Obese elderly women exhibit low postural stability: a novel three-dimensional evaluation system

• Published in: Clinics (São Paulo, Brazil) Brazil), 2012-01, Vol.67 (5), p.475-481
• Main Authors: Carneiro, José Ailton O., Santos-Pontelli, Taiza E.G., Vilaça, Karla H.C., Pfrimer, Karina, Colafêmina, José F., Carneiro, Antonio Adilton O., Ferriolli, Eduardo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accidental Falls - prevention & control; Aged; Body Mass Index; Body Size - physiology; Clinical Science; Cross-Sectional Studies; Elderly; Female; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL; Obesity; Obesity - complications; Postural Balance; Postural Balance - physiology; Sensory Deprivation; Three-Dimensional System
• ISSN: 1807-5932; 1980-5322; 1980-5322
• DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2012(05)12

The aim of this study was to evaluate the multisegmental static postural balance of active eutrophic and obese elderly women using a three-dimensional system under different sensory conditions. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 31 elderly women (16 eutrophic and 15 obese) aged 65 to 75 years. The following anthropometric measurements were obtained: weight, height, waist and hip circumference, and handgrip strength. The physical activity level was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Body composition was measured using the deuterium oxide dilution technique. The Polhemus® Patriot (three-dimensional) equipment was used to measure the parameters of postural balance along the anteroposterior and laterolateral axes. The data acquisition involved one trial of 60 s to test the limit of stability and four trials of 90 s each under the following conditions: (1) eyes open, stable surface; (2) eyes closed, stable surface; (3) eyes open, unstable surface; and (4) eyes closed, unstable surface. For the limit of stability, significant differences were observed in the maximum anteroposterior and laterolateral displacement (p