Balance Exercises Research Articles

Investigation of the effect of chronic ankle instability on core stabilization, dynamic balance and agility among basketball players of a university

BackgroundChronic ankle instability (CAI) is frequently seen in basketball, where ankle sprains are common due to repetitive movements such as jumping, landing, deceleration and acceleration. ObjectiveThis study investigated the effects of CAI on core stabilization, dynamic balance, and agility in university-level basketball players. Materials and methodsThe study included 22 basketball players with CAI (8F, 3M; 20.09 ± 1.04 years) and without CAI (8F, 3M; 21.27 ± 2.24 years), registered as team players in the Yeditepe University basketball teams. Participants divided into two groups: the chronic ankle instability group (CAIG) and the control group (CG). The participants' core stabilization was evaluated using the McGill Core Endurance Test, dynamic balance was evaluated with the Y Balance Test and the T Test was used to evaluate agility. ResultsAccording to the results of an independent t-test, significant differences were observed between groups including posteromedial (p = 0.03) and posterolateral (p = 0.03) reach distances, trunk flexion (p = 0.04) and trunk extension (p = 0.03) tests. According to the logistic regression analysis, Y Balance Test posteromedial and posterolateral reach distances, trunk flexion and trunk extension tests in the McGill Core Endurance Test were found to be statistically significant on the presence of CAI (p < 0.05). ConclusionIncluding core stabilization and dynamic balance exercises in the training program may be beneficial to improve core stabilization and dynamic balance parameters and prevention of CAI in university-level basketball players with CAI.

A Longitudinal, Observational, and Descriptive Study About Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy in Child Neurodevelopment.

Coordination and balance are progressive motor skills that guide physical therapists in recognizing abnormal patterns during childish neurodevelopment. We aim to compare the efficacy of craniosacral therapy (CST) together with balance and coordination therapy (BCT) vs traditional BCT during neurodevelopment. Longitudinal, observational, and descriptive study with 111 apparently healthy children divided into 4 groups: craniosacral-balance and coordination therapy placebo (CS-BCTp), craniosacral-balance and coordination therapy (CS-BCT), balance and coordination therapy placebo (BCTp), and balance and coordination therapy (BCT). Significant changes have been observed with the CS-BCT from the fourth session. Balance and coordination therapy is less effective. There are differences in the Battelle Scale at the beginning and after the 7 therapy sessions in the CS-BCT group. The study shows that CST together with balance and coordination exercises can be a more effective and faster treatment to improve these motor skills, correcting and improving alterations during child neurodevelopment.

The Effect of Computerized Wobble Board and Core Stabilization Exercises on Balance Performance and Exercise Capacity in Patients With Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of computerized wobble board exercise training (CWBET) and core stabilization exercise training (CSET) on balance performance, and exercise capacity in patients with heart failure (HF). DesingSingle-blind randomized controlled prospective study. SettingCardiology department of a local university hospital. ParticipantsFifty-one patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction, whose clinical status and medication had been stable for the previous 3 months, were included (N=51). Nine patients could not complete the follow-up period due to personal reasons. No patient experienced any adverse events during exercise training. InterventionsPatients were randomized to CWBET, CSET, and control group. CWBET and CSET groups participated in their own exercise programs, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The control group received no exercise program. Main Outcome MeasuresAll patients were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks. Postural stability, static and functional balance, and exercise capacity were evaluated with the Sensamove Balance Test Pro with Miniboard, the one-leg stance test (OLS), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the six-minute walk distance (6MWD), respectively. Core stabilization and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were assessed with OCTOcore app, and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, respectively. ResultsA mixed model repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant group × time interaction effect for static postural stability performance (P<.001, ηp2=0.472), vertical (P<.001, ηp2=0.513), horizontal performance (P<.001, ηp2=0.467), OLS (P<.001, ηp2=0.474), BBS (P<.001, ηp2=0.440) scores, 6MWD (P<.001, ηp2=0.706), and HRQOL. Post hoc analysis revealed CWBET and CSET groups had similar improvements balance performance, exercise capacity, and HRQOL and both groups significantly improved compared with control group (P<.001). Core stabilization was significantly improved only in CSET group after 8 weeks. ConclusionCWBET and CSET programs were equally effective and safe for improving balance performance and exercise capacity in patients with HF.

