Although balance seems automatic, it actually depends on multiple muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and other structures working in synergy to hold you upright. To maintain balance, your brain integrates multiple sensory signals from vision, hearing, touch, proprioception, and the vestibular system. It then transmits thousands of integrated signals throughout the brain and body every moment, especially through a system called the substantia nigra (black body) to govern your balance.
Balance is a primary brain function for many skills, including all sports, especially those performed on the feet. But most folk don’t even think about it, and lose balance rapidly with aging. Loss of the cognitive ability to balance because of brain aging is the largest cause of falls and consequent fractures in seniors. Yet it’s relatively simple to maintain.
A new study examined the association between objectively-measured physical activity and balance in a representative sample of U.S. adults 40 years of age and older. Physical activity was measured over a 7-day period using accelerometry (similar to the sensor found in smart phones that can measure movement, speed and direction), and balance was assessed using the Romberg test (simple standing, eyes closed procedure).
The study found that for every 60-minute increase in light-intensity physical activity, participants were 10% more likely to have functional balance. Similarly, for every 1-minute increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity, participants were 23% more likely to have functional balance.
Regular physical activity, regardless of intensity, may have health benefits for older adults and is associated with functional balance.
Reference:
Loprinzi PD, Brosky JA. Objectively-Measured Physical Activity and Balance Among U.S. Adults. J Strength Cond Res. 2014 Feb 10. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 24513627.
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