Acute Effects of Single- Versus Double-Leg Postactivation Potentiation on Postural Balance of Older Women: An Age-Matched Controlled Study
in Journal of Aging and Physical ActivityClick name to view affiliation
Aims: To compare the postactivation potentiation effects of isometric contraction until failure in double- and single-leg tasks on older women’s balance. Methods: The one-legged balance test was performed before and immediately after a rise-to-toes task until the task failure. Older women were divided into two groups: a group performed the task with double leg (n = 43) and the other group with single-leg support (n = 55). Results: The single-leg group showed slower velocity of sway post rise-to-toes task (pre = 4.02 ± 1; post = 3.78 ± 1.15 m/s; p = .04) without differences for the center of pressure path length (pre = 79 ± 21; post = 75 ± 23 cm; p = .08). In the double-leg group, faster velocity of sway (pre = 4 ± 1.22; post = 4.25 ± 1.13; p = .03) and increased center of pressure path length (pre = 80 ± 24; post = 85 ± 23 cm; p = .03) were observed after the task. Conclusions: The single-leg group showed improved balance outcomes due to postactivation potentiation, while the double-leg group showed worsened balance consistent with muscle fatigue.
Fernandes, Queiroz, and A.C. Barbosa are with the PhD Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Fernandes, Souza, Oliveira, M.A. Barbosa, and A.C. Barbosa are with the Musculoskeletal Research Group—NIME, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Miarka is with the Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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