FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PERFORMANCE ON THE Y-BALANCE TEST LOWER QUARTER IN PHYSICALLY ACTIVE OLDER WOMEN

Abstract

Introduction: Functional tests used in clinical practice do not reflect the actual level of postural control in physically active older women, since they reach the ceiling effect of these tests. Objective: To compare and correlate the functional dynamic balance of active community-dwelling older women with age, body mass index (BMI), physical exercise practice, and comorbidities. Method: Cross-sectional analytical study, approved by the Ethics Committee n°.5.222.336. A probabilistic sample of community-dwelling older women who engaged in physical activity was included. Functional balance was assessed using the Y-Balance Test Lower Quarter (YBT-LQ), with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: Seventy older women participated (69 years ± 5.45). Participants aged 70 years or older showed lower performance on the YBT-LQ compared with those aged 60 to 69 years, with differences in lower-limb reach directions, except for the right posterolateral reach. The weekly frequency of physical exercise did not differ significantly between age groups. Overweight was associated with poorer performance in measures of the left lower limb, while the presence of comorbidities was associated with a lower composite score for the right hemibody. Age showed an inverse correlation with most reach measures and with the test composite scores. Conclusion: Older women aged 70 years or older showed poorer functional dynamic balance compared with younger participants. Higher body mass index and the presence of comorbidities were associated with poorer performance on specific test measures, whereas the weekly frequency of physical exercise did not differ between age groups.