Aims: 

Human balance control change with age, resulting in a slight postural instability. The aim was to investigate age-related indications of small balance impairment.

Methods: 

We examined 81 healthy subjects during the quiet stance on a firm surface and/or on a compliant support surface, with eyes either open or closed. Body sway was measured by force platform as centre of foot pressure (CoP) positions during 50 sec interval. The seven CoP parameters were evaluated and analyzed in three age groups: juniors (20- 40 years), middle-aged (40-60 years) and seniors (60- 82 years).

Results: 

The regression analysis showed evident increase of body sway over 60 years of age. These seven CoP parameters were significantly different when comparing juniors and seniors in all static conditions. New physiological ranges of root mean square (RMS) parameter in each condition for each age group of healthy subjects were determined. The most sensitive view on postural steadiness was provided by CoP amplitude and velocity in AP direction and by RMS. Analysis of postural responses to somatosensory input showed that initial amplitude, velocity and return velocity of CoP postural response to Achilles tendons vibration were significantly related to the age.

Conclusion: 

Our results documented that CoP data from force platform in quiet stance may indicate small balance impairment due to age. The determined physiological ranges of CoP parameters will be useful to distinguish between small postural instability due to aging and pathological processes in human balance control.

Supported by Slovak grant agency VEGA No. 2/ 7036/27 and 6FP – Sensaction

– AAL.