Abstrakt
The aim of the study was to assess the effect of age, gender and visual control on the level of postural stability (PS). Orientation in space and perception of balance is mainly provided by interaction of vestibular and sensory system, vision and proprioception (Shumway-Cook & Woollacott, 2001).
The screened sample consisted of 56 participants aged between 50-92 years. For PS measurement, we used FootScan (RScan, Belgium).
PS was indicated by the path of COP during the test. Participants performed the task of standing with feet hip width apart with and without visual control.
Differences in PS depending on the selected factors of effects were analysed by multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) and effect size (Eta square -eta(2)(rho)). Age had a significant effect on postural stability (p< 0.01, eta(2)(rho)= 0.189).
Women had significantly lower values of PS in comparison to men (p< 0.01,eta(2)(rho)= 0.113). Post-hoc tests showed significant differences between men and women in the test with visual control between the groups of 50-60 years old, 60-70 years old and 70-80 years old (p< 0.05) and in the test without visual control between the groups of 60-70 years old and 70-80 years old (p< 0.05).
Visual control appeared to have a significant effect on the level of PS in the monitored group (p< 0.01,eta(2)(rho)= 0.252). The course of age changes in the parameters of COP velocity differs in the stance with eyes open and closed.
In the stance with open eyes, significant differences were found between the groups of older monitored people. COP velocity was lower in women.
Significant differences were detected between the group of men and women. COP velocity in the stance with open eyes varies with age.