Impact of Aging on Balance and Pattern of Muscle Activation in Elderly Women from Different Age Groups

Summary Background Aging causes deterioration in the sensory systems and changes the pattern of muscle activation, which impairs balance in elderly individuals compared to young adults. A few studies have investigated the influence of such changes throughout the aging process by analyzing the postural control at different age. The aim of this study is to evaluate static and dynamic balance as well as the pattern of muscle activation in elderly women from different age groups. Methods A total of 57 women were divided into three groups according to their age: Group 1 ( n  = 17) 60–64 years, Group 2 ( n  = 20) 65–69 years and Group 3 ( n  = 20) 70–74 years. The pattern of muscle activation in the lower limbs (vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemius lateralis muscles), displacement and velocity of center of pressure were analyzed during static posture and during the tasks of standing up from a seated position and sitting down from a standing position. Results The results showed no differences between the groups in terms of balance or pattern of muscle activation. The women from the three age groups presented similar displacement and velocity of center of pressure and pattern of muscle activation during static posture and during the tasks of standing up from a seated position and sitting down from a standing position. Conclusion The postural control performed by elderly women is not entirely related to their age.