Impulsivity and Balancing Ability in Elderly

Background and purpose: Physical activity is one of the components of impulsivity and is one of the risk factors for falls in elderly. In the other words, it causes loss of balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between impulsivity level in elderly and their ability in maintaining balance. Materials and methods: This cross-Sectional study was performed in 50 elderly aged 60 to 74 years old (25 males and 25 females) in Semnan, Iran, 2013. The participants were selected using convenience sampling. The Continuous Performance Test (CPT) was used to measure impulsivity and then Balance Biodex system (BBS) was used to measure the static and dynamic balance. Results: The mean age of the participants was 65.48 ± 4.36. The mean scores for static balance, static balance with closed eyes, dynamic balance, dynamic balance with closed eyes, and impulsivity were 3.64 ± 2.69, 4.10 ± 2.47, 4.55 ± 2, 6.65 ± 1.98, and 2.56 ± 4.11, respectively. The impulsivity and static balance with open eyes (r=0.54, P<0.001), static balance with closed eyes (r= 0.44, P<0.001) and dynamic balance with open eyes (r= 0.31, P<0.02) were significantly correlated. Conclusion: This study showed that significant correlation between balance and impulsivity in elderly depends on intensity of balance test. Easier balance task and more sensory information results in high correlation between balance and impulsivity but more challenging balance tasks decrease this