Effect of Osteopathic Manipulation on Postural Stability in the Elderly

Postural stability and balance are defined as the body's ability to return the body back to its equilibrium point when exposed to a perturbation. This exploratory project is based on the hypotheses that decreased balance (increased sway as measured by the center of pressure of the body during quiet standing) causes an increased risk of falls and osteopathic manipulative treatment can improve postural balance. To test these hypotheses, the investigators will investigate the kinematics (study of the way the body moves) of postural balance in two cohorts of healthy elders, those receiving manipulation and those not receiving manipulation. We hypothesize that OMT is effective to increase postural stability, balance.