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.

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Key information

Conditions

Aging

Age range

10 year–85 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Universidade de Franca

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2008
Primary completion: 2008
Study completion: 2008
First posted: May 21, 2009
Registry last updated: May 21, 2009

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed