The Impact of a Submaximal Level of Exercise on Balance Performance in Older Persons

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a submaximal level of exercise on balance performance under a variety of conditions. MATERIAL AND METHOD Thirteen community-dwelling older persons with intact foot sensation (age = 66.69 ± 8.17 years, BMI = 24.65 ± 4.08 kg/m(2), female, n = 6) volunteered to participate. Subjects' balance performances were measured using the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration of Balance (mCTSIB) at baseline and after test, under four conditions of stance: (1) eyes-opened firm-surface (EOF), (2) eyes-closed firm-surface (ECF), (3) eyes-opened soft-surface (EOS), and (4) eyes-closed soft-surface (ECS). The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) protocol was used to induce the submaximal level of exercise. Data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. RESULTS Balance changes during EOF (z = 0.00, P = 1.00) and ECF (z = -1.342, P = 0.180) were not significant. However, balance changes during EOS (z = -2.314, P = 0.021) and ECS (z = -3.089, P = 0.02) were significantly dropped after the 6MWT. CONCLUSION A submaximal level of exercise may influence sensory integration that in turn affects balance performance, particularly on an unstable surface. Rehabilitation should focus on designing intervention that may improve sensory integration among older individuals with balance deterioration in order to encourage functional activities.