[Influence of physical activity on postural capacities of elderly: effect of time of training].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this work was to define the influence of physical activity on static postural control of two groups of elderly people qualified as "non-active" for the first one and "active" as far as the second group is concerned. The first group practised a physical activity during 3 months whereas the second group practised during 9 months.


METHODS
The two groups were composed of 21 subjects of 73 years-old and 10 subjects of 74 years-old. They were characterised by stabilometric data of surface, lengths and spontaneous sway in the lateral (X) and antero-posterior (Y) axis. The evaluations were separated by a period of 12 months and realised with open eyes and closed eyes on firm floor.


RESULTS
The statistical analysis showed a significant difference of both groups on surface data in closed eyes condition (P < 0.04).


CONCLUSIONS
The methodological conditions of the study and the heterogeneity of this kind of population could explain the lack of significant effect of the protocol. Data showed different postural adaptations between the two groups after training for a part of stabilometric parameters. Those data focused on the interest of the individualisation of training for elderly people. This approach may well favour the well-being and functional autonomy of this population.
Bernard
P L
PL
Laboratoire Efficience et déficiences motrices, UFR APS, 700, avenue du Pic-Saint-Loup, 34080 Montpellier, France. pierrick.bernard@univ-montp1.fr
Hue
O
O
Eininger
C
C
Ledrole
D
D
Giraud
P
P
Seynnes
O
O
D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors