Association between trunk muscle strength and static balance in older women

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between trunk muscle strength and balance ability in both simple and dual-task conditions in older women. Sixty-seven older women (age: 67.2 +/- 1.1 years) volunteered in this study. Each participant performed isometric trunk muscle strength testing in standing position (extension, flexion, and lateral flexion) and balance testing in semitandem stance for 30 seconds in two conditions: with and without an additional cognitive task (counting down by 3 from 300). Balance was quantified via force plate as a mean velocity of center of pressure (CoP) displacement over 30 seconds. We found a statistically significant correlation between the trunk extensor strength and mean velocity of CoP displacement, both without (r = 0.5, p < .05) and with an additional cognitive task (r = 0.4, p < .05). There were no statistically significant correlations between trunk flexor and lateral flexors strength and balance measures (r < 0.2; p > .05). These results indicate that trunk extensor muscle strength is related to balance ability of healthy older women. Although additional studies are needed, our findings suggest that trunk strength training could be of importance in prevention of falls and fall-related injuries in seniors.

Automated summary

This study found a significant correlation between trunk extensor muscle strength and balance ability in older women. However, there were no significant correlations between trunk flexor and lateral flexor strength and balance measures. The results suggest that trunk strength training could be important in preventing falls and fall-related injuries in seniors, but further studies are needed.