Postural changes associated with ageing on the sensory organization test and the limits of stability in healthy subjects

Objective: Acknowledgement of the age effects on postural control and balance is essential to differentiate between physiological changes and actual pathological alterations of the elderly. The aim of this study is to establish the age-related postural changes recorded by the Computerized Dynamic Posturography. Material and methods: 70 healthy individuals (35 males and 35 females) with an average age of 44.9 years, evenly distributed in seven age groups. We carried out a Sensory Organization Test and Limits of Stability with the Neurocom Smart Balance Maste (R) posturography platform. Statistical analysis was undertaken using ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: Increased age-related balance percentage for Condition 4 (p = 0.022), reduced usage rate of ankle strategy for Conditions 3 (p = 0.027) and 4 (p = 0.05) for the higher age groups were reported. Regarding limits of stability, the following were the results: age-related differences at an early stage, reaction time from 40 to 49 years, velocity of movement, excursion and directional control from 50 to 59 years. Conclusions: Age only affects the balance rate under more complex sensory conditions. For healthy people, ankle strategy is more frequently used than hip strategy; however, the use of hip strategy increases under more difficult sensory conditions. Limits of stability get worse with age, namely after the age of 40-50 years. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.