Effects of aging and base of support in postural control

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the postural control of young and elderly in relation to the predominant direction and the body sway area of the center of pressure, in order to verify whether different bases of support could evidence differences between groups for the two variables. The sample was composed of eight young adults (22.6 ± 2.33 years) and eight elderly (75.4 ± 5.7 years), and the task consisted of upright stance on a force plate for 30 seconds at two support bases: normal (BSN) and semi-tandem (BSST), being carried out three trials each. We evaluated the variables area and direction of sway, both derived from the center of pressure. Results showed that elderly presented higher body sway than young adults, and constraints in bases of support amplify body sway of both groups. We conclude that young and elderly present different behavior in relation to body sway and the increase in the task diffi culty is able to partially highlight these differences.