Gender-based differences in postural stability,sensory integration of balance and fall risk between healthy young male and female adults: The GENAB study

Abstract

Background

Inherent differences in gender may influence balance and postural stability. However, despite existing theories, research addressing these differences in healthy young adults is limited and yields conflicting results.

Objective

To determine if there is a significant difference in postural stability (PS), fall risk (FR) and clinical test of sensory integration of balance (CTSIB) between healthy young male and female adults.

Methods

A cross sectional comparative study was conducted on 90 healthy young adults, aged 19–24 years, with equal male to female ratio. PS, FR and CTSIB were measured via Biodex Balance System, and Independent t-test was used for gender based comparisons.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 21.38 ± 1.77 and 22.07 ± 1.74 years for males and females respectively, with no significant differences in age and body mass index (p < 0.05). Males demonstrated significantly better PS with eyes-open (p < 0.05), whereas females demonstrated significantly superior PS and reduced FR (p < 0.05) as compared to males in eyes-closed conditions. No significant differences were observed in FR with eyes open and CTSIB (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Males tend to show better postural stability with eyes-open, whereas females demonstrate reduced FR and superior PS as compared to males with eyes closed, suggesting that males may rely more on vision to maintain balance.