Effect of exercise on postural sway in the elderly.
Fifty female subjects, aged 72-92 (mean 82) years, were enrolled in a 12-week (36 classes) exercise program aimed at increasing postural stability. Subjects were residents of sheltered apartments, rest homes or nursing homes, well enough and mobile enough to participate in the classes. The subjects were randomized into an exercise or a control group. Their postural sway, standing at rest on a force platform, was measured with eyes open and eyes closed. The groups were well matched in all respects. The results showed no improvement in the postural sway as a result of the exercise program. We hypothesize that increasing postural sway in the elderly represents a deterioration in, for the most part, the nervous system and may at this extreme of life indicate an irreversible loss of function. For this reason no improvement in postural sway may be possible.
When the possible side-effects of standard treatment (hypnotics) are considered, there is an argument to be made for clinical use of alternative treatments in the elderly. Exercise, though not appropriate for all in this population, may enhance sleep and contribute to an increased quality of life. Research involving exercise programmes designed with the elderly in mind is needed.