A Participatory Urban Governance Framework for Transitioning Cities Towards Sustainability: Linking the Protection of Urban Ecosystems’ Functions and Circularity Principles

The purpose of this research is to provide an urban governance framework that can aid decision-makers to transition cities towards more sustainability and resilience. Our premise is that such transition will take time, iterations and adaptations and will benefit from using a governance framework that is both participatory and that also highlights the ecological, economic and social dimensions of sustainability all at once. In order to do so, we suggest considering the city itself as an ecosystem that delivers environmental functions (production, sink, amenity and regulation) through its activities. Using an accounting representation that links urban activities to these functions, we are then advocating building sustainable urban strategies based on the protection of these functions and on minimising non-re-usable waste or by-products. Encouraging such circularity requires negotiation amongst stakeholders who need to know how production processes could be connected to minimise the overall generation of waste. It also promotes cooperation amongst producers and consumers, and generates collective learning and co-creation. The article shows that adopting an ecosystemic representation can help in understanding circularity as a regenerative approach that goes beyond an accounting balancing exercise. We suggest to integrate design thinking to enhance negotiations based on the information provided by the accounts. The research illustrates how such method could be operationalised by focusing on food system activities, stakeholders, and security as core to urban resilience, using Lisbon Metropolitan Area food strategy as a case study.

Video-based exergaming versus conventional rehabilitation on balance in pediatric brain tumor survivors: a randomized clinical trial

Balance problems are widely reported in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors (PBTS) due to tumor localization and the side effects of medical treatment. This study investigates the effects of conventional versus video-based games exercise training (exergaming) on balance in PBTS. The present study was a randomized controlled trial. The study included 23 PBTS who were randomized to a Video-Based balance exergaming Group (VBG) or Conventional balance exercise training Group (CG). In both groups, the interventions were targeted to the balance function and balance exercise training was administered twice a week for 8 weeks. VBG exercised using selected Nintendo Wii Fit Plus® balance games while CG received a specially designed balance training using conventional physiotherapy methods. The primary outcome was the balance tests (Timed Up and Go and Nintendo® Wii™ Center of Gravity: COG), and the secondary outcomes were the functional tests (10-m walking, 2-min walking, 5-step climb/descent/times), and disease effect test (PedsQL Brain Tumor Module). The outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention. At baseline, no significant clinical and outcome assessment differences existed between both groups except for COG (p = 0.0495). After training, overall scores for balance, functional, disease effect tests significantly improved in VBG (p < 0.05) while progress observed in CG was not significant (p > 0.05). Video-based balance exergaming was found effective and more so than conventional balance exercise training in PBTS. Greater effectiveness of exergaming is thought to be due to increased motivation and effort of the children who are more attracted to gaming than conventional exercising. Exergaming could be beneficial both in clinical and home settings with physiotherapist supervision and may reduce the costs of treatment while improving their health-related quality of life.

Associations between monitor-independent movement summary (MIMS) and fall risk appraisal combining fear of falling and physiological fall risk in community-dwelling older adults.

Introduction: Fall Risk Appraisal (FRA), a process that integrates perceived and objective fall risk measures, serves as a crucial component for understanding the incongruence between fear of falling (FOF) and physiological fall risk in older adults. Despite its importance, scant research has been undertaken to investigate how habitual physical activity (PA) levels, quantified in Monitor-Independent Movement Summary (MIMS), vary across FRA categories. MIMS is a device-independent acceleration summary metric that helps standardize data analysis across studies by accounting for discrepancies in raw data among research-grade and consumer devices. Objective: This cross-sectional study explores the associations between MIMS (volume and intensity) and FRA in a sample of older adults in the United States. Methods: We assessed FOF (Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International), physiological fall risk (balance: BTrackS Balance, leg strength: 30-s sit-to-stand test) and 7-day free-living PA (ActiGraph GT9X) in 178 community-dwelling older adults. PA volume was summarized as average daily MIMS (MIMS/day). PA intensity was calculated as peak 30-min MIMS (average of highest 30 non-consecutive MIMS minutes/day), representing a PA index of higher-intensity epochs. FRA categorized participants into following four groups: Rational (low FOF-low physiological fall risk), Irrational (high FOF-low physiological fall risk), Incongruent (low FOF-high physiological fall risk) and Congruent (high FOF-high physiological fall risk). Results: Compared to rational group, average MIMS/day and peak 30-min MIMS were, respectively, 15.8% (p = .025) and 14.0% (p = .004) lower in irrational group, and 16.6% (p = .013) and 17.5% (p < .001) lower in congruent group. No significant differences were detected between incongruent and rational groups. Multiple regression analyses showed that, after adjusting for age, gender, and BMI (reference: rational), only irrational FRA was significantly associated with lower PA volume (β = -1,452.8 MIMS/day, p = .034); whereas irrational and congruent FRAs were significantly associated with lower "peak PA intensity" (irrational: β = -5.40 MIMS/day, p = .007; congruent: β = -5.43 MIMS/day, p = .004). Conclusion: These findings highlight that FOF is a significant barrier for older adults to participate in high-intensity PA, regardless of their balance and strength. Therefore, PA programs for older adults should develop tailored intervention strategies (cognitive reframing, balance and strength exercises, or both) based on an individual's FOF and physiological fall risk.

