Aging and balance - A quantitative study of four different balance tasks and the Berg Balance scale on a highly functional elderly sample

Abstract

Approximately 30 % of elderly over 65 years old fall each year, causing a decrease in life quality and an increase in mortality. For these reasons numerous studies have focused on frail elderly and balance skills. Few studies have investigated the relationship between physical activity in highly functional elderly and performance on balance tasks. In this study we tested 41 retired, highly functional elderly, ranging from 65-88 years of age, on four different balance tasks and the Berg Balance scale. There were low correlations between all tasks tested, which may provide support to the theory on task specificity. Reporting high or low physical activity during the week had a significant difference on score on the Berg Balance scale, but not on the four other balance tasks measured. Suggestions for future research are to address what kind of physical activity elderly are engaging in, and consider individual differences when creating effective balance exercises as part of their physical activity program.