Balance Pad Research Articles

Role of the trunk during drop jumps on stable and unstable surfaces.

The present study investigated associations between trunk muscle strength, jump performance, and lower limb kinematics during drop jumps on stable and unstable surfaces. Next to this behavioral approach, correlations were also computed on a neuromuscular level between trunk and leg muscle activity during the same test conditions. Twenty-nine healthy and physically active subjects (age 23 ± 3 years) were enrolled in this study. Peak isokinetic torque (PIT) of the trunk flexors and extensors was assessed separately on an isokinetic device. In addition, tests included drop jumps (DJ) on a force plate under stable and unstable (i.e., balance pad on top of the force plate) surfaces. Lower limb kinematics as well as electromyographic activity of selected trunk and leg muscles were analyzed. Significant positive but small correlations (0.50 ≤ r ≤ 0.66, p < 0.05) were detected between trunk extensor PIT and athletic performance measures (i.e., DJ height, DJ performance index), irrespective of surface condition. Further, significant negative but small correlation coefficients were examined between trunk extensor PIT and knee valgus motion under stable and unstable surface conditions (-0.48 ≤ r ≤ -0.45, p < 0.05). In addition, significant positive but small correlations (0.45 ≤ r ≤ 0.68, p < 0.05) were found between trunk and leg muscle activity, irrespective of surface condition. Behavioral and neuromuscular data from this study indicate that, irrespective of the surface condition (i.e., jumping on stable or unstable ground), the trunk plays a minor role for leg muscle performance/activity during DJ. This implies only limited effects of trunk muscle strengthening on jump performance in the stretch-shortening cycle.

선택적 지지면에 따른 스쿼트 운동이 정상 성인의 균형조절능력에 미치는 영향

PURPOSE : This study aims to investigate the positive correlation in pre-post test design between squat exercise on different baseform and the static/dynamic balance ability enhancement in adults. METHOD : This clinical study was designed into three different random-sampling adult groups (flat, balanced, vibration exercise device) and performed squat exercise. The static/dynamic balance ability was measured prior to the intervention and vice-versa. Balance was examined using the balance master 7.0 version systems. RESULT : 1) After the intervention, the controlled mat group in mCTSIB has showned the minimal mean value and the variation regards as acceptable by statistic value. 2) After the intervention, The mean value of LOS shows the minimal average variation in Randomised Trials, but the other two trials shows the maximal fluctuation. The difference variation regards as acceptable statistic value. 3)After the intervention, the mean value of mat group measrued as the maximal results, the difference variation regards as acceptable statistic value. 4)The striking correlation difference at mCTSIB has found in the vibration device exercise group, but LOS and Rhythmic W-S showed the correaltion in Mat group. CONCLUSION : The study found the positive correlation that enhanced balance ability on the different dynamic baseform squat exercise than static baseform environment. The significant difference found the balance pad squat effects on developing balance ability and the correlationship regards as statistically significant value.

Effects of surface instability on neuromuscular performance during drop jumps and landings

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of surface instability on measures of performance and activity of leg and trunk muscles during drop jumps and landings. Drop jumps and landings were assessed on a force plate under stable and unstable (balance pad on top of the force plate) conditions. Performance measures (contact time, jump height, peak ground reaction force) and electromyographic (EMG) activity of leg and trunk muscles were tested in 27 subjects (age 23±3years) during different time intervals (preactivation phase, braking phase, push-off phase). The performance of drop jumps under unstable compared to stable conditions produced a decrease in jump height (9%, p<0.001, f=0.92) and an increase in peak ground reaction force (5%, p=0.022, f=0.72), and time for braking phase (12%, p<0.001, f=1.25). When performing drop jumps on unstable compared to stable surfaces, muscle activity was reduced in the lower extremities during the preactivation, braking and push-off phases (11-25%, p<0.05, 0.48≤f≤1.23). Additionally, when landing on unstable compared to stable conditions, reduced lower limb muscle activities were observed during the preactivation phase (7-60%, p<0.05, 0.50≤f≤3.62). Trunk muscle activity did not significantly differ between the test conditions for both jumping and landing tasks. The present findings indicate that modified feedforward mechanisms in terms of lower leg muscle activities during the preactivation phase and/or possible alterations in leg muscle activity shortly after ground contact (i.e., braking phase) are responsible for performance decrements during jumping on unstable surfaces.

불안정지지면에서 일어서기 동작훈련이 뇌졸중 환자의 균형능력에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of sit-to-stand training on unstable surfaces in individuals with stroke. Nineteen subjects with chronic stroke were divided into two groups: an experimental group (10 subjects) and a control group (9 subjects). They received 30 minutes of Neuro-developmental therapy (NDT) treatment, and sit-to-stand exercise for 15 minutes three times a week for four weeks. During the sit-to-stand training, the experimental group performed on an unstable AIREX balance pad, but the control group performed on a stable surface. Balance ability and weight-bearing distribution during quiet standing were measured before and after training period using the 7-item Berg balance scale-3P (BBS-3P) and the Five-times-sit-to-stand test (FTSST). In addition, the muscle strength of the knee extensor was evaluated before and after the training period. The results were as follows: 1) The weight-bearing distribution forward of the affected leg, increased significantly in the experimental group after the four-week intervention (p<.05), 2) The 7-item BBS-3P and FTSST increased significantly in the experimental group after the four-week intervention (p<.05), 3) The knee extensor muscle strength in both groups increased significantly after the four-week intervention (p<.05). In conclusion, the results of this study did not show that the sit-to-stand training on an unstable surface was more effective than on a stable surface. However, the results suggested that sit-to-stand training is effective in the balance training of stroke patients.