Impact of Differing Instability Devices on Postural Sway Parameters

Single-limb balance training is integral to preventing and rehabilitating lower extremity injuries. Previous investigations have shown that when using instability devices, differences may or may not exist in the postural sway parameters during use, depending on the specific devices being assessed. Thus, this investigation sought to examine the differences between a commonly used foam pad and a novel instability device (block) in postural sway measures. Twenty-two healthy individuals with no history of lower extremity injury or neurological disorders participated in this investigation. The participants performed three single-limb static balance exercises on a force platform sampling at 120 Hz. Each condition contained three 10-s trials separated by thirty seconds. The mean CoP values of the three trials in each condition were then compared using a within-subjects repeated-measures analysis of variance. Statistically significant differences were seen in the sway area between conditions (p = 0.009), the CoP path length (p = 0.007), the peak medial–lateral CoP displacement (p = 0.004), and the average sway velocity (p = 0.007). All variables displayed similar trends whereby the control condition showed significantly lower values than both instability devices, with no differences between devices. This investigation provides supporting evidence that different instability devices may deliver similar changes to postural sway parameters compared to control conditions. The novel block instability device used in this investigation may be used similarly to the traditional foam pad in prevention and rehabilitation settings based on the absence of differences between the two devices.

The Effects of Different Exercise Types on Cognitive and Physical Functions in Dementia Patients: A Randomized Comparative Study

Purpose: The physical and cognitive effects of aerobic exercise on dementia have been extensively studied. Further investigation of other types of exercise with different physiological effects is still needed. This study aimed to determine cognitive and physical effects of 6-week aerobic, balance, and combined (aerobic-balance) exercise programs on dementia. Materials and Methods: A total of 31 mild to moderate dementia patients aged 65-90 years were divided into three exercise groups. Before and after the 6-week exercise program, mental rotation, spatial orientation, visual memory, and mental status were assessed for cognitive functions, while fall risk, reaction time, lower limb strength, and frailty were assessed for physical functions. Comprehensive cognitive and physical assessments were performed to provide a holistic approach to dementia. Results: When post-exercise values were compared with pre-exercise values, only frailty decreased significantly in the aerobic exercise group (p=0.017). After exercise program in balance and combined exercise groups, mental rotation (p=0.005, p=0.032), spatial orientation (p=0.020, p=0.035), mental status (p=0.007, p=0.014), and lower extremity strength (p=0. 010, p=0.005) increased significantly, while fall risk (p=0.005, p=0.005), reaction time (p=0.028, p=0.016), and frailty (p=0.020, p=0.009) decreased significantly. Moreover, in contrast to combined and aerobic exercise, improvement in visual memory was also observed in the balance exercise group (p=0.016). Conclusions: These findings suggest that balance and combined exercises may have broader effects on dementia than aerobic exercise. It emphasizes the importance of designing exercise programs for dementia patients, considering the cognitive and physical deficits of the patients, and creating a multidimensional treatment approach.

