Key result
Nighttime testing (12:00 AM) was associated with significantly less center of pressure sway in younger men compared to daytime (12:00 PM), indicating better postural function at night.
Why the study?
Many physiologic parameters fluctuate diurnally, and this study investigated whether postural performance is interdependent of time of day and age.
Does time of day influence postural balance in young and older men?
Cross-Sectional (n=38)
Does time of day influence postural balance in young and older men?
Postural balance performance appears to fluctuate with the time of day, with younger men functioning better at night and older men potentially better during the day.
Age modulates diurnal postural sway; leaves open whether timing informs fall-risk assessment in older adults.
BACKGROUND: Many physiologic parameters fluctuate on a diurnal basis following the circadian rhythm function. The purpose of the study was to investigate if postural performance is interdependent of time of day and age. METHODS: 19 young (22.63 ± 3.43 y.o.) and 19 older male adults (60.21 ± 3.67 y.o.) performed three balance tests (quiet stance with open and closed eyes and bipedal balance on a Togu ball) at 12:00 AM and at 12:00 PM. Time and frequency domain variables of the center of pressure were analyzed. RESULTS: At eyes closed test, the younger had significant less distance traveled by the Center of Pressure (CoP) at night compared to day. At open eyes test, the younger had significant less CoP sway in the anterior-posterior (AP) axis at night compared to day. At Togu ball test the older showed increased peak-to-peak amplitude of CoP in both axes compared to younger. They also had lower frequency in the medial-lateral (ML) axis but higher in the AP axis compared to the younger. CONCLUSION: Younger seem to function better at night. There is also an indication that the older are better at day. The results on unstable surface indicate different control strategies between the two groups.
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A 2022 study reported a cross-sectional. Time of day (12:00 AM vs 12:00 PM) vs. 12:00 PM (daytime) was evaluated on Time and frequency domain variables of the center of pressure during balance tests. Nighttime testing (12:00 AM) was associated with significantly less center of pressure sway in younger men compared to daytime (12:00 PM), indicating better postural function at night.
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