Trunk stability in older adults tied more closely to balance than hip strength
A Scientific Reports study found trunk stability had the strongest link to dynamic balance in active older adults, with exercise implications.
By Priya Raghavan · Science Reporter
3 min read
Trunk stability in older adults may be a stronger marker of dynamic balance than hip strength, according to a study led by researchers at Miguel Hernández University of Elche and ISABIAL. The finding matters because balance and mobility are closely tied to fall risk and the ability to stay independent with age, the researchers said.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, examined how several physical capacities change across adulthood and how they relate to one another in older adults. The authors reported that trunk stability had the closest relationship with whole-body dynamic balance, while hip strength was more closely linked to functional mobility.
What did the trunk stability study in older adults find?
The researchers analyzed 127 healthy, physically active people ages 30 to 80. Participants completed tests of trunk stability, whole-body dynamic balance, functional mobility and isometric hip strength.
Trunk stability was measured with an unstable sitting posturographic test. Whole-body dynamic balance was assessed with a tandem stance posturographic test, functional mobility with a modified Timed Up and Go test, and hip strength with handheld dynamometry.
Across the age range, all four capacities worsened progressively with age, the authors reported. Trunk stability showed the sharpest decline compared with dynamic balance, hip strength and functional mobility, with the pattern especially evident among men.
Javier De Los Ríos Calonge of Miguel Hernández University of Elche, whose doctoral work focused on the topic, said the project assessed how these capacities change with age and how they relate to one another in older adults. Casto Juan Recio, the study’s corresponding author, said trunk control has long been viewed as relevant to balance, but that scientific evidence for the relationship had been limited.
How do trunk stability and hip strength differ?
In this study, trunk stability referred to control of the body during an unstable seated postural test. Hip strength referred to isometric force measured with handheld dynamometry.
The authors found that the two measures did not point to the same part of physical function. Trunk stability was most closely associated with whole-body dynamic balance, while hip strength was mainly associated with functional mobility.
Sergio Hernández Sánchez, the first author, said the results indicate that different physical capacities may serve complementary roles during aging. The study did not report that hip strength lacks value; rather, it linked hip strength more strongly to mobility than to whole-body dynamic balance.
What could this mean for exercise programs?
David Barbado, a coauthor and researcher at Miguel Hernández University of Elche, said the findings may help refine exercise strategies. He said programs may need to pay attention not only to general physical activity, but also to capacities that decline strongly with age and relate to key functions such as balance and mobility.
The researchers said general physical activity is beneficial, but may not fully prevent age-related declines in some aspects of postural control. They suggested that more targeted neuromuscular training may have value, while emphasizing that exercises involving instability or postural control challenges should be supervised by qualified professionals and adapted to each person’s condition.
The authors also said trunk stability and hip strength should be monitored and addressed before major age-related declines occur. They linked that recommendation to the broader goal of preserving balance, mobility and independence in daily life.
This story draws on original reporting from Medical Xpress.