Evaluation of the relationship between balance and executive function in elderly individuals

One of the body's most important abilities is to maintain its position relative to gravity, both at rest and in motion. Executive function is an important cognitive factor in gait and balance control. The interaction of different executive function components is necessary for walking performance. With the aging process of people, many structures and organs show age-related changes. Weakening of balance system components and executive functions due to aging may affect walking and balance and increase the risk of falling. This study aims to examine the relationship between balance and executive function skills in elderly individuals. A total of 84 healthy individuals aged 60 and over were included in the study. In the study, Timed Up and Go Test, Mini-BESTest, Digit Symbol Substition Test (DSST), Trail Making Test A and B (TMT-A, TMT-B), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, Geriatric Depression Scale were applied to the individuals. According to the findings, there was a statistically significant relationship between the results of Mini-BESTest and Timed Up and Go Test and DSST, TMT-A, TMT-B (p<0.05). Both balance skills and executive function skills decreased with aging (p<0.05). The relationship between Geriatric Depression Scale and Timed Up and Go Test was statistically significant (p<0.05). The relationship between the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and both the Mini-BESTest and Timed Up and Go Test was statistically significant (p<0.05). In line with our findings, a low-level significant relationship was found between balance skills and executive function skills. It was presented in our study that individuals with high balance skills showed better executive function skills than those with low balance skills. According to the results obtained from our study, it is seen that balance and executive functions are related to each other, and physical activity and depression contribute to this relationship.