İnönü Üniversitesi Sağlık Hizmetleri Meslek Yüksek Okulu Dergisi · Jun 23, 2026
RELATIONSHIPS AMONG AGE, BALANCE, AND MUSCLE PERFORMANCE IN MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS: A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY
By Karaca O, Yurdanur Y, Ağaç D et al.
Falls caused by balance impairments are among the most important problems leading to a decline in quality of life among older adults. Identifying balance-related factors in middle age is important for public health, as it may contribute to the early prevention of falls in older adulthood. This study investigates the relationships among age, balance, and core and lower-extremity muscle performance in middle-aged individuals. This cross-sectional study was conducted with middle-aged individuals (45–64 years). Balance was assessed using the Unipedal Stance Test, eyes open/closed(UPST-EO/EC), and the Functional Reach Test (FRT). Normalized FRT results were recorded as FRT-N. Core muscle endurance was measured with the Plank Test (PT), and lower extremity strength with the 30-second Chair Stand Test (30-s CST). The participants’ mean age was 51.29 ± 5.30 years. Age was negatively correlated with UPST-EO/EC (p0.05). Age was not correlated with PT or 30-s CST (p>0.05). UPST-EO was positively correlated with PT and 30-s CST, whereas UPST-EC was correlated only with PT (p