Gender-differences in the associations of anthropometry with postural sway in feet-together stance

In research for investigation of static balance performance, postural sway variables have often been normalized by each subject’s height. However, evidence for such normalization has been insufficient. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of anthropometry with postural sway and their possible gender differences. Forty young subjects (20 men and 20 women) performed quiet standing on a force platform in feet-together stance. Significant gender differences were observed in the correlation of outcome measures with anthropometry. In women, postural balance performance deteriorated (sway size increased and mean stable time reduced) and sway frequencies increased with height and weight. In contrast, men showed insignificant change in balance performance, but a reduction in sway frequency with height and weight. Stepwise multiple regressions revealed that height and weight were the major determinants of outcome measures, and that their effects on outcome measures differed between genders. Extreme care must be taken in normalization of postural sway variables by anthropometric data.