Relationship Between Anthropometric And Postural Balance In Semi-static Upright Posture

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The maintenance of posture is a constant contest for the human body, because it demands a system capable of responding quickly and efficiently, even in unstable situations, avoiding falls and maintaining balance. Objectives: to assess the influence of anthropometric characteristics and gender on postural balance of irregularly active adults in the upright, bipedal and semi-static posture, with eyes open and closed. METHODS: 100 individuals of both genders were assessed, with age between 20 and 40 years, through an anthropometric measurements, bone densitometry (lean and fat mass, composition and bone mineral density), BMI, height, body mass, lower and head length limb and upper torso lenght, waist and hip, support base and postural balance test performed on a force platform. RESULTS: The correlation analysis showed weak correlations between the postural balance and anthropometric measure. The multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that in the whole group (female and male) height explained 12% of the medial-lateral displacement, 10% of the speed of oscillation and 11% of the scroll area. The torso circumference length explained 6% of the shift from anterior to posterior. In the eyes closed condition, height and base of support explained 18% of the medial lateral displacement, height explained 10% of the speed displacement and 5% of the scroll area. CONCLUSION: Postural balance measured by posturography is little influenced by anthropometric variables with eyes open and closed. Postural balance is more influenced by anthropometric factors in the men than those of women. Height is the anthropometric variable that most influenced the postural balance among the three groups, with eyes open and closed. The balance between men and women measured by posturography is equal, except for the lateral displacement and average speed of oscillation, which are larger in women.