This study investigated the relationship between static balance scores and muscle strength in older adults. The subjects were 618 older adults (male 259, female 359) aged 67 to 91 years living in Nangai Village in Japan.
1) Body sway test: The subjects stood stationary and upright on a force platform with their feet together (Romberg stance) for 20 seconds with eyes open and eyes closed. Body sway length and body sway area were calculated as magnitude of body sway. 2) One leg standing: Duration of standing while using the preferred leg was measured for a maximum of 60 seconds with eyes open, and for 30 seconds with eyes closed. Muscle strength: The grip strength of the preferred hand was measured using a hand-held Smedley-type dynamometer as muscle strength.
Among the three balance scores with eyes open, the most significant relation to grip strength was the one leg standing score. The relationship between muscle strength and body sway area with eyes open was significant, but that between muscle strength and body sway length with eyes open not significant. The relationship between grip strength and the balance scores with eyes closed was not clear.
