Low-Back Pain and Knee Position-Related Differences on Postural Control Measures During a One-Legged Stance in Athletes.

CONTEXT: Chronic low-back pain (CLBP) may be associated with changes in postural balance in athletes as poor postural control during sports practice. OBJECTIVE: To compare the postural control of athletes with and without CLBP during 2 one-legged stance tasks and identify the center of pressure (COP) cutoff values to determine the main differences. Designed: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Laboratory of functional evaluation and human motor performance. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 56 male athletes, 28 with and 28 without CLBP (mean age = 26 y). INTERVENTION: The one-legged stance with knee extension and with the knee at 30° flexion tasks were measured and analyzed on a force platform. The participants completed three 30-second trials (30 s of rest between each trial). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The COP parameters: the area of COP, mean COP sway velocity in both the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions, and total COP displacement were computed, and a receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was applied to determine the group differences. RESULTS: Athletes with CLBP had poorer postural control (P < .01) in both tasks. The 30° knee flexion reported more postural instability than the knee extension for all COP parameters (a large effect size d = 0.80).The knee extension cutoffs identified were >7.1 cm2 for the COP area, >2.6 cm/s for the COP sway velocity in the anterior-posterior direction, and >3.2 cm/s for the mediolateral direction. Whereas, the 30° knee flexion cutoffs were >10.9 cm2 for the COP area, >2.9 cm/s for the COP sway velocity in the anterior-posterior direction, and >4.1 cm/s for the mediolateral direction. Both measures showed enough sensitivity and specificity (ie, area under the curve = 0.88 in and 0.80, respectively) to discriminate both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The athletes with CLBP had poorer postural control than the healthy athletes and obtained specific cutoff scores from the COP values.

How many balance task trials are needed to accurately assess postural control measures in older women?

Taking the average of different trials is recommended for better balance assessment, but few studies have really proven this point under different balance conditions. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of averaging trials of five different balance tasks on postural control measures in older women. METHODS: A total of 90 older women (means: Age: 68 years; Weight: 67 kg; Height: 1.56 m; Body mass index, 27 kg/m2) participated in this study. The participants completed five balance tasks with three performance trials for each task on a force platform in random order. The participants completed a total of three 30-s trials of tasks with 30 s of rest between trials. Repeated measure ANOVA and coefficient of variation were computed to compare differences for one trial vs. averaging across two or three trials on center of pressure (COP) sway values. RESULTS: There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in COP sway values when comparing one vs. the average of two or three trials for all balance tasks. However, the coefficient of variation was higher for three trials (10-40%) than two (6-37%) or one trial (3-23%) for COP parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Based on reduction of variability, the present study recommends the averaging of a minimum of two trials for balance assessment in older women. The results of the current study have implications for balance assessment in older people in fall prevention programs.

Impact of Lifting of Two Types of Barrels on Postural Control, Trunk Muscle Recruitment, and Kinematic Measures in Manual Workers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 2 types of beer barrels on postural control, trunk activation, and kinematic measures in adult workers. Twelve (12) males randomly performed 4 tasks on a force platform for 20 s: (1) hold an empty recyclable barrel, (2) hold a full recyclable barrel (30 L), (3) hold an empty steel barrel, and (4) hold a full steel barrel (30 L). Trunk muscular activation, force platform and kinematic measures at the trunk, hip, and knee joints were computed. The full steel barrel produced greater postural oscillation than other conditions. Higher trunk activity was also reported during the full steel barrel task. Significant kinematic changes only in the trunk were observed between the empty steel barrel and the full recyclable barrel tasks. In conclusion, the full steel barrel produced a negative impact on postural control, increasing trunk activity and changing trunk flexion angle in adult workers.

