Sex Differences in the Dynamic Component of Postural Balance in Older Adults

Abstract

Gait and balance disorders are common in older adults and represent a multifaceted problem resulting from a combination of natural involutional processes and various pathological conditions. However, to date, the dynamic component of postural balance in older adults remains poorly studied. In order to determine sex differences in the dynamic component of postural balance, 40 older men and 40 older women were tested (Sit-to-Stand, Walk Across, Tandem Walk, Step/Quick Turn, Step-Up-and- Over tests) using the computer-aided stabilometric complex Balance Master. The research found that in older women, the parameters of the dynamic component of postural balance are more intact than in men, probably due to a slower rate of ageing.