Elements influencing stability in older adults performing an overhead reaching task

Reaching overhead is a challenging task, especially for older adults, specifically because many people adopt unstable stances that lead to falls. This study investigates the effect of 3 factors on postural stability during an overhead forward reaching task: footwear, stance, and foot contact. Results found that shoes on and feet flat on the floor decreased average sway ranges, though an interaction between shoes and foot contact was found. Our findings led to a recommendation that older adults wishing to maximize stability have shoes on, and feet flat on the floor when reaching into cabinets.