The impact of squat on stable and unstable surface on static and dynamic balance of elderly

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a single set of squat performed on a stable and unstable surface on the static and dynamic balance in elderly.

Method

The experimental study included 30 elderly (66.4 ± 6.2 age) of both sexes. The elderly were submitted to tandem stance tests (static balance) with and without visual deprivation and to the Four Square Step Test (dynamic balance). Then, randomly, the elderly were divided into two groups, one group performed 10 repetitions of squats on a stable surface and another group on an unstable surface. After 1 minute, the elderly repeated the balance tests. Seven days later, the elderly performed the same procedure, however, inverted the type of squat surface. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the pre‐ and post‐intervention. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results

In static balance test, only after the situation with visual deprivation were observed significant differences both after stable squat (p = 0.015) and after unstable (p = 0.003). In the dynamic balance, just after the unstable squat was observed significant difference (p = 0.026). Both differences represent improvements in the performance of the tests.

Conclusion

It is concluded that the intervention on an unstable surface showed better impacts on the elderly's balance performance. Thus, we emphasize the importance of the balance assessment in elderly people and so direct a more appropriate training program for this population.