1. Jonathan D. Bohner, Maren S. Fragala, Nadia S. Emerson, Kyle S. Beyer, Gabriel J. Pruna, Carleigh H. Boone, Leonardo P. Oliveira, Jay R. Hoffman, FACSM, Jeffrey R. Stout, FACSM Institute of Exercise Physiology and Wellness, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA, ABSTRACT RESULTS METHODS INTRODUCTION Participants for this study included men (13) and women (12) who were local to the Central Florida area. Characteristics for this group are further detailed in Table 1. Balance Participants balanced on their dominant foot for as long as they could without any assistance from the ground or other objects with their non-dominant leg flexed at 90°. Subjects wore flat shoes. The test was measured in seconds of successful balance. DynaVision D 2 Participants performed 2 separate tests on the Dynavision to assess upper body reaction time (UB Reaction). The first test was performed with their dominant hand, measuring their visual and motor reaction time to a light stimulus on one of five buttons displayed in a linear fashion. The second test was performed with both hands, responding to light stimuli constantly for sixty seconds on a coronal plane, responding to one of 64 lights. Test was scored by accumulating as many hits as possible in the allotted time. To observe and evaluate balance and it’s relationship with visuomotor reaction time, coordination, and perceptual cognitive function in older adults. To discover which test is the greatest predictor of balance performance in older adults. PURPOSE For older adults, balance can challenge mobility and their ability to perform basic activities of daily living. The ability to respond to visual stimuli and coordinate a response could play a major role in preventing a fall or balance related accident. It is unknown what relationship may exist between upper body reaction time, lower body reaction time, perceptual cognitive function, and single leg balance. SUMMARY & CONCLUSIONS Statistical Analysis Pearson correlation coefficients and step-wise linear regressions were computed to assess the relationship between variables with significance set at p ˂ 0.05. RESULTS Cont. Balance time was significantly correlated with both upper and lower body reaction time (Table 3, Figure 1.) The perceptual cognitive function (PCF) test did not significantly correlate with balance or reaction time. The step-wise regression indicated that lower body reaction time was the single greatest predictor of balance performance (R=0.481; SEE=110.692; p=0.015). The results of this study demonstrate that there is a correlation between upper and lower body reaction time and balance. These correlations have a number of implications for older adults. The ability to react to a variety of changes such as varied walking surfaces and climbing and descending stairs, is crucial to avoid falling, which has been reported as the primary disabler in older adults (National Safety Council. (2011). Injury Facts®, 2011 Edition.). Of interest, was the lack of correlation between PCF and reaction time measures. However, it can be explained in the nature of the tests. The PCF test requires tracking multiple objects over eight seconds, and does not require a reflexive response of the motor system. Future research should investigate the effects of a balance training program on these measures. Men (n=13) Women (n=12) Age70.42 ± 4.9370.85 ± 7.23 Height (meters) 1.63 ± 0.061.75 ± 0.08 Weight (Kilograms) 69.12 ± 11.0690.38 ± 20.06 BMI26.58 ± 4.6929.46 ± 5.66 MeasureR-ValueP-Value LB Reaction Time 0.48*0.015 UB Reaction Time 0.43*0.034 PCF0.180.395 Table 2. Balance, Reaction Time, and PCF Results Table 2. Balance, Reaction Time, and PCF Results MeasureMean ± St. Dev.MinimumMaximum Balance (s) 67.1 ± 123.60.38600.00 LB Reaction Time (hits) 15.4 ± 3.1920 UB Reaction Time (hits) 54.2 ± 9.93575 PCF0.58 ± 0.30.141.36 r = 0.43 Table 1. Participant Characteristics Table 3. Correlations of reaction tests and perceptual cognitive function with Balance QuickBoard Participants performed a single, twenty second test responding to visual stimuli with their feet to assess lower body reaction time (LB Reaction). No restrictions were placed on which foot was used or what form was adopted. After receiving the countdown, subjects would coordinate their response as quickly as possible by observing the light stimulus in front of them and hitting the corresponding dot with their foot as quickly and correctly as possible. This was scored by correct hits accumulated in the allotted time.NeuroTracker Participants performed one perceptual cognitive function (PCF) test, during which one attempts to track four out of eight identical objects in a 3 dimensional environment for eight seconds. This Core level is comprised of twenty trials, varying in difficulty based on individual performance. A score is given as a threshold at the end of the test, depicting a baseline performance given by that individual based on difficulty and consistency at completed levels. METHODS Cont. * Significant at p < 0.05 Figure 1. Correlations between Reaction Time and Balance