J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol., 2020; 5(1): doi:10.3390/jfmk5010, PMID: 33467217

Balance Performance across the Lifespan Assessed by the Leonardo Mechanograph®: A Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2020

Wiegmann S, Felsenberg D, Gast U, Börst H, Armbrecht G, Dietzel R
Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Centre for Muscle and Bone Research, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany 2 Centre for Muscle and Bone

Abstract

Reference values of sway parameters have not been published for the Leonardo mechanograph® so far. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine normative values on postural control measured by the force plate Leonardo Mechanograph® and to analyze the influence of age and sex on balance performance. A set of standardized standing positions with eyes opened (Romberg, semi-tandem, tandem, unipedal standing) was carried out. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to detect age-and sex-related differences in center of pressure (COP) parameters (path length, velocity, elliptical area, anterior-posterior, and medio-lateral directions). Measurements were available for 570 subjects aged 20–86 years. Statistical analysis showed a high effect of age group on postural control (partial n² between 0.1 and 0.4) with a U-shaped dependency between postural control and age for all area- and path-related COP parameters, with the largest sway in the youngest (aged 20–40) and the oldest age group (aged 60–86). For velocity of COP, a linear deterioration with increasing age was found. Medio-lateral components of COP are likely to indicate the extent of postural control. Significant sex differences were not clearly supported by current findings. Age- and sex-related normative values are a useful resource for diagnostic, research, and training.

Keywords: Balance
GID: 5007; Last update: 20.12.2019
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