Analysis of Balance in the Aging Process

Introduction: While growing older, it is possible to notice a decrease in the functional and physiological reserves in the organism which impairs the the abilities in the elderly in doing some tasks. A simple balance becomes a challenge.

Objective: To evaluate the functional balance in the aging process.

Methods: The group was formed by 48 people from 10 to 85 years old. The evaluation instruments are the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), the Unipodal Support Test, the Functional Reach Test and the Romberg's Test.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Aging

Detailed Description

48 individuals of both sexes and aged between 10 and 85 years were chosen. These individuals were divided according to age, into four groups (each group containing 12 individuals, 6 men and 6 women): Group I (G1): 10 - 18, Group II (G2): 20 - 35; Group III (G3): 45 - 60, Group IV (G4): 65 - 85.

The instruments used for assessment of the balance were: (1) Berg Scale - consists of 14 items with common activities of daily life, with progressive degree of difficulty (2) Assessment of Gait and Balance for Performance Oriented (POMA), consists of a protocol that evaluates the static and dynamic balance, with operations similar to the activities of daily living, (3) Test Support Unipodal; (4) adapted Functional Reach Test, which assesses the stability in the standing position, (5) Test and Romberg Romberg's test Romberg-Barré or sensitized conducted in stable and unstable soil, and all positions were first with open eyes and then with closed eyes. The duration of each exposure was 30 seconds, with different positioning of the feet.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 48

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 10 years to 85 years (Child, Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The participants were selected in dependency of Unifran (University of France) and the homes of the neighborhood. The choice of groups was based according to the degree of functionality and independence in order to analyze the lack of balance in the process of aging.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Absence of the basic pathology that interferes directly in the balance

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neurological changes
• Cognitive impairment
• Orthopedic injury
• Use of orthoses for lower limb
• Obesity
• Exercise frequently (more than twice a week)
• The bearer of any commitment to stay in their standing position

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

4

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Group I; (G1): 10 - 18 years old
Group II; (G2): 20 - 35 years old
Group III; (G3): 45 - 60 years old
Group IV; (G4): 65 - 85 years old

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Universidade de Franca

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: February 1, 2008
• Primary Completion (Actual): August 1, 2008
• Study Completion (Actual): October 1, 2008

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 19, 2009
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 20, 2009
• First Posted (Estimate): May 21, 2009

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimate): May 21, 2009
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 20, 2009
• Last Verified: May 1, 2009

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Aging; Postural Balance
• Other Study ID Numbers: 0081/08