Balance In Adolescents Research Articles

Effects of visual and auditory cognitive tasks on postural balance in adolescents with intellectual disability: A comparative analysis of trained versus non-trained individuals

This study aimed to investigate the influence of visual and auditory cognitive tasks on postural balance in adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID). Participants included two groups: a trained group (n = 11) with experience in athletic activities and a sedentary group (n = 14). The experiment used a comparative cross-sectional design, with data collection involving single-task (ST) and Visual dual-task (VDT), and auditory dual-task (ADT) conditions in both firm and foam surface conditions. Cognitive tests included the Working Memory Test (WMT) and the Selective Attention Test (SAT). Results revealed that the trained group demonstrated significantly superior balance performance (p < 0.05). During the SAT, VDT conditions had lower center of pressure (CoP) values than ADT conditions in the sedentary group (p < 0.01), this result was observed in the training group only in the WMT, suggesting greater postural instability during ADT. These findings highlight the complex relationship between cognitive function and motor control in adolescents with ID, highlighting the potential benefits of regular physical activity interventions to improve postural balance abilities in this population.

Assessment of the state of the musculoskeletal system and postural balance in adolescents

Assessment of the state of the musculoskeletal system and postural balance in adolescents

The influence of cognitive load and vision variability on postural balance in adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of cognitive load, particularly its escalation during the execution of the same test, under varying vision conditions, on postural balance among adolescents with intellectual disability (ID). Twenty adolescents underwent balance assessments under different visual conditions (Open Eyes (OE), Closed Eyes (CE), Flash, Goggles, Visual Stimulation (VS)) and task settings (Single Task (ST), Dual Task (DT) without challenges, and DT with challenges). The cognitive test was assessed using Verbal Fluency (VF). Significant effects were found for Task (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.85), indicating that CoP values significantly increased (p < 0.05) with the introduction of the DT. Dual Task Cost (DTC) demonstrated significant effects for Vision (p = 0.008, ηp2 = 0.62), with values varying significantly (p < 0.05) among different vision conditions, especially in CE and Flash conditions. Visual Dependency Quotient (VDQ) analyses revealed significant effects of condition (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.84), with significant changes observed in CE/OE and Flash/OE conditions (p < 0.05). Significant effects were observed for Cognitive performance in the Challenge condition (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.86), with decreased performance with cognitive task challenges, particularly in Flash and Goggles conditions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, cognitive tasks, especially challenging ones, and visual variations significantly impact postural balance in adolescents with ID.

Postural balance in the comprehensive rehabilitation of adolescents with cleft lip and palate and maxillofacial anomalies: A literature review

BACKGROUND: Patients with cleft lip and palate experience significant jaw relationship disorders and pathological bite formation, leading to changes in the motor activity of chewing muscles and postural balance disturbances. Most studies on postural control are conducted on patients with skeletal dentofacial anomalies and deformities without cleft lip and palate. The state of postural balance in children with cleft lip and palate requiring long-term complex medical rehabilitation, including bone-reconstructive operations on the jaw bones, remains poorly understood.&#x0D; AIM: To analyze publications dedicated to the evaluation of postural balance in adolescents with cleft lip and palate combined with jaw relationship disorders and pathological bite formation.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The article includes an analysis and review of several studies that investigated the state of postural balance in adolescents with cleft lip and palate, particularly at the final stages of growth and formation of the musculoskeletal system. Scientific articles published in various medical journals, monographs, dissertations, and materials from scientific symposiums related to this topic were used in the literature review. PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and RSCI were searched without language restrictions. The search depth was 23 years, and 64 studies were selected.&#x0D; RESULTS: The article analyzes literature data related to theories of the mechanism of mutual influence between postural balance and the dentofacial apparatus (disorders and pathological bite formation). The state of postural balance is influenced by various factors, including the craniosacral system and anomalies of the cervical spine. Patients with cleft lip and palate, hemifacial microsomia, and other craniofacial dysostoses with growth disorders of jaw bones experience an imbalance in the entire “descending” chain, causing postural disturbances, increased plantar pressure, increased foot rigidity, and changes in photogrammetry indicators, which should be considered when developing an individual rehabilitation program for these patients. The treatment of these patients without considering postural balance disorders can lead to temporomandibular joint pathologies, unstable results of the conservative orthodontic treatment of bite pathologies, and bone-reconstructive operations on jaws.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the ways of adaptation of the musculoskeletal system in the presence of occlusal relationship disorders and emphasizes the need to evaluate this influence comprehensively for the treatment of these patients. The limitations of the presented studies should be emphasized: insufficient sample size, lack of control groups and prospective studies, limited types of examination, and lack of studies dedicated to more severe anomalies of craniofacial development.