Influência do Estado Mental Cognitivo no Equilíbrio Postural de Idosos / Influence of Cognitive Mental State on Postural Balance of Older People

O estado cognitivo tem um papel importante na independência e na funcionalidade do idoso, assim é importante identificar sua influência no contexto do equilíbrio postural. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar se o estado mental influência no desempenho de equilíbrio postural de idosos. Duzentos e sete idosos, fisicamente independentes de ambos os sexos, com idade média 67 anos foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com resultados obtidos pelo questionário do mini exame de estado mental (grupo 1, Funções cognitivas preservadas ­ FCP, n=57; grupo 2, Déficit cognitivo não sugestivo ­ DCNS, n=72; grupo 3, Sugestivo de déficit cognitivo ­ SDC, n=78). O equilíbrio postural foi avaliado em duas condições (bipodal e unipodal) por meio de uma plataforma de força. Três tentativas foram realizadas em cada condição e a média das tentativas foi utilizada para analisar a oscilação dos parâmetros do centro pressão (COP). Os resultados encontrados mostraram diferenças significativas entre todos grupos no questionário de mini mental (FCP > DCNS > SDC, P= <0,001). Por outro lado, nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significativa (P= >0,05) foi encontrada entre os grupos para todos os parâmetros do COP nas duas condições de equilíbrio avaliadas. Os achados do presente estudo sugerem que, a diferença encontrada no estado cognitivo não influenciou significativamente no equilíbrio postural de idosos fisicamente independentes. (AU).

Cognitive status have an important role in the independence and functionality of the older people, so it is important to identify their influence in the context of postural balance. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the mental state influences the postural balance performance of the older people. Two hundred and seven physically independent older people of both sexes, mean age 67 ± 4 years were divided into three groups according to results obtained by the mini mental state examination. (group 1, Preserved cognitive functions - PCF, n = 57; group 2, Non suggestive cognitive deficit - NSCD, n = 72; group 3, Suggestive cognitive deficit - SCD, n = 78). The postural balance was evaluated in two conditions (two- and one-legged stand) by means of a force platform. Three trials were performed in each condition and the mean number of trials was used to analyze the oscillation of the center pressure (COP). The results showed significant differences between all groups in the mini mental questionnaire (PCF> NSCD> SCD, P = <0.001) On the other hand, no statistically significant difference (P = >0.05) was found between the groups for all COP parameters in the two balance conditions evaluated. The findings of the present study suggest that the differences found in cognitive status do not significantly influence in the postural balance of physically independent elderly. (AU)

One-legged stance sway of older adults with and without falls.

Postural instability is a common problem among older people, and it is associated with mobility impairments, activity limitation and fear of falling. The evaluation of postural control can contribute to the early detection of balance deficits and help health professionals to manage this problem to prevent falls in older adults. The aim of this study was to identify center of pressure cut-offs to differentiate between older adults with and without falls in the past 12 months. The participants were 170 older adults (mean age 67 years, 50 fallers and 120 non-fallers). Center of pressure area and sway velocity in the anterior-posterior and medio-lateral directions were assessed using a force platform during three 30s one-legged stance trials with eyes open. The mean across trials was used for analysis. The time-limit (how long the participant was able to stay in one-legged stance, up to 30s) was also assessed. Fallers had poorer postural control than non-fallers (effect size ≥ 0.52, P <0.05). The cut-offs identified were 10.3 cm2 for Center of pressure area, 2.9 cm/s for velocity in the anterior-posterior, and 3.4 cm/s for medio-lateral velocity. The force platform parameters obtained an area under the curve of 0.72, with sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 68%. There were no significant differences between non-fallers and fallers for time-limit variable (17 seconds vs. 18 seconds). Force platform parameters during one-legged stance were associated with history of falls in older adults. The cut-offs obtained acceptable area under curve, sensitivity and specificity, with center of pressure area presenting the best performance to differentiate between fallers and non-fallers.

Effect of body mass index and fat mass on balance force platform measurements during a one-legged stance in older adults.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) and fat mass on balance force platform measurements in older adults. The sample consisted of 257 participants who were stratified into four groups by BMI: low weight, normal weight, pre-obesity and obesity. For fat mass variables, older individuals were classified into low and high-fat mass. All groups investigated performed three trials of one-legged stance balance on a force platform. Center of pressure (COP) domain parameters were computed from the mean across trials. Analysis of variance results revealed no significant interactions for groups and sexes for all COP parameters. Comparable balance results were found for BMI and fat groups for all COP parameters. A statistical effect (P < 0.05) was only reported for sex differences for COP parameters, regardless of BMI and fat mass variables. Overall, women presented better balance than men. In conclusion, BMI and fat mass do not seem to influence the balance of older adults during a one-leg stance task.

