Title
Sensory system function and postural stability in men aged 30-80 years
Date of this Version
9-1-2010
Document Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Objective: To examine age-related changes in postural stability and sensory system functioning in men aged 30-80 years.
Design: Observational, cross-sectional study.
Methods: One hundred six healthy men aged 30-80 years participated. Personal characteristics were recorded and outcome measures included: velocity of sway during bilateral stance on a firm and foam surface (eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC)), balancing on one leg (EO and EC), lower limb somatosensation (tactile acuity, vibration threshold and joint position error), high-contrast visual acuity (HCVA) and low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA), edge contrast sensitivity and vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) control.
Results: Men in their 60s and 70s were found to be less stable than the younger age decades when standing on a firm or foam surface. Reduced stability was evident from the 40s to 50s for one-leg-stance (EC). Lower limb somatosensation and HCVA and LCVA were significantly reduced by the 60s but edge contrast sensitivity reduced by the 50s. Age-related changes in VOR control did not emerge until the 70s in this study cohort.
Conclusions: The results show reduction in postural stability and sensory system functioning in men by the 60s supporting pre-emptive assessment of workers in industries where falls are frequent.
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This document has been peer reviewed.
Publication Details
Interim status: Citation only.
Illing, S., Low Choy, N., Nitz, J., & Nolan, M. (2010). Sensory system function and postural stability in men aged 30-80 years. The Aging Male, 13(3), 202-210.
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2010 HERDC submission. FoR Code: 110308, 110904
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