The effects of screen time on balance in adolescents

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of increased screen time during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on balance in children aged 14 to 18 years. Patients and Methods: A total of 30 participants (16 females, 14 males; mean age: 15.3±1.3 years; range, 14 to 18 years) were included in the prospective study between March 2020 and December 2021. Videonystagmography and computerized dynamic posturography were applied and the Pediatric Berg Balance Scale (PBS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were assessed in all participants. The participants were divided into three groups according to screen time, with 10 in each group: 4-6 h (Group 1), 6-8 h (Group 2), and &gt;8 h (Group 3) per day. Results: There was a significant difference between the three groups for somatosensory, visual, composite, VAS-imbalance scores (p≤0.05). While there was a significant difference for somatosensory and visual between Groups 1 and 3, there was a significant difference between all groups in composite scores (p≤0.05). There was a significant difference between the three groups for the vestibular score and PBS (p≤0.05). While there was a significant difference between Groups 1 and 3, as well as Groups 2 and 3 in vestibular scores, there was a significant difference between all groups in PBS scores (p≤0.05). Conclusion: The increase in the time spent in front of the screen may negatively affect balance functions of children and adolescents.

A scoping review of the different types of exercise programs proposed for the improvement of postural balance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which is the most common type of scoliosis, is a progressive disease that occurs in children aged 10-16 years. Abnormal curvature in AIS provokes spinal asymmetry of the upper body alignment and might deteriorate postural balancing and control ability. To evaluate the effect of exercise interventions on balance and postural stability in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Embase, Scopus, Pubmed (Medline) and Web of Science databases were searched using the terms idiopathic scoliosis, physiotherapy, and balance. The articles selected were published in English in peer-reviewed journals from 2012 to July 2022. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The PEDro scale values ranged from 2 to 6 (mean, 3.6), indicating a low level of scientific rigor. In the sample studies, spinal stabilization exercises were most often trialed (n= 3), followed by Schroth's exercise (n= 2), stretching and self-elongation exercise (n= 2), the exercise protocol of Blount and Moe, physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise (all n= 1). Physical therapists will be able to apply hippotherapy, Schroth exercise, physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercise, trunk stabilization, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise, spinal stabilization exercise, core stabilization exercise, and body awareness therapy to manage balance impairments in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and further studies are needed to provide stronger evidence.

Effects of Smartphone Activities on Postural Balance in Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities.

Considering the rising prevalence of smartphone usage among adolescents with intellectual disabilities and their frequent motor challenges, understanding its impact on their physical well-being is important. This study aims to investigate the impact of smartphone activities on postural balance in adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Two groups of adolescents participated in the study: an intellectual disability group (IDG) (n = 16) and atypical development group (TDG) (n = 12). Static postural balance, using a stabilometric platform on firm and foam surfaces, and dynamic balance, using the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT), were performed under various conditions, such as playing a game, watching videos, video calls, and listening to music. The center of pressure (CoP) values significantly increased (p < 0.05) during all smartphone activities (except listening to music) compared to the control condition in both groups, with the IDG demonstrated a more pronounced increase (p < 0.05) during playing video games and video calls on the firm surface. TUGT scores significantly increased (p < 0.05) during smartphone activities, with greater changes observed in the IDG (p < 0.05), and significantly decreased (p < 0.01) during listening to music in both groups. Our study suggests that adolescents with intellectual disabilities need special tools and guidance to ensure their safety and well-being when using smartphones.