People with chronic low back pain have poorer balance than controls in challenging tasks.

PURPOSE: To compare the balance of individuals with and without chronic low back pain during five tasks. METHOD: The participants were 20 volunteers, 10 with and 10 without nonspecific chronic low back pain, mean age 34 years, 50% females. The participants completed the following balance tasks on a force platform in random order: (1) two-legged stance with eyes open, (2) two-legged stance with eyes closed, (3) semi-tandem with eyes open, (4) semi-tandem with eyes closed and (5) one-legged stance with eyes open. The participants completed three 60-s trials of tasks 1-4, and three 30-s trials of task 5 with 30-s rests between trials. The center of pressure area, velocity and frequency in the antero-posterior and medio-lateral directions were computed during each task, and compared between groups and tasks. RESULTS: Participants with chronic low back pain presented significantly larger center of pressure area and higher velocity than the healthy controls (p < 0.001). There were significant differences among tasks for all center of pressure variables (p < 0.001). Semi-tandem (tasks 3 and 4) and one-leg stance (task 5) were more sensitive to identify balance impairments in the chronic low back pain group than two-legged stance tasks 1 and 2 (effect size >1.37 vs. effect size <0.64). There were no significant interactions between groups and tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with chronic low back pain presented poorer postural control using center of pressure measurements than the healthy controls, mainly during more challenging balance tasks such as semi-tandem and one-legged stance conditions. Implications for Rehabilitation People with chronic low back had poorer balance than those without it. Balance tasks need to be sensitive to capture impairments. Balance assessments during semi-tandem and one-legged stance were the most sensitive tasks to determine postural control deficit in people with chronic low back. Balance assessment should be included during rehabilitation programs for individuals with chronic low back pain for better clinical decision making related to balance re-training as necessary.

Changes on Walking During Street Crossing Situations and on Dorsiflexion Strength of Older Caribbean Americans After an Exercise Program: A Pilot Study.

The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate a 6-month exercise program completed by 10 older Caribbean Americans. Assessments were done at baseline and 3 and 6 months, and included walks on an instrumented mat at preferred speed, and during street crossing simulations with regular (10 s) and reduced time (5 s). There were no significant differences on preferred walking speed over time. Differences between the street crossing conditions were found only at 6 months. Significant changes over time among the assessments were found only during street crossing with reduced time. Street crossing with reduced time was the only walking condition sensitive to capture changes associated with participating in the exercise program. There was a significant increase in dorsiflexion strength overtime. At 6 months it was significantly higher than at baseline and 3 months. The program was feasible, acceptable, and had some positive effects on walking, knee flexion, and dorsiflexion strength.

Age-related differences on low back pain and postural control during one-leg stance: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The prevalence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) is higher in older than in younger adults and is associated with poor postural control and falls. The objective of this study was to compare the postural control of younger and older subjects with and without CLBP during a one-leg stance. METHODS: Twenty subjects with and 20 subjects without nonspecific CLBP participated in the study. Each group contained 10 younger (50% males; mean age: 31 years) and 10 older adults (50% males; mean age 71 years). The subjects performed three 30-s trials of a one-leg stance on a force platform. Balance parameters were computed to quantify postural control, including center of pressure (COP) area, mean velocity, and mean frequency in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. RESULTS: Participants with CLBP presented significantly poorer balance (P < 0.05) than participants without CLBP. The effect size was large for younger adults (d = 1.44) and small for older adults (d = 0.40). Older adults with CLBP presented poorer balance than younger adults with CLBP (large effect size, d = 1.24). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that CLBP affects the balance of both younger and older adults, and that the age-related changes also affect balance and modify the magnitude of CLBP effects on balance.

Back muscle fatigue of younger and older adults with and without chronic low back pain using two protocols: A case-control study.

