Bruce Protocol Test affects Postural Stability in Healthy Young Adults

Maintaining balance is key in avoiding falls and injury. However, little known on how increased cardiac activity may affect postural stability. This study investigated if increase to 85% maximal heart rate (HR) when exercising with standard Bruce Protocol Test (BPT) influence sway. Ten young adults were tested for three stances, quiet bilateral standing i) eyes open, ii) closed, iii) tandem stance, before after performing the BPT. Resting Heart Rate HR variability along sway parameters like velocity, area, turn index, power frequency anterior-posterior (AP) medial-lateral (ML) directions evaluated. We found significant increases values index due changes. Thus, demanding tasks be avoided immediately submaximal activities order avoid fall risk