The Effect of Physical Activity on Postural Abilities in Menopausal Women

Introduction Menopause marks a significant physiological transition in a woman’s life, often accompanied by various health challenges. Understanding the impact of physical activity on postural abilities in menopausal women is crucial for promoting their overall well-being during this transformative stage.ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to investigate the effect of a physical activity program on postural abilities, psychological well-being, and the quality of life of menopausal women.Methods Nineteen menopausal women, averaging 56±3 years of age, participated in a 12-week Zumba-style physical training program, consisting of three 50-minute sessions per week. The exercise regimen incorporated aerobic workouts, muscle conditioning, balance exercises, and flexibility training, predominantly inspired by Latin dances. Postural balance was evaluated using a stabilometric force platform, measuring the average velocity of the center of pressure (COPvm) under open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE) conditions on both firm and soft surfaces. Quality of life and mood were assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire (Short Form Survey-36) and the BMIS score (Brief Mood Introspection Scale). Assessments were conducted before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the 12-week training period.Results The findings revealed a significant decrease in COPvm values in the post-test for both conditions (on a firm surface: OE p=0.05, CE p=0.01; on a soft surface: OE p=0.001, CE p=0.05). Additionally, improvements in mood (p=0.05) and quality of life (p=0.05) were observed compared to baseline values.ConclusionsThis study underscores the positive impact of Zumba-style physical training on postural abilities, mood, and quality of life among menopausal women. These results suggest that such exercise programs hold promise in reducing the risk and incidence of falls associated with menopauseDisclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Impact of Multimorbidity Patterns on Changes in Physical Activity and Physical Capacity Among Older Adults Participating in a Year-Long Exercise Intervention.

This study investigated the impact of multimorbidity patterns on physical activity and capacity outcomes over the course of a year-long exercise intervention, and on physical activity 1year later. Participants were 314 physically inactive community-dwelling men and women aged 70-85years, with no contraindications for exercise at baseline. Physical activity was self-reported. Physical capacity measurements included five-time chair-stand time, 6-minute walking distance, and maximal isometric knee-extension strength. The intervention included supervised and home-based strength, balance, and walking exercises. Multimorbidity patterns comprised physician-diagnosed chronic disease conditions as a predictor cluster and body mass index as a measure of obesity. Multimorbidity patterns explained 0%-12% of baseline variance and 0%-3% of the change in outcomes. The magnitude and direction of the impact of unique conditions varied by outcome, time point, and sex. Multimorbid older adults with no contraindications for exercise may benefit from multimodal physical training.

Balance Problems in the Elderly with Diabetes Mellitus: A Literature Review.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a syndrome of chronic metabolic disease which leads to all kinds of complications. Elderly people with DM have significantly higher fear of falling and balance problem scores as compared to those who did not have DM. This literature review aims: (1) to determine the risk factors for balance disorders in the elderly population with DM, (2) to describe valid and reliable balance measurement tools in the elderly population with DM, and (3) to describe the nonpharmacological management in dealing with balance disorders in the elderly population with DM. Several risk factors that cause balance disorders in the elderly with DM are related to complications of the disease they suffer, such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, decreased sensory abilities, decreased motor skills, and decreased cognitive condition of the elderly with DM. Measuring instruments that can be used in the elderly population with DM to assess balance include the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, the Berg Balance Scale, and computerized measuring instruments with center of pressure analysis. Several nonpharmacological interventions are suggested in overcoming balance problems in the elderly with DM, including a combination of balance exercise and gait training, strength or resistance training, aquatic exercise, tai chi, yoga, technology-based exercise, electrotherapy, use of insoles, and whole-body vibrations.

Effect of the Massage Ball Exercise in Pain, Muscle Activity and Dysfunction on Patients with Acute Low Back Pain

Effect of the Massage Ball Exercise in Pain, Muscle Activity and Dysfunction on Patients with Acute Low Back Pain

Comparing the Effect of Balance and Coordination Exercise on Different Platforms as on Floor, Swiss Ball &amp; Foam in Geriatric Population - A Randomized Control Trial

Comparing the Effect of Balance and Coordination Exercise on Different Platforms as on Floor, Swiss Ball &amp; Foam in Geriatric Population - A Randomized Control Trial

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of TAI CHI Ch-Uan Exercises on Balance Control among Older People Living in Selected Old Age Homes in Bangalore, Karnataka

