A cross-sectional study published in PLOS ONE revealed that the ability to maintain single-leg balance was the most sensitive indicator of age-related physical decline, showing greater deterioration than muscle strength or gait parameters in healthy adults over 50. The research aimed to investigate age-related declines in gait, balance, and strength while exploring relationships between these parameters.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that unipedal stance time decreased by 0.62 standard deviations per decade on the non-dominant side and 0.53 standard deviations (SD) on the dominant side, surpassing declines in grip strength (-0.34 SD) and knee strength (-0.26 SD). While all participants maintained bilateral stance ability, their center of pressure movement increased 6.3% per decade with eyes open and 10.4% with eyes closed.
The study, conducted from March 2022 to March 2023, examined 40 participants divided equally between those under and over age 65, with equal representation of men and women. Using a 14-camera Real-Time Motion Analysis system, force plates, and strength measurement devices, researchers assessed gait, balance, and strength parameters. The study excluded individuals with a BMI over 35, difficulty performing daily activities, spinal pathologies, neuromuscular disorders, those who used assistive walking devices, or had a FRAIL score of 3 or greater.
Study measurements revealed grip strength declined 3.7% per decade, while knee strength decreased 1.4% (Nm/Nm) per decade. Men demonstrated 30% higher grip strength and 27% higher knee strength than women, though both sexes showed similar rates of decline with age. No significant age-related changes were observed in gait parameters.
The study population showed no significant differences in height, weight, BMI, or activity levels between age groups. While sex differences appeared in strength measurements, balance parameters showed no sex-based variations, suggesting single-leg balance testing could serve as a gender-independent measure of physical decline.
The researchers suggested that unipedal stance time could be an efficient screening tool for assessing neuromuscular aging in elderly patients, noting its particular value as a measure that required no specialized equipment or expertise. However, they acknowledged study limitations, including its cross-sectional design and potential order-of-evaluation bias.
The study was supported by various grants, including the Robert and Arlene Kogod Professorship in Geriatric Medicine and the W. Hall Wendel, Jr. Musculoskeletal Professorship. The authors declared no competing interests.