersion at 5 °C during 15 minutes assessed in a force platform, protocol of 3 trials of 30 seconds each with 10 seconds of rest, the average of the 3 trials was used for analysis. The software GraphPad Prisma 5.0 was used for statistical analysis, with the ANOVA test for repeated measures and comparisons with test of Friedman and post-test of Dunn.Results It was observed improvement of the balance by the results of the following variables: in the condition Open Eyes (OE) it was observed significant difference only in the velocity anteroposterior (AP) in the moment before immersion when compared to the 40-minute moment. Significant differences were observed in the condition Closed Eyes (CE) in the following comparisons: in the Center-of-Pressure (COP) only at the immediate moment when compared to the 40-minute moment; in the velocity AP in the moment before when compared to the 40-minute moment, in the immediate moment when compared to the 20-minute and 40-minute moments; and in the medial-lateral velocity (Vel-ML) in two comparisons: in the moment before immersion when compared to the 20-minute and 40-minute moments after cryotherapy. Results show safety in performing activities after cryotherapy.Conclusion Improvement of the postural balance after cold water immersion on the predetermined conditions of this study.