Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aging on the squat task. [Subjects] Nineteen healthy elderly individuals participated (mean age: 70.5 years). [Methods] The squat task with eyes closed was performed on a force platform. The center of mass was recorded with a three-dimensional motion system and the reaction time, amplitude, and downward velocity of the center of mass were analyzed. [Results] There was no significant difference in the reaction times of the participants in their 60s and 70s. The downward amplitude and velocity of those in their 70s were lower than those in their 60s. Also, elderly participants in their 70s showed a tendency of increased anterior-posterior amplitude compared with those in their 60s. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the squat task becomes slower and more shallow with aging. There is a possibility that change in the motion of the center of mass in the sagittal plane is influenced by aging.
