physioscience 2025; 21(S 03): S7
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1812360
Abstracts
Präsentationen/Presentations
PS 3

Dominant vs non-dominant leg performance in static and dynamic balance in individuals aged 40+

Authors

  • S Noëmi

    1   ETH Zurich, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
    2   Reha Rheinfelden, Research Department, Rheinfelden, Switzerland

  • S Seitz

    2   Reha Rheinfelden, Research Department, Rheinfelden, Switzerland
    3   Physio Werk 19 GmbH, Physiotherapy, Magden, Switzerland

  • L Sailer

    2   Reha Rheinfelden, Research Department, Rheinfelden, Switzerland
    4   ZHAW – Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health, Winterthur, Switzerland

  • L Bachmann

    2   Reha Rheinfelden, Research Department, Rheinfelden, Switzerland
    5   University of Basel, Department for Sport, Exercise and Health, Basel, Switzerland

  • F Behrendt

    2   Reha Rheinfelden, Research Department, Rheinfelden, Switzerland
    6   Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Biel, Switzerland

  • C Schuster-Amft

    2   Reha Rheinfelden, Research Department, Rheinfelden, Switzerland
    5   University of Basel, Department for Sport, Exercise and Health, Basel, Switzerland
    6   Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Biel, Switzerland
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Background Falls represent a global public health concern and are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths. Maintaining postural stability is key to reducing fall risk, particularly among older adults, as balance generally declines with age. Our study aimed to establish normative data by investigating whether static and dynamic balance performance differs between the dominant and non-dominant legs in healthy adults aged 40 and older. Additionally, the study examined whether balance asymmetries are influenced by age, sex, or physical activity level.

Methods Participants completed assessments of static and dynamic balance in a single session. Dynamic balance was measured using the Y Balance Test (YBT), while static balance was assessed using force plates to capture center of pressure (CoP) parameters during both single leg and double leg stances. Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) values and absolute interlimb differences were calculated, and multivariate models were used to explore associations with demographic and activity-related variables.

Results So far, 45 participants (32 females, 13 males; mean age: 58.5±8.8 years) were included. The mean LSI values for the YBT were close to 100%, indicating high symmetry between legs. Additionally, the ANOVA for the difference in static balance performance revealed no significant main effect of leg dominance (F(1, 43) = 0.29, p = 0.595). Furthermore, no significant effects of gender, age, or physical activity level on balance asymmetry – in either dynamic or static measures – were found. No significant correlation between dynamic and static balance asymmetry was found.

Conclusion These findings suggest that healthy adults over 40 demonstrate symmetrical balance performance, regardless of age, gender, or physical activity level. The lack of correlation between static and dynamic balance asymmetry emphasizes the importance of assessing these two domains separately. While the small sample size limits generalizability, this study provides relevant normative data for this population.



Publication History

Article published online:
23 October 2025

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