The purpose of this study was to compare back muscle fatigue of younger and older participants with and without chronic low back pain (CLBP). Twenty participants without and 20 with nonspecific CLBP participated in this study. Each group contained 10 younger (50% males; mean age: 31 ± 6 yrs) and 10 older adults (50% males; age mean: 71 ± 7 yrs). Two isometric fatigue protocols were presented randomly: (1) to maintain the unsupported trunk at the horizontal position while on a 45° Roman chair for a minute, and (2) to maintain a 10% of body weight box close to the trunk in the upright position for a minute. Surface electromyography (EMG) signals from the back (multifidus and iliocostalis) and one hip (biceps femoris) muscles were recorded bilaterally, and the median frequency fatigue estimate from linear regression slopes of the EMG time-series was computed. There were no significant (P > 0.05) age effects, and group-by-age interaction in both isometric and functional fatigue tasks. However, the CLBP groups (both younger and old) displayed more back fatigue than people without CLBP in both fatigue protocols (P < 0.01; effect size varying of d = 0.17-0.32). This study was sensitive to discriminate that individuals with CLBP did present significantly more pronounced EMG back fatigue than people without CLBP, in both younger and older adults. These results have significant clinical implications for low back pain rehabilitation programs with regard to endurance assessment in both younger and older.

Can functional exercise capacity discriminate older individuals with poor postural control? / A capacidade funcional de exercício pode discriminar idosos com pior controle postural? / La capacidad funcional de ejercicio puede discriminar ancianos con mal control postural?

Postural instability can be related to functional limitations as a result of the aging process. This study aimed to compare functional exercise capacity and postural control in older adults. Participants were allocated into three groups according to their functional exercise capacity based on the six minute walking test (6MWT): 1) Low performance group (LP: distance walked ≤ 80% of the predicted value n = 19), 2) Normal performance group (NP: distance walked 81-100% of the predicted value n = 21) and, 3) High performance group (HP: distance walked >100% of the predicted value n = 23). All groups performed three trials of a one-leg stance for 30s on a force platform. LP showed worse postural control in comparison to NP and HP, and significant differences (p < .05) were found between groups for area, velocity antero-posterior of center of pressure and time limit variables during the one-leg stance task. These results have implications for rehabilitation management with regard to exercise, balance assessment and intervention in older adults.

Instabilidade postural pode estar relacionada com as limitações funcionais, como um resultado do processo de envelhecimento. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a capacidade funcional de exercício e o controle postural em indivíduos idosos. Os participantes foram separados em três grupos de acordo com sua capacidade funcional de exercício baseada no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6min): 1) grupo baixo desempenho (BD: distância caminhada ≤ 80% do valor predito n = 19), 2) grupo normal desempenho (ND : distância caminhada 81-100% do valor predito n = 21) e, 3) grupo alto desempenho (AD: distância caminhada >100% do valor predito n = 23). Todos os grupos realizaram três testes com apoio unipodal permanecendo por 30s sobre a plataforma de força. BD apresentou pior equilíbrio postural em comparação com ND e AD; com diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) encontradas entre os grupos para os parâmetros de área e velocidade antero-posterior do centro de pressão e a variável tempo-limite durante a posição unipodal. Estes resultados têm implicações para estratégias de reabilitação no que diz respeito ao exercício, avaliação do equilíbrio e intervenção em idosos.

Inestabilidad postural puede estar relacionada con las limitaciones funcionales como resultado del proceso de envejecimiento. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la comparación entre la capacidad funcional del ejercicio en el control postural de las personas de edad avanzada. Los participantes fueron divididos en tres grupos de acuerdo a su capacidad de ejercicio funcional basado en la Prueba de Caminada de seis minutos (PC6M): 1) grupo Bajo Rendimiento (BR: distancia recorrida ≤ 80% del valor predijo, n = 19), 2) grupo Normal Rendimiento (NR: distancia recorrida 81-100% del valor predijo, n = 21) y 3) grupo Alto Rendimiento (AR: distancia recorrida >100% del valor predijo, n = 23). Todos los grupos realizaron tres pruebas sobre un solo pie por 30s en la plataforma de fuerza. BR presentó un mal equilibrio postural en comparación con NR y AR; con diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) encontrado entre los grupos de los parámetros área y velocidad antero-posterior del centro de presión y el límite de tiempo para la postura de una sola pierna. Estos resultados tienen implicaciones para las estrategias de rehabilitación en relación con el ejercicio, la evaluación del equilibrio y la intervención en los ancianos.

