The effect of selected residential carpet and pad on the balance of healthy older adults

The purpose of this research was to determine whether selected residential carpet and pad contributed to balance problems among healthy, community-dwelling older adults. Twenty-five older adults (mean age 73.25; SD +/- 7.48) were recruited and balance was measured using the NeuroCom Computerized Post-urography balance machine. Participants were exposed to the Sensory Organization Test while standing on the selected residential carpet (i.e., a 36-ounce, 1/2-inch pile height, 1/8-inch gauge, cut pile carpet) and pad (i.e., a rebonded polyurethane, 6-pound density, 7/16-inch thick padding). Postural sway significantly increased on the carpet only when participants had their eyes closed and the forceplate on the balance machine moved. Balance strategy was not affected by the carpet. Participants were able to adjust to the sensory limitations by adopting an ankle strategy regardless of the floor surface. The results of this study indicate limited participant difficulty maintaining static balance when standing on the selected carpet.