Abstract
Aging process is characterized by difficulties in ensuring balance control, especially
in conditions of reduced or conflicting sensory information, leading to an increased
risk of falling. Conversely, the practise of physical activities (PA) has been recognized
as a good approach to improve the quality of balance control. This study aimed to
investigate the influence of current and/or past PA on balance-related neurosensorial
organization in older adults on the maintenance of the upright stance, especially
during sensory conflicting situations. Postural control was evaluated by means of
the Sensory Organization Test on 130 healthy noninstitutionalized volunteers aged
over 65, split into four groups according to the presence or absence of PA before
or after retirement. Subjects who practised PA for a long time (Gr1) and subjects
who started PA after retirement (Gr2) displayed the best postural performances and
better managed sensory conflicting situations compared to subjects who had stopped
PA for many years (Gr3) and subjects who had never practised PA (Gr4). Multiple regression
analyses revealed that current PA was the major determinant for postural parameters
during sensorial conflict compared to age, gender, body mass index and past PA. Regular
PA, even when started late in life, allows appropriate reorganization of the different
components of postural control during sensory conflicting situations. Indeed, active
subjects were more able to compensate for suppressed or perturbed sensory information
by an increased usage of another referential and so to correct their posture by adopting
a more appropriate balance strategy. Thus, PA counteracts the age-related decline
of postural control and could consequently reduce the risk of falling.
Key words
Healthy elders - physical activity - balance control - sensorial conflict
References
Postural control in the elderly: differential effects of visual, vestibular and somatosensory
input. Amblard B, Berthoz A, Clarac F Posture and Gait: Development, Adaptation and Modulation. Amsterdam;
Elsevier 1988: 105-114
Philippe.Perrin@staps.uhp-nancy.fr