Posture analysis and dynamic balance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis

Posture analysis and dynamic balance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis

Evaluation of thiol disulfide balance in adolescents with vitamin B12 deficiency

BackgroundVitamin B12 is an important vitamin for metabolism and affects many mechanisms in the body including neuronal migration, DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter synthesis, brain and cognitive development. Increased oxidative stress in the body leads to the damage of the child development, but also plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of many diseases encountered in the childhood period. Our aim is to investigate whether or not B12 deficiency is associated with dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis in adolescent patients.MethodsThis is a case-controlled observational study consisting of 45 adolescent patients with vitamin b12 deficiency and a control group consisting of 45 healthy adolescent. Patients between 11 and 18 ages who applied to the outpatient clinic for the first time with one of the complaints of headache were selected due to their decreased school performance, dizziness, and fatigue. Hemogram, vitamin B12, homocysteine levels and oxidative stress parameters such as native and total thiol disulfide levels and ratios of disulfide/native thiol, disulfide/total thiol, and native thiol/total thiol were measured from the patients.ResultsVitamin B12 level was found to be significantly lower in vitamin B12 deficiency group (p < 0.001). The serum disulfide level was found to be 27.5 ± 8.38 in the case group and 20.5 ± 8.36 in the control group (p < 0.001). In the multiple linear regression analysis, it was determined that the independent variables of native thiol, homocysteine and disulfide levels effected of vitamin B12 levels (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.005 respectively; R2 = 0.62).ConclusionThe results obtained in terms of the effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on oxidative stress in adolescents are remarkable. The increase in oxidative stress parameters in the patient group may also suggest that oxidative stress plays a vital role in vitamin B12 deficiency in adolescence.

Effects of Combined Exercise Program on Spinal Curvature and Balance Ability in Adolescents with Kyphosis.

Thoracic hyperkyphosis is associated with postural abnormality, physical function, and quality of life. This study aimed to examine the effects of a combined exercise program on the spinal curvature and balance ability in adolescents with kyphosis. Fifty-one adolescents (mean age 21.95 ± 3.90 year, 23 male and 28 female) diagnosed with kyphosis were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 26). All participants in the study group underwent a combined exercise program for 60 min, three times per week, for 12 weeks. Cobb's angle and forward head angle showed significant differences between the two groups (p &lt; 0.001). The anterior and posterior weight distributions of static and dynamic plantar foot pressures showed a significant difference between the two groups (p &lt; 0.001), and significant differences were observed only in the study group (p &lt; 0.001). However, the left and right static plantar foot pressures did not differ significantly. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that a combined exercise program is an effective intervention for the improvement of alignment in the spinal curve and balance in adolescents with postural kyphosis.

A new tool to measure occupational balance: Adolescent Occupational Balance Scale (A-OBS)

Background The concept of occupational balance in adolescents is not clear enough. Aim The current study aims at developing a valid and reliable scale to measure occupational balance in adolescents. Method We conducted online interviews with the participant adolescents via semi-structured interview forms. We applied the Davis technique twice to 10 expert panellists and the test form to 600 individuals. Two weeks later, we re-tested 153 of the participants. We then carried out item analysis to evaluate the internal consistency of the scale. We also conducted explanatory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the construct validity of the scale. Findings The content validity index of the scale was found to be 0.986. EFA showed that the scale consisting of 27 items had a six-factor structure explaining 56.7% of the total variance. Model fit indices about the structure created by factor combination technique in CFA were CMIN/df = 2.135; RMSEA = 0.06; GFI = 0.866; NFI = 0.81, CFI = 0.887, TLI = 0.868; IFI = 0.89. The analysis to test the reliability of the scale resulted in ICC: 0.993 and Cronbach’s alpha: 0.997. Pre-test and post-test analyses showed very strong correlational coefficients (p < 0.005). Conclusion A-OBS is a valid and reliable scale consisting of 27 items and 4 sub-dimensions. It can be used in studies that will focus on occupational balance in healthy adolescents. It is the first occupational balance scale developed for adolescents in the occupational therapy literature. We recommend further studies to validate the scale and adapt it to different languages and cultures.

Eight-week virtual reality training improves lower extremity muscle strength but not balance in adolescents with intellectual disability: A randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: This study aims to assess the effects of 8-week virtual reality (VR) training on balance and lower extremity muscle strength in adolescents with intellectual disability (ID). Methods: Thirty adolescents with intellectual disability were randomly divided into the virtual reality group and control group. The participants in the virtual reality group and the control group received the virtual reality training and the physical education (PE) course, respectively, for 8weeks. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and lower extremity muscle strength were measured before and after the training. Results: The between-group results showed that the participants in the virtual reality group increased the muscle strength of hip flexors (p < 0.001), hip extensors (p = 0.002), hip abductors (p < 0.001), knee flexors (p < 0.001), knee extensors (p = 0.002) and ankle plantar flexors (p = 0.042) significantly after training, compared to the control group. However, no significant improvement was found in the berg balance scale and timed up and go scores between the virtual reality group and control group after training (p > 0.05). The within-group results showed that the strength of all the muscle groups significantly increased after training in the virtual reality group (p < 0.05) compared to the baseline. However, no significant difference was found in the muscle strength in the control group before and after training. The within-group berg balance scale and timed up and go scores showed no significant improvements in both groups. Conclusion: Virtual reality training intervention might be effective in improving the lower extremity muscle strength, but no significant improvement was found on balance ability in adolescents with intellectual disability.

