Age related changes in postural stability.

ABSTRACT

Postural instability is a commonly encountered problem in elderly population. In a large number of persons this can be attributed to the physiological changes associated with aging. To investigate the changes in postural stability with aging this study was conducted in 64 healthy volunteers aged eight to seventy years using dynamic posturography. Three tests, namely sensory organization test, limits of stability and rhythmic weight shift which included a total of ten parameters were done. Of these, equilibrium score, strategy score, reaction time, movement velocity and on axis velocity showed statistically significant deterioration with progression of age. Disturbances in postural stability were detected from the fourth decade onwards in the population studied. This instability was not related to any disease process and possibly reflects the process of aging. Adequate precautionary measures should be taken by elderly persons to avoid the possible adverse consequences of postural instability.