Balance and gait performance after maximal and submaximal endurance exercise in seniors: is there a higher fall-risk?

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2013 Mar;113(3):661-9. doi: 10.1007/s00421-012-2471-0. Epub 2012 Aug 23.

Abstract

Impaired balance and gait performance increase fall-risk in seniors. Acute effects of different exercise bouts on gait and balance were not yet addressed. Therefore, 19 healthy seniors (10 women, 9 men, age: 64.6 ± 3.2 years) were examined on 3 days. After exhaustive treadmill testing, participants randomly completed a 2-km treadmill walking test (76 ± 8 % VO(2max)) and a resting control condition. Standing balance performance (SBALP) was assessed by single limb-eyes opened (SLEO) and double limb-eyes closed (DLEC) stance. Gait parameters were collected at comfortable walking velocity. A condition × time interaction of center of pressure path length (COP(path)) was observed for both balance tasks (p < 0.001). Small (Cohen's d = 0.42, p = 0.05) and large (d = 1.04, p < 0.001) COP(path) increases were found after 2-km and maximal exercise during DLEC. Regarding SLEO, slightly increased COP(path) occurred after 2-km walking (d = 0.29, p = 0.65) and large increases after exhaustive exercise (d = 1.24, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found for gait parameters. Alterations of SBALP after exhaustive exercise might lead to higher fall-risk in seniors. Balance changes upon 2-km testing might be of minor relevance. Gait is not affected during single task walking at given velocities.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls*
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Gait / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Endurance / physiology*
  • Physical Exertion / physiology*
  • Postural Balance / physiology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Risk Factors