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. 2023 Mar;35(3):541-550.
doi: 10.1007/s40520-023-02344-8. Epub 2023 Jan 25.

The association of moderate-to-vigorous and light-intensity physical activity on static balance in middle-aged and older-aged adults

Hannah M Twiddy  1   2 , Patrick B Wilson  1   3 , David P Swain  1 , J David Branch  1 , Steven Morrison  4 , Leryn J Reynolds  5   6
Affiliations

The association of moderate-to-vigorous and light-intensity physical activity on static balance in middle-aged and older-aged adults

Hannah M Twiddy et al. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2023 Mar.

Abstract

Background: Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults ≥ 65 years of age. Participation in physical activity (PA) is associated with improved balance, though it is impact in the middle-age population is not well understood.

Aim: The purpose of the current study was to examine the influence of PA intensity on static balance in middle-aged and older aged individuals.

Methods: Included were middle-aged adults (40-64 years) and older adults (≥ 65 years) from the 2003-2004 years of the National Health and Nutrition Evaluation Survey. Light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were collected via accelerometer and static balance via the Romberg Test of Standing Balance.

Results: No significant odds ratio relationship was found between MVPA or LPA and having good static balance in the middle-aged population; 1.04 (95% CI 0.95, 1.13) p = 0.427 and 1.05 (95% CI 0.97, 1.14) p = 0.182, respectively. Whereas, in older adults, every 60-min increase in LPA was significantly associated with 28% higher odds of good balance (95% CI 1.15, 1.41; p < 0.001), and every 10-min increase in MVPA with 25% higher odds of good balance (95% CI 1.08, 1.45; p = 0.006).

Discussion: LPA and MVPA were not associated with good static balance in middle-aged adults, but in older adults LPA was significantly associated with good static balance.

Conclusion: A significant relationship is found between age and fall risk, which is a major concern in the aging population.

Keywords: Fall risk; Habitual activity; Midlife; Older adult prevention; Standing balance.

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