ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The limit of stability is characterized by the maximum angle of inclination that an individual can reach and greater variability in extreme conditions; it is a bold and/or dangerous motor control strategy.
Objective:
Assess whether anthropometric measurements and body composition interfere with limits of stability and weight-bearing at different speeds in adults.
Methods:
Eighty-seven subjects of both sexes aged between 20 and 40 years were analyzed using anthropometric assessment and body composition. A force platform, limits of stability (LoS) and rhythmic weight shift (RWS) tests were used for the balance assessments.
Results:
In the LoS test, being female was negatively correlated with foot size and reaction time, and positively correlated with maximum excursion. In the RWS test, the female group had a negative correlation with height and upper limb length (ULL), with mediolateral directional control. The male group had a negative correlation with ULL and laterolateral directional control.
Conclusion:
Body composition variables do not interfere in the LoS and RWS tests in subjects with normal body mass index (BMI) values, except for bone densitometry (BMD) in women. As regards anthropometric parameters, height, ULL and foot size in the female and male groups were as follows: ULL and foot size exert little influence on postural balance control. Level of evidence II, Diagnostic studies - Investigation of a diagnostic test.
Keywords:
Postural balance; Anthropometry; Body composition; Young adult