37th Annual Student Research Conference
Standing Sway Measured on Different Surfaces in College Men and Women
Emily N. Pearson
Dr. Jerry Mayhew and Dr. John Palazzolo, Faculty Mentors
Loss of balance and subsequent falls are major causes of injury. Different surface compositions may affect balance and cause falls. The purpose of this study was to assess standing balance on different surfaces in college men and women. Participants (n=27) performed 3 trials with eyes open on a firm surface (EOFS), on a firm surface with eyes closed (ECFS), and on a foam surface with eyes open (EOF). Lateral sway was evaluated from the average of multiple trials on an electronic balance platform. Intraclass reliability coefficients were high for EOFS (ICC = 0.701), ECFS (ICC = 0.837), and EOF (ICC = 0.763). Repeated-measures ANOVA indicated that EOFS and ECFS were not significantly different (p=1.00), but EOF produced a significantly greater sway in both sexes (p<0.001). Men (n=10) and women (n=17) were not significantly different on any factor. Surface conditions may be a major factor in maintaining balance and preventing falls.
Keywords: Balance, Falls, Sex difference
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 205-2
Location: SUB 3201
Time: 10:45