Does past experience effect balance in older women: a cross-sectional study comparing retired dancers and age-matched controls?

Abstract

Background: Falls are increasing prevalent in the elderly but little data has been reported on the effect of previous life experience on balance ability. Aims: The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to determine whether participants with historically highly developed postural control (retired dancers) provided protection after activity had stopped by comparing their balance abilities with age-matched sedentary counterparts. Methods: Ten retired dancers [RD] 65 ±7.36yrs and 10 sedentary controls[C] 66 ±5.66yrs carried out a series of balance tests in a laboratory setting in a set order: Romberg, Functional Reach, Timed Up and Go, Berg and Tinetti. Results: The RD group performed significantly better solely in the static balance tests (Romberg and Berg Balance) (p<0.05). Therefore, past exercise history of the individual possibly needs to be considered when selecting a balance test battery with a need to use tests that have multiple constructs of balance. Conclusion: The RD group performed significantly better at static balance tests suggesting a possible skill retention from their dance careers