Post-exercise balance briefly worsens in older adults, study finds
A study of 105 community-dwelling older adults found that treadmill exercise at or above the first ventilatory threshold briefly increased postural sway. The authors said its effect on immediate fall risk remained uncertain.
Researchers studied 105 community-dwelling older adults, including 50 with no fall history and 55 with a fall history. Participants completed treadmill exercise at or above the first ventilatory threshold, and researchers measured their sway before and after.1
Postural sway increased across several measures after exercise, indicating a temporary decline in balance, the study found. Aerobic fitness markers were not significantly linked to the immediate sway change, but heart-rate adaptability was associated with better balance.1
The authors said the rise in sway could reflect a short period of reduced balance stability. They said the study did not establish whether actual fall risk increased right after exertion.1
