physical activity and lower-limb strength in relation to static balance with and without vision

Background :balance control relies on efficient sensory-motor integration, particularly when visual input is limited. while physical activity and muscular strength are known to enhance stability, the extent and gender-specific nature of these effects remain insufficiently understood. objectives :this study aimed to investigate the influence of physical activity on postural control under visual deprivation and to examine its association with lower-limb muscular strength in healthy adults, accounting for gender differences. methods :in this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, 86 healthy adults (55 men, 31 women; aged 35 - 60 years) were assessed. physical activity was measured using the short form of the international physical activity questionnaire (ipaq-sf), static balance was evaluated with a force platform under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, and back and leg strength were measured using a dynamometer. data were analyzed using pearson correlation, linear regression, and independent t-tests. results :physical activity showed a significant negative correlation with postural sway in both visual conditions, indicating better balance with higher activity levels. lower-limb strength correlated with balance only in the eyes-open condition. after adjusting for age, body mass index (bmi), and strength, physical activity remained a significant predictor of balance performance. men exhibited greater muscle strength than women, though no gender differences were found in balance outcomes. conclusions :regular physical activity and muscular strength are key contributors to postural stability, even under visual deprivation. these findings underscore the importance of incorporating activity-based and strength-oriented interventions into fall-prevention and balance enhancement programs.