The effects of stance width on static standing balance

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of stance width on balance in static standing. Methods Thirty healthy young subjects were evaluated using the PRO-KIN balance training apparatus. They stood with their eyes open and closed in three stances: feet together, feet 50 cm apart, and feet a comfortable distance apart (measured as 18.63±3.67 cm between the heels and 29.60±4.93 cm between the toes). The excursions of the center of pressure (COP), the standard deviation of their longitudinal sway (SDLS), the standard deviation of their horizontal sway (SDHS), the mean longitudinal and horizontal sway velocities (MVLS and MVHS), sway length (SL) and sway area (SA) were recorded. Results With the eyes either open or closed, significant differences in all of the COP data were observed when standing in the different stances. The average SDHS, MVHS, SL and SA were all significantly better when standing comfortably than when standing with the feet 50cm apart whether the eyes were open or closed. Conclusion There is a proper distance between the feet where healthy youngsters best maintain static standing balance. Key words: Stance width; Standing; Balance