Background and Purpose: The treatment of balance disorders lacks a fixed method, with identification andmanagement of external factors being crucial. Many balance disorders benefit from balance training and moderatephysical activity. Exercise programs encompass strength training, balance and coordination exercises, dual tasktraining, hydrotherapy, tai chi, and yoga, all proven to enhance balance. Tai Chi Chuan, a martial art, utilizes slow,graceful moves and precise body movements to enhance body awareness and balance, combined with breathingtechniques for mind-body harmony and energy flow. Practicing Tai Chi fosters muscle strength, flexibility, aerobicconditioning, and stress reduction, contributing to overall well-being and balance improvement.Methods: The study was conducted at Omashram Trust, Bangalore, Karnataka. The research design selectedfor the study was quasi experimental pre-test post-test with experimental and control group. Non probabilitypurposive sampling technique was adopted to select the samples. The data collection tool consisted of part I andpart II.Part I – Dealt with the interview schedule for demographic data which consist of 13 items used to collect thesample characteristics such as age in years, gender, religion, educational status, past occupation, source of income,marital status, diet, on a therapeutic diet, practice of regular exercise, presence of any physical illness, aware ofinformation about Tai Chi Chuan exercise, if yes.Part II - Berg balance scale was used to assess the balance control in older people.Results of the StudyAssociation between the body balance status and demographic variablesa) Experimental GroupThe finding of this study in the experimental group showed that there was significant association between the levelof balance control and demographic variables such as age and past occupation. Hence the research hypothesis wasaccepted at 0.05 level of significance and null hypothesis was rejected.&#x0D; Control GroupThe finding of this study in the control group proved that there was significant association between the level ofbalance control and demographic variables such as age, education and presence of any physical illness. Hence theresearch hypothesis was accepted at 0.05 level of significance and null hypothesis was rejected.Discussion: The overall findings of the study clearly showed that effectiveness of tai CHI CH-UAN exerciseson balance control among older people living in selected old age homeswas more effective for the Experimentalgroup than the Control group.

The effectiveness of virtual reality exercise games on balance functions and fear of falling in women with osteoporosis

To investigate and compare the effectiveness of Nintendo Wii games and home exercises on balance functions in patients with osteoporosis, an important disease adversely affecting balance functions. The patients included in the study were randomized into two groups the Wii exercise group (n = 30) and the home exercise group (n = 30). Wii exercise group performed balance exercises with a Nintendo Wii device and balance board three times a week for 12 weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist in the hospital, and home exercise group was prescribed home exercises three days a week for 12 weeks. Balance functions were evaluated with the timed up-and-go-test and Berg Balance Scale, and the fall risk was evaluated with the Falls Efficacy Scale at the beginning and end of 12 weeks of treatment. Comparison of pre- and post-treatment timed up-and-go-test, Berg Balance Scale, and Falls Efficacy Scale results in both groups revealed statistically significant improvements (p = 0.001; p < 0.05). Furthermore, post-treatment test scores between the two groups demonstrated a significant enhancement in Wii exercise group regarding the Berg Balance Scale score (Mean ± SD 52.9 ± 3.63) (p = 0.001; p < 0.05). Within the osteoporotic population, balance functions serve as robust predictors of fall risk. Improvement in balance functions is crucial for the prevention of falls and subsequent osteoporotic fractures. In our study, we found that balance exercises performed with Wii games are effective in improving balance functions in patients with osteoporosis.

Https://fizjoterapiapolska.pl/en/article/wirtualna-rzeczywistosc-a-drazek-rownowazny-w-poprawie-chodu-u-dzieci-z-porazeniem-mozgowym-spastycznym-typu-hemiplegicznego-randomizowane-badanie-porownawcze/

Background. Virtual reality and balancing beam are widely acknowledged as a highly successful approach for improving balance as well as walking performance among children suffering from hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Purpose. The aim of this study was to compare between the impact of virtual reality and balance beam on walking performance (balance and functional walking capacity) in children with hemiplegic CP. Subjects and methods. A total of seventy-five children with hemiplegic CP, comprising 31 boys and 44 girls, aged between 7 and 11 years of both genders, were included in this study. The participants were allocated randomly into three groups (n = 25), A (control group) and B, C (study groups). All children received designed physical therapy programs based on neurodevelopmental technique, in addition to balance and gait training exercises for control group A, virtual reality training for group B and balance beam training for group C. The treatment program was administered to each group three times weekly for three consecutive months, lasting one hour each session. All children were examined clinically pre- and post-treatment using HUMAC balance and tilt system, and 6- minutes walking test (6mWT) to assess balance, walking functional capacity respectively. Results. There was a significant improvement in balance and 6MWT of three groups post treatment when contrasted with that pretreatment (p &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, group B and