EVALUATING DYNAMIC BALANCE AND ISOMETRIC HIP MUSCLE STRENGTHS OF HEALTHY ADOLESCENTS WITH DIFFERENT FOOT POSTURE ALTERATION

Hip abductor (ABD) and adductor (ADD) muscle imbalances lead to injuries in lumbo-pelvic hip complex, and these imbalances and other factors such as foot posture might affect dynamic balance. The present study aims to examine body mass index (BMI), dynamic balance and hip muscle strength values of adolescents with different foot posture alteration. Fifty-nine healthy adolescents (mean age 12±3 years, height 156±11.46 cm, weight 50.57±11.60 kg) voluntarily participated in the study. The participants were divided into two groups according to Foot Posture Index (FPI): (Neutral Foot Group (NFG), n=48 / Prone Foot Group (PFG), n=11). The participants’ single leg – both legs dynamic balance values were measured by using balance measurement device (TOGUtm), and their hip ABD and ADD isometric muscle strengths were measured through the load cell. The dynamic balance, BMI and muscle strength values of the groups were compared by using Independent Sample t-Test. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups according to right and left single leg dynamic balance values (p&lt;0.05). The study revealed that one of the most significant factors affecting dynamic balance in adolescents is foot posture. It is believed that using insoles suitable for the foot posture might be helpful in increasing the efficiency of dynamic movements carried out on a single leg and it is essential to suggest some exercises to correct foot postures when necessary.

Effects of Music Listening on Postural Balance in Adolescents with Visual Impairment.

We aimed to investigate the effect of music on visually impaired adolescents' postural balance across different somatosensory and vestibular input conditions. We recruited 19 adolescent participants (9 males, 10 females) with severe congenital visual impairment. We recorded their mean center of pressure velocity (CoPVm) during static upright bipedal standing under somatosensory (firm and foam surfaces) and vestibular (head facing forward (HFF), head rotated 90° to the right (HRR), and head rotated 90° to the left (HRL)) perturbations in three auditory conditions (no-music, listening to Jupiter, and listening to their preferred music). We found that CoPVm decreased significantly when listening to both Jupiter and preferred music, compared to the no-music condition on both firm (p < .05) and foam (p < .001) surfaces and with the HFF (p < .05), rotated to the right (p < .001) or rotated to the left (p < .001). Moreover, CoPVm values increased significantly with somatosensory manipulation (p < .001) in all the auditory conditions and with vestibular manipulation (p < .01) only in the no-music condition. We concluded that listening to both Jupiter and preferred music improved postural balance in visually impaired adolescents, even in challenged postural conditions.

Oxidative balance disorders as a factor of formation and progression of hypoandrogenism in boys

