Anthropometric and demographic properties affect balance in healthy adults: an observational study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anthropometric and demographic properties may affect balance, but there is no consensus on this subject; so, there is a need for studies that explore it. This study aimed to assess the relationship between balance and anthropometric as well as demographic properties; and to determine the effect of anthropometric and demographic properties on balance in healthy adults. METHODS: Sixty healthy adults were included in this study. The ages of the participants were questioned; height, body weight, Body Mass Index, head circumference, upper extremity, lower extremity, and foot length were evaluated. and shoe numbers were recorded. Balance assessments were performed with the Balance Master System device. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 23.50 +/- 1.97 years. The balance developed with age (P<0.05), while there was a negative correlation between height and balance (P<0.05). Weight gain affected balance negatively (P<0.05). The increase in head circumference, extremity, and foot length was associated with a deterioration in balance (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study were showed that anthropometric and demographic properties affect balance. The increase in some of the anthropometric and demographic properties including height. weight. head circumference, extremity, and foot length harms the balance. During balance assessments, anthropometric and demographic characteristics should be considered as a factor that affects balance.