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

Abstract

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/m2, 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.

Effects of acute bouts of exercise on balance and the influence of aerobic capacity on fall risk in older adults: a scoping review

“…These findings are supported by Donath et al (2013Donath et al ( , 2015 observations in which balance performance was impaired in older adults after maximal endurance and high intensity interval training, an effect which lasted 10 and 20-30 minutes respectively while submaximal aerobic exercise provoked only slight balance impairments (Donath et al 2013). Alias and Justine (2014) showed a deterioration of balance parameters after a 6-minute walking test while performing balance testing on a soft surface. No effects were seen in postural control on a firm surface leading to the hypothesis that, balance impairments after exercise are more likely to be observed in more challenging tasks such as standing on a soft surface.…”

“…, Stemplewski et al 2012, Wong et al 2020, Helbostad et al 2007, Hamacher et al 2016, Morrison et al 2016, Alias and Justine 2014 Morrison et al (2016). observed a dependency between the exercise intensity and the increase in postural sway after exercise in older adults between 60-79 years…”