Postural stability in women in the eighth and ninth decades of life.

PURPOSE The purpose of this paper was an attempt to evaluate changes in the level of static equilibrium and the impact of visual information on the effectiveness of postural reactions of women in geriatric age. METHODS 36 senior female residents of L.A. Helc Nursing Home in Cracow, Poland, were examined. Considering the age, 2 groups were distinguished: group I - women at the age 71- 80 and group II - women aged 81-87. Their balance was assessed with stabilographic platform CQ Stab 2P. Measurements of the body stability were made in free standing position, with eyes open and eyes closed. Comparison of selected indicators of stability between the groups of the women was made with the Mann-Whitney U test. To assess the significance of differences between the results obtained in the test with eyes open and without visual control the Wilcoxon test was used. RESULTS Statistically significant differences between the results obtained in the groups concerned the length of the statokineziogram path on the X-axis, as well as the average speed of the COP movement on the X-axis. In the test without the visual control both groups showed statistically significant deterioration in most indicators of stability. CONCLUSIONS Loss of postural control as a result of progressive involutional changes in the aging process is characterized by the intensity of the body instability in the frontal plane. These results indicate the need of applying in the rehabilitation programmes for elderly people adequate solutions, including the exercises directed at developing new or enhancing the decaying adjustment mechanisms.