Single-Limb-Balance Difficulty on 4 Commonly Used Rehabilitation Devices

Balance training is widely used by rehabilitation professionals and has been shown to be effective at reducing risk of injury, as well as improving function after injury. However, objective evidence for the difficulty of commonly available equipment is lacking. To assess center-of-pressure (COP) area and average sway velocity in healthy subjects while performing a single-limb stance on 4 commonly available rehabilitation devices to determine their level of difficulty. Single-session, randomized, repeated-measures design to assess COP area and average sway velocity while performing a single-limb stance on 4 devices positioned on a force platform. University laboratory. A convenience sample of 57 healthy college-age subjects. Each participant balanced on the dominant limb in a nonshod single-limb stance with eyes open for 20 s during 4 conditions. The 4 conditions were randomized and included the Both Sides Up (BOSU) trainer, Airex balance pad, half-foam roller, and DynaDisc. Means and standard deviations were calculated for maximum displacement in each direction. In addition, the means and standard deviations for COP area and average sway velocity were calculated for the 4 conditions and compared using a 1-way repeated-measure ANOVA. Significant differences were found for both COP area and average sway velocity between the BOSU trainer and the other 3 devices. A significant difference was also found between the DynaDisc and the half-foam roller. Level of difficulty, as measured by COP area and average sway velocity, is different for commonly available rehabilitation equipment. Clinicians may find these results a useful guide when progressing patients through balance training.

다양한 지지면에서의 스쿼트 운동이 무릎관절 근력 및 위치감각 향상에 미치는 영향

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to compare the Effects of Knee Extensor, Flexor Muscle Strength and Joint Position Sense in Squat Exercise on Variety Surface. Method : Subjuects were consisit of 30 male and female who had non disorder knee joint. we had devided 3 group(control group, balance pad group, and togu group) and we measured that knee joint 15°/45°proprioception(position sense) and Peak Torque of knee extensor, flexor muslce at 60°/sec, 180°/sec angular velocity. Result : First, knee joint 15°proprioception(position sense) of balance pad and togu group was significantly different after exercise(p<.05), but only balance pad group was significantly different at knee joint 45°. Second, knee extensor Peak Torque of balance pad and togu group was significantly different at 60°/sec, 180°/sec angular velocity(p<.05). Third, knee flexor Peak Torque of balance pad and togu group was significantly different at 60°/sec, 180°/sec angular velocity(p<.05). Conclusion : Squat exercises on the balance pad and togu were affects knee joint proprioception and muscle strength improvement. These results suggest that squat exercise on the unstable surface is effective for prevention of knee joint injury and functional activity.

Stability of Measurement Outcomes for Voluntary Task Performance in Participants With Chronic Ankle Instability and Healthy Participants

Acceptable measurement stability during data collection is critically important to research. To interpret differences in measurement outcomes among participants or changes within participants after an intervention program, we need to know whether the measurement is stable and consistent. To determine the within-session stability of muscle activation patterns for a voluntary postural-control task in a group of noninjured participants and a group of participants with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Descriptive laboratory study. Musculoskeletal laboratory. Twenty control participants (8 men, 12 women; age = 21.8 ± 2.4 years, height = 164.3 ± 13.4 cm, mass = 68.4 ± 17.9 kg) and 20 participants with CAI (12 men, 8 women; age = 21.2 ± 2.1 years, height = 176 ± 10.2 cm, mass = 71.7 ± 11.3 kg). Participants performed 4 barefoot standing trials, each of which included a 30-second double-legged stance followed by a 30-second single-legged stance in 3 conditions: with vision, without vision, and with vision on a balance pad. The activity of 7 muscles of the lower limb was measured for the stance task in the 3 different conditions for each trial. The onset of muscle activity and muscle recruitment order were determined and compared between the first and the fourth trials for both groups and for each condition. We found no differences in the onset of muscle activity among trials for both groups or for each condition. The measurement error was 0.9 seconds at maximum for the control group and 0.12 seconds for the CAI group. In the control group, 70% to 80% of the participants used the same muscle recruitment order in both trials. In the CAI group, 75% to 90% used the same recruitment order. Within 1 session, measurement stability for this task was acceptable for use in further research. Furthermore, no differences were found in measurement stability across conditions in the control or CAI groups.

