Sensory system function and postural stability in men aged 30-80 years.
OBJECTIVE
To examine age-related changes in postural stability and sensory system functioning in men aged 30-80 years.


METHODS
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.
Illing
Sara
S
The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
Choy
Nancy Low
NL
Nitz
Jennifer
J
Nolan
Melissa
M
D000367:Age Factors; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000502:physiology; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology*; D012027:Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D055698:Touch Perception / Q000502:physiology; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*