Relationship between physical activity level and balance in middle-aged and older women

Abstract

Introduction: Physical exercise may improve motor skills, such as static standing balance. However, the association between physical activity level based on activities of daily living and static balance is unknown. Objective: To assess the association between the physical activity level and static balance in middle-aged and older women. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 589 community-dwelling women. Static balance was assessed using the single-leg stance test (SLST) with eyes open and closed. Physical activity level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and classified as high, moderate, or low. Kruskal-Wallis test compared balance performance between participants with different physical activity levels. Multiple quantile regression analyses assessed the association between variables adjusted for age, family income, educational level, body mass index, comorbidities, and parity. Results: Participants with low physical activity level showed worse SLST performance with eyes open and closed than participants with high physical activity level in the bivariate analysis. However, physical activity level and SLST performance were not associated in the analysis adjusted for covariates. Conclusion: Our results suggested that only being active in daily living activities is not associated with better standing balance in middle-aged and older women. Specific physical exercise programs should be implemented to improve balance in this population.