불안정한 지지면에서의 균형훈련이 발목관절 근활성도에 미치는 영향

Purpose : This study investigates the effects on balanced ability and ankle joint muscle following balance pad and trampoline training periods in order to report a clinical directing about this matter. Methods : A total of nine members participated in a balance training program that put a balance pad and trampoline to use. Participants trained three times a week for thirty minutes in groups of six. Resting time was set for two minutes. EMG (median frequency and root mean square) was used to measure muscle activity at 3 weeks and 6 weeks, respectively. The tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles were measured. Participants were measured with eyes open and closed. Results : The median frequency showed a significant difference according to the change in time in both muscles. Also, results showed a significant interaction between eyes open and closed in the gastrocnemius muscle. The root mean square only showed a significant difference according to the change in time in the gastrocnemius muscle. Conclusion : We suggest that the balance pad and trampoline training influence a decrease in the recruitment rate of slow twitch muscles through an improvement in balance ability; however, the training did not show a statistically significant difference with regards to eyes open and closed.

복합운동프로그램이 노인의 하지근력, 근지구력, 균형능력, 보행능력에 미치는 효과

This study was designed to investigate the effects of complex exercise training on lower legs muscle strength, muscle endurance, balance and gait ability in elders. 44 elders who were applied for this study as subjects and were assigned randomly into experimental and control group by 22 elders. Four elders discontinued for individual conditions; house moving (1) and hospitalization (3). Both group had the education of physical health. Experimental group (n=19) were 60-minute per session, two time per for week, 8-weeks elastic band and balance pad for resistance training and balance training. Control group (n=21) executed no physical training program. The results of study were as follows. There were significantly increased by complex exercise that the strength of knee extention, ankle dorsiflexion, muscle endurance, balance ability, and gait ability (p.05). Interaction between group and time had a significant effect on the all factors except for step and stride length (p.05). In conclusion, the complex exercise training improves lower legs muscle strength, muscle endurance, balance and gait ability in elders. These results suggest that elders will be prevented about risk of a fall at all by complex exercise. Eventually we can expect them to have their old age with full of vitality.

발란스 패드를 이용한 훈련이 뇌졸중 환자의 균형에 미치는 효과

Objective:The purpose of this study is to identify what effects balance training, using balance pad, have on the balance of stroke patients.Method: The subjects consist of 15 stroke patients capable of independent gait, classifying control group(n=7 people) and experiment group(n=8 people), among st...

Comparison of Different Structural Foot Types for Measures of Standing Postural Control

Matched group comparison of 3 subject groups with 3 different foot structures for force plate and clinical measures of postural control. To determine if subjects with different weight-bearing foot structure would demonstrate differences in static standing postural control, and to determine the reliability of study procedures. Weight-bearing foot structure may influence postural control either because of a decreased base of support (supinated foot structure) or because of passive instability of the joints of the foot (pronated foot structure). Young adults were categorized based on weight-bearing foot structure into neutral, pronated, or supinated groups (15 subjects per group). Postural control in single-limb stance with eyes closed was assessed using force plate measures and by measuring duration of single-limb stance on a firm floor and on a balance pad. Force plate measures were normalized center-of-pressure average speed; and standard deviation and maximum displacement in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. Individuals in the supinated group had significantly greater center-of-pressure average speed, greater maximum displacement in the anterior-posterior direction, and greater SD and maximum displacement in the medial-lateral direction than individuals in the neutral group. The individuals in the pronated group had significantly greater SD and maximum displacement in the anterior-posterior direction, used more trials to complete force plate testing, and had shorter single-limb stance duration than those in the neutral group. Individuals with pronated feet or supinated feet have poorer postural control than individuals with neutral feet, but perhaps through different mechanisms.

Balance Pad Exercise may Attenuate Falling Risks in Geriatric Health Services Facility Residents

1247 Maintaining balance is important to prevent falling with advancing age. However, the effect of balance pad exercise in frail elderly population is not well known. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of a 10 weeks of balance pad exercise on reducing falling risks in geriatric health services facility residents. METHODS: This study was an exercise intervention trial with participants assigned either to an exercise group or to a control group. Participants were four male and twenty female volunteers aged 76–95 years, living dependently in long-term care facility. Four male and twelve female performed balance pad exercise for 45 minute, 3 days a week, for 10 weeks. The exercise included single leg standing, walking on a balance pad, strength, locomotion/agility, and motor processing. Outcome variables included functional reach, one leg balance with eyes open, semi-tandem, timed up & go, stepping, 10 m walking time, Tinetti balance scale, falls efficacy scale, geriatric depression scale, daily steps, exercise energy expenditure, total daily energy expenditure and body balance obtained by stabilometer. RESULTS: The percentage of attendance in an exercise group was 94.2 ± 6.8%. No subjects became ill or had any injury related to the exercise program. At the beginning of the study, both exercise and control groups performed similarly in all tests. After the 10-wk training program, the exercise group showed significantly greater functional reach, semi-tandem, timed up & go, stepping and Tinetti balance subscale (p<0.05–0.001). In contrast, there were no significant improvements in any of the test measures in the control group. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that 10 weeks of a balance pad exercise adopted in this study may improve balance, lower limb muscle function and locomotion/agility, thereby attenuating falling risks in frail elderly individuals.

Balance Pad Exercise may Attenuate Falling Risks in Geriatric Health Services Facility Residents

Balance Pad Exercise may Attenuate Falling Risks in Geriatric Health Services Facility Residents