Relationships between trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility, and balance performance in older adults

J Aging Phys Act. 2014 Oct;22(4):490-8. doi: 10.1123/japa.2013-0108. Epub 2013 Oct 23.

Abstract

This study investigated associations between variables of trunk muscle strength (TMS), spinal mobility, and balance in seniors. Thirty-four seniors (sex: 18 female, 16 male; age: 70 ± 4 years; activity level: 13 ± 7 hr/week) were tested for maximal isometric strength (MIS) of the trunk extensors, flexors, lateral flexors, rotators, spinal mobility, and steady-state, reactive, and proactive balance. Significant correlations were detected between all measures of TMS and static steady-state balance (r = .43-.57, p < .05). Significant correlations were observed between specific measures of TMS and dynamic steady-state balance (r = .42-.55, p < .05). No significant correlations were found between all variables of TMS and reactive/proactive balance and between all variables of spinal mobility and balance. Regression analyses revealed that TMS explains between 1-33% of total variance of the respective balance parameters. Findings indicate that TMS is related to measures of steady-state balance which may imply that TMS promoting exercises should be integrated in strength training for seniors.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Gait
  • Geriatric Assessment / methods
  • Humans
  • Isometric Contraction / physiology*
  • Male
  • Mobility Limitation*
  • Muscle Strength / physiology*
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Postural Balance / physiology*
  • Spine / physiopathology*
  • Statistics as Topic