Objective — to study the features of the state of oxidative balance (processes of free radical oxidation and antioxidant protection) in boys with hypoandrogenism (HA). Materials and methods. Examinations involved 103 adolescent boys agreed 14 to 17 years with the delayed sexual development. Serum levels of total testosterone (TT), conjugated dienes (CD), thiobarbituric acid­reactive substance (TBARS), carbonylated proteins, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity were determined. The coefficient of oxidative stress was calculated. Results and discussion. The following indicators have been revealed in patients with the delayed sexual development vs the comparison group: increased CD levels in 84.0 % of patients, elevated levels of carbonylated proteins in 53.7 % of adolescents, one third had raised TBARS levels; 63.0 % of patients demonstrated the increased GSH levels. Decreased activity of GPx and CAT was registered in more than half of the patients. Such changes indicate an imbalance in the ratio of free radical oxidation (FRO) and antioxidant protection, which leads to the state of OS in adolescents with delayed puberty.It was found that the redox balance in adolescents with delayed puberty significantly depends on the degree of androgen deficiency. Half of the patients with a degree I and II HA and 24.5 % of boys with degree III HA had elevated TBARS levels, which is more common in adolescents with normative values of TT. At the highest degree of androgen deficiency, the frequency of normative values of carbonylated proteins decreased. Most boys had elevated levels of CD (80 %), regardless of the degree of HA. An increase in SOD activity was found in patients with degree III HA. Low SOD activity was registered in 28.6 % of patients with degree II HA and 29.6 % with degree III HA, which is much less common compared to patients with normal TT levels. Most patients with HA, regardless of degree, were characterized by low GPx activity. Decreased CAT activity was registered in 76.9 % of patients with degree II HA. The majority of patients with HA (from 60.9 to 90 %) showed elevated levels of GSH, regardless of degree. The progression of HA in adolescents is characterized by the accumulation of products of free radical oxidation of lipids and an imbalance in the enzymatic and low molecular parts of the antioxidant system. This is typical for HA II and III degrees. The largest number of correlations was found in patients with degree III HA, testifying the formation of oxidative stress due to the activation of lipid peroxidation with simultaneous tension of the antioxidant defense system. Conclusions. The progression of HA is accompanied by the accumulation of products of free radical oxidation of lipids with simultaneous depletion of the enzymatic part of the antioxidant defense system. The activating effect of testosterone deficiency on the formation of oxidative stress in adolescents with the highest degree of androgen deficiency has been proven. This makes it possible to assess the state of oxidative balance as a factor in the formation and progression of HA in adolescents.

Physical Fitness, Dietary Habits and Substance Misuse: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Associations in 7,600 Swedish Adolescents

<strong>Introduction:</strong> Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, psychological and social changes and a time when habits are formed. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between physical fitness, alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption and dietary habits among adolescents according to the Swedish Physical power, Mental harmony and Social capacity profile (FMS profile). <strong>Methods:</strong> Data were collected from Swedish high school students, 1st – 3rd grade (16–19 yrs), both genders, overall, 7,600 Swedish adolescents using the FMS profile, comprising physical tests and questionnaires concerning lifestyle factors (e.g. physical fitness, dietary habits, alcohol and tobacco use). Participants included in this study met the requirements of inclusion, which were having a complete set of data, e.g. had undergone all physical tests and answered all questionnaires. <strong>Results:</strong> A total of 13% self-reported cigarette smoking, while 37% self-reported alcohol consumption. Adolescents who smoked were older (t-test = 9.09,p&lt; 0.001), heavier (t-test = 4.58,p&lt; 0.001) and had greater BMI (t-test = 3.96,p&lt; 0.001). Adolescents who consumed alcohol were older (t-test = 8.78, p &lt; 0.001), heavier (t-test = 4.03,p&lt; 0.001) and taller (t-test = 3.77,p&lt; 0.001). Significant differences were found for all fitness factors, with better mobility, strength and balance in adolescents who did not smoke compared to smokers (Mann Whitney Z test = 2.77, 7.13, 5.77, respectively; allp&lt; 0.001). Regularity of meals and avoidance of sweets and cakes were less prevalent in adolescents who smoked (OR (95% CI): 0.63 (0.59–0.68), 0.71 (0.66–0.77), respectively). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Among Swedish adolescents, tobacco and alcohol use increase with age. However, physical fitness is consistently protective against tobacco consumption, and dietary habits are mostly protective against alcohol consumption. Physical fitness and low alcohol and tobacco consumption are possible health factors.

Acute Effects of Self-Correction on Spine Deviation and Balance in Adolescent Girls with Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional deformity of spine and trunk with a higher incidence in girls. AIS alters and reduces postural control and balance. Self-correction movement (SCM) is a well-known non-invasive approach to ameliorate spine curve in AIS subjects. We aimed to evaluate the effects of SCM on the spine and on the balance of adolescents with AIS with a new non-invasive instrumentation. Methods: A total of 38 girls with AIS were recruited. To evaluate the acute effects of SCM and the oscillations of center of pressure (COP), we used LiDAR technology combined with a stabilometric platform to evaluate both changes in spinal curves and balance at the same time. Two tests were carried out simultaneously using the two instruments: before the execution of SCM, in the spontaneously assumed position of each subject (SP) and after the execution of SCM, during the achieved position (SC). Sway area, COP medio-lateral and antero-posterior directions, eccentricity of the ellipse and vertebral lateral deviation were recorded. The two conditions were compared with a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: In general, all measures showed lower values in SC condition (p < 0.05), except the variation along the Y axis. Conclusions: Thanks to objective measured data, the therapists observed real-time changes during the performance of SCM, appreciating its efficacy on curve correction.

