Characteristics of Standing Postural Control in Women under Additional Load.

Bożena Wojciechowska-Maszkowska,Dorota Borzucka

doi:10.3390/ijerph17020490

Bożena Wojciechowska-Maszkowska, Dorota Borzucka

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17020490

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of additional load on postural-stability control in young women. To evaluate postural control in the 34 women in this study (mean age, 20.8 years), we measured postural sway (center of pressure, COP) in a neutral stance (with eyes open) in three trials of 30 s each. Three load conditions were used in the study: 0, 14, and 30 kg. In analysis, we used three COP parameters, variability (linear), mean sway velocity (linear), and entropy (nonlinear). Results suggested that a considerable load on a young woman’s body (approximately 48% of body weight) had significant influence on stability. Specifically, heavy loads triggered random movements, increased the dynamics of postural-stability control, and required more attention to control standing posture. The results of our study indicate that inferior postural control mainly results from insufficient experience in lifting such a load.

Highlights

The main objectives of posturographic research are to understand and define the impact of various factors that distort the stability of postural changes and contribute to the risk of collapse [1]
Other researchers have assessed the effect of external loads on postural-stability control in various load configurations [2,3]
This study aimed to answer one research question: what impact does an additional external load have on the balance control in young women?

Summary

Introduction

The main objectives of posturographic research are to understand and define the impact of various factors that distort the stability of postural changes and contribute to the risk of collapse [1]. Little research has been done on the impact of a long-term mechanical load on motor activity and postural stability in the human body. These studies focused on the effects of a load on static and dynamic balance control [2,3,4,5,6]. Studies on the effect of static loads on standing posture showed intense activation of the proprioceptive system. This discovery is explained in different ways with regard to balance-control disorders [9]. Other researchers have assessed the effect of external loads on postural-stability control in various load configurations (carrying a backpack or placing extra load around the waist) [2,3]

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