Citation

Hill MW, Duncan MJ, Oxford SW, Kay AD, Price MJ. Appl. Ergon. 2018; 66: 64-69.

Affiliation

Centre for Applied Biological and Exercise Sciences, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apergo.2017.08.007

PMID

28958431

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of holding external loads on postural sway during upright stance across age decades. Sixty-five healthy adults (females, n = 35), aged 18-80 years were assessed in four conditions; (1) standing without holding a load, holding a load corresponding to 5% body mass in the (2) left hand, (3) right hand and (4) both hands. The centre of pressure (COP) path length and anteroposterior and mediolateral COP displacement were used to indirectly assess postural sway. External loading elicited reductions in COP measures of postural sway in older age groups only (P < 0.05). No changes were observed in younger or intermediate aged adults (P > 0.05). Holding external loads during standing is relevant to many activities of daily living (i.e. holding groceries). The reduction in postural sway may suggest this type of loading has a stabilising effect during quiet standing among older adults.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Age-related changes; External loads; Functional balance; Grocery bags; Postural stability