Relationship between indicators of insulin resistance and oxidative balancein adolescents with androgen deficiency

The purpose of the work was to study the relationship between the indicators of insulin resistance (IR), free radical oxidation products (FRO) levels, and the antioxidant system activity in adolescents with androgen deficiency (AD).Materials and methods. 58 adolescents 13­—18 years old with AD were examined. Serum levels of total testosterone, glucose, insulin, tiobarbituric acid active compounds (TBA), carbonylated proteins (CB), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity were determined. The HOMA index and the coefficient of oxidative stress were calculated.Results and discussion. In the group of adolescents with AD without IR, an inverse correlation was found between the HOMA index and CAT activity. CAT activity negatively correlated with CB content and glucose concentration. In addition, an inverse relationship was found between the activity of GPO and SOD. IR indices indirectly, through feedback with the activity of CAT, influence to the formation of conditions for inhibition/activation of FRO of proteins.IR was revealed in 37.9 % of the examined adolescents with AD. Direct relationship was recorded between IR indicators and markers of oxidative stress, as well as between testosterone levels and GPx activity in the group of these patients. Direct correlation between the coefficient of oxidative stress and the content of TBA-­active compounds indicates the formation of oxidative stress due to the activation of lipid peroxidation. Reduced testosterone levels in adolescents with AD inhibits an increase in GPx activity and prevents compensation for excessive intensity of free radical processes. Conclusion. The results indicate that adolescents with AD have a close relationship between the processes of carbohydrate metabolism, FRO, and antioxidant protection.In adolescents with AD without IR, a balancebetween the studied parameterswas found.The formation of IR in adolescents with AD shifts the equilibrium of the oxidative balance towards the activation of FRO processes. Decreased testosterone levels in adolescents with AD do not maintain the body’s antioxidant status within normal limits.

Relationship between dynamic foot-ground contact area and balance impairments in adolescents with down syndrome.

Down Syndrome (DS) is characterized by intellectual disability, hypotonia, and joint laxity. Physical disability can be an additional problem and manifests as reduced lower limb muscle strength and impaired balance. The objectives of this study were to characterize DS dynamic foot-ground contact area and to study its relationship with balance impairment among adolescents with DS. Twenty-eight children and adolescents with DS and 28 non-DS adolescents/children were matched for age and sex. The Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire (parents' version) was used to measure disability related to ankle/foot problems in all subjects. A pressure-sensitive mat was used to assess the contact area and arch index. Also, a Biodex balance system was used for measuring postural stability. There were significant differences between both groups in all domains of the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire, overall contact area, and arch index (p < 0.05). Overall postural stability index was significantly decreased in subjects with DS (p < 0.05). There was a nonsignificant correlation between contact area and postural stability (p > 0.05). Adolescents with DS exhibited larger mid-foot and forefoot contact areas with respect to non-DS matched children. Impairment of balance in adolescents with DS is a multifactorial problem not related to changes in the foot contact area.

Effects of the Non-Face-To-Face Learning on Health-Related Physical Fitness and Balance in Adolescents According to COVID-19

PURPOSE:This study aimed to examine the effects of non-face-to-face learning on health-related physical fitness and balance in adolescents according to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).METHODS:Twenty-nine middle-school students (14 girls and 15 boys) were enrolled. We measured the students’ health-related physical fitness (body composition, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, and cardiac endurance) and balance (static and dynamic) before and after 12 weeks of non-face-to-face learning without any exercise intervention. Cardiac endurance was measured using the Harvard step test.RESULTS: Body fat, muscle strength (hip flexion, hip extension, knee flexion, knee extension), and Y-balance test exhibited significant differences before and after non-face-to-face learning (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). Body fat, muscle strength (hip flexion, hip extension), and Y-Balance test exhibited significant differences in the female group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). Hip extension muscle strength exhibited a significant difference in the male group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). Analysis of covariance showed that muscle strength (hip extension and knee extension) and Harvard step of the female group were significantly decreased compared to the male group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05).CONCLUSIONS: Non-face-to-face classes according to COVID-19 had a negative effect on health-related physical fitness and balance in adolescents. Particularly, the muscle strength and cardiac endurance of female adolescents were lower than those of male adolescents.