The Effects of Alcohol on Static Balance in University Students

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the participants' balance before and after the alcohol intake. [Subjects] This study conducted experiments by selecting adult subjects between the ages of 19 and 27. Thirty subjects (men=15, woman=15) were arranged into three groups. There were 10 people in each group. [Method] The three groups drank 0.05 mL/kg, 0.4 mL/kg and 0.8 mL/kg of alcohol, respectively. Romberg's test was applied to measure static balance ability. A static balancing ability test was conducted by applying Romberg's test in order to evaluate proprioceptive function. [Results] The results were similar for Romberg's test with the eyes open and closed. The results for Group III were mostly decreased immediately after alcohol intake. For 6 hours after alcohol intake, Groups I and II showed various levels of recovery including return to a normal status. However, Group III showed the least recovery. [Conclusion] The results indicate that the amount of alcohol intake affects on balance. This result also shows that having alcohol before work that requires intensive concentration would cause more accidents and injuries, as alcohol affects human static balance.