Relationship between foot posture measurements and force platform parameters during two balance tasks in older and younger subjects.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to compare age-related differences in balance and anthropometric posture measurements of the foot and to determine any relationship between them. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty-eight older and 42 younger adults participated in this study. Foot posture was tested for four domains: 1) hallux flexion and extension range of motion using a goniometer, 2) navicular height and 3) length of the foot using a pachymeter, and 4) footprint (width of forefoot, arch index and hallux valgus). Balance was tested under two conditions on a force platform: bipodal in 60-s trials and unipodal in 30-s trials. The sway area of the center of pressure and velocity in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions were computed. [Results] Older individuals showed significantly poorer balance compared with younger adults under in the unipodal condition (center of pressure area 9.97 vs. 7.72 cm(2)). Older people presented a significantly lower hallux mobility and higher values for width of the forefoot and transverse arch index than younger adults. The correlations between all foot posture and center of pressure parameters varied across groups, from weak to moderate (r -0.01 to -0.46). Low hallux mobility was significantly related to higher center of pressure values in older people. [Conclusion] These results have clinical implications for balance and foot posture assessments.

Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 and TiO2/Ag for use in photodegradation of methylviologen, with kinetic study by laser flash photolysis.

This paper reports the synthesis, characterization, and application of TiO2 and TiO2/Ag nanoparticles for use in photocatalysis, employing the herbicide methylviologen (MV) as a substrate for photocatalytic activity testing. At suitable metal to oxide ratios, increases in silver surface coating on TiO2 enhanced the efficiency of heterogeneous photocatalysis by increasing the electron transfer constant. The sol-gel method was used for TiO2 synthesis. P25 TiO2 was the control material. Both oxides were subjected to the same silver incorporation process. The materials were characterized by conventional spectroscopy, SEM micrography, X-ray diffraction, calculation of surface area per mass of catalyst, and thermogravimetry. Also, electron transfers between TiO2 or TiO2/Ag and MV in the absence and presence of sodium formate were investigated using laser flash photolysis. Oxides synthesized with 2.0 % silver exhibited superior photocatalytic activity for MV degradation.

Effect of different types of exercise on postural balance in elderly women: a randomized controlled trial.

Different types of exercise are indicated for the elderly to prevent functional capacity limitations due to aging and reduce the risk of falls. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of three different exercises (mini-trampoline, MT; aquatic gymnastics, AG and general floor gymnastics, GG) on postural balance in elderly women. Seventy-four physically independent elderly women, mean age 69±4 years, were randomly assigned to three intervention groups: (1) MT (n=23), (2) AG (n=28), and (3) GG (n=23). Each group performed physical training, including cardiorespiratory, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and sensory-motor exercises for 12 weeks. To determine the effects on each intervention group, five postural balance tasks were performed on a force platform (BIOMEC 400): the two-legged stand with eyes open (TLEO) and two-legged stand with eyes closed (TLEC); the semi-tandem stand with eyes open (STEO) and semi-tandem stand with eyes closed (STEC) and the one-legged stand. Three trials were performed for each task (with 30s of rest between them) and the mean was used to compute balance parameters such as center of pressure (COP) sway movements. All modalities investigated such as the MT, AG and GG were significantly (P<0.05) efficient in improving the postural balance of elderly women after 12 weeks of training. These results provide further evidence concerning exercise and balance for promoting health in elderly women.

Older adults present better back endurance than young adults during a dynamic trunk extension exercise.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Poor back endurance is a predictor of low back pain. Few studies have investigated back muscle fatigue in older people. The purpose of this study was to compare the back muscle fatigue by endurance time and perceived effort between young and older adults during dynamic exercise. METHOD: Sixteen older and 16 young adults, all healthy, participated in this study. The subjects performed a fatiguing trunk extension-flexion exercise on a Roman chair until exhaustion. Endurance time and perceived muscle fatigue (Borg CR-10 scale) were used as fatigue criteria. RESULTS: The older adults were significantly (T_{(30)} = -2,073; p = 0.039) more resistant to back muscle fatigue (time in mean 133 ± 52 s) than the young adults (mean 97 ± 27 s). In general, both groups had the same perception of high-level fatigue during the exercise bout (T_{(29)} = 1.73; p=0.092). CONCLUSION: The older adults presented better back endurance than young adults during a dynamic trunk extension exercise. These results have implications for back endurance in the primary prevention of low back pain in both young and older adults.

