Desempeño de los componentes del sistema de control del equilibrio en adultos mayores de la zona rural de Ricaurte, en Cuenca - Ecuador, durante el periodo septiembre 2025 - febrero 2026

Abstract

Background: Postural control is affected during the aging process by the deterioration of different bodily systems, leading to serious consequences such as falls, which affect quality of life on a physical, psychological, and social level. In addition, it generates high costs for health care systems and imposes a heavy burden on those responsible for caring the elderly. Objective: To describe the performance of the balance control system components in elderly adults in the rural area of Ricaurte, through the application of the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, during the period September 2025–February 2026. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted, in which the sample population consisted of 60 elderly adults belonging to the rural parish of Ricaurte. Data collection was carried out employing the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test tool. Results: Sixty older adults from the rural parish of Ricaurte participated in the study, of whom 83.30 % were women. Of those evaluated, 31.70 % were between 75 and 79 years of age. In relation to age and balance components, a downward trend was found in 3 of 4 components from the age of 70-74 onwards, showing variability in the gait stability system. Conclusion: A variable decrease was found in the four components covered by the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test.