Relationship between force platform and two functional tests for measuring balance in the elderly / Relação entre plataforma de força e dois testes funcionais para medidas de equilíbrio em idosos

BACKGROUND: Clinical and laboratory methods have been developed to assess the different dimensions of postural control with the aim to increase the clinical relevance of decisions about balance deficit. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to correlate the force platform measurements with two functional tests used to evaluate balance in elderly. METHODS: A total of 124 physically independent elderly volunteers participated in this study. Subjects performed the following three tests: 1) a traditional functional balance test, named the one-leg standing test, which measures the time in seconds at this position; 2) a functionalagility/dynamic balance test, which quantifies the total time in seconds that a subject canstand up from a chair and move as quickly as possible around two cones; and 3) an unipodal balance test on a force platform. RESULTS: The one-leg standing test yielded a mean of 12 seconds (SD=9 s), while the mean time observed in the functional agility/dynamic balance test was 26 seconds (SD=6 s). The correlations between the balance parameters of force platform and two functional tests varied between -0.28 and 0.20, which shows a weak association between them. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the idea that these functional tests do not necessarily furnish the same information regarding balance mechanisms as the force platform. This study contributes to the evaluation of balance in elderly and suggests that functional tests should be used with caution especially in regards to the purposes of the research and when conducting clinical assessments of the elderly.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Diferentes métodos clínicos e laboratoriais têm sido desenvolvidos para avaliar as dimensões do controle postural a fim de aumentar a relevância clínica nas decisões quanto ao déficit de equilíbrio. Objetivos: Correlacionar as medidas de plataforma de força com dois testes funcionais usados para avaliar o equilíbrio em idosos. MÉTODOS: Cento e vinte e quatro idosos fisicamente independentes e voluntários participaram deste estudo. Os sujeitos realizaram três testes: 1) teste tradicional e funcional de equilíbrio estático, que mede o tempo-limite em segundos de apoio unipodal; 2) teste funcional de agilidade e equilíbrio dinâmico, que quantifica o tempo total em segundos para realizar uma tarefa de sentar, levantar e locomover-se o mais rápido possível em torno de dois cones e 3) teste de equilíbrio unipodal sobre uma plataforma de força. RESULTADOS: A média do tempo-limite para o teste funcional de equilíbrio estático foi de 12 segundos (DP=9s), enquanto a média de tempo para o teste funcional de agilidade e equilíbrio dinâmico foi de 26 segundos (DP=6s). As correlações entre os parâmetros de equilíbrio da plataforma de força e os testes funcionais variaram entre -0,28 e 0,20, sugerindo uma associação fraca entre eles. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados suportam a ideia de que os dois testes funcionais não fornecem, necessariamente, a mesma informação que uma plataforma fornece quanto aos mecanismos de controle postural para equilíbrio. Este estudo colabora para a avaliação do equilíbrio em idosos e sugere que alguns testes funcionais deveriam ser usados com mais cautela quanto à sua indicação no alcance dos objetivos da pesquisa e na identificação dos possíveis déficits de equilíbrio, especialmente quando usados para avaliação clínica de idosos.

Relationship between force platform and two functional tests for measuring balance in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Clinical and laboratory methods have been developed to assess the different dimensions of postural control with the aim to increase the clinical relevance of decisions about balance deficit. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to correlate the force platform measurements with two functional tests used to evaluate balance in elderly. METHODS: A total of 124 physically independent elderly volunteers participated in this study. Subjects performed the following three tests: 1) a traditional functional balance test, named the one-leg standing test, which measures the time in seconds at this position; 2) a functional agility/dynamic balance test, which quantifies the total time in seconds that a subject can stand up from a chair and move as quickly as possible around two cones; and 3) an unipodal balance test on a force platform. RESULTS: The one-leg standing test yielded a mean of 12 seconds (SD=9 s), while the mean time observed in the functional agility/dynamic balance test was 26 seconds (SD=6 s). The correlations between the balance parameters of force platform and two functional tests varied between -0.28 and 0.20, which shows a weak association between them. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the idea that these functional tests do not necessarily furnish the same information regarding balance mechanisms as the force platform. This study contributes to the evaluation of balance in elderly and suggests that functional tests should be used with caution especially in regards to the purposes of the research and when conducting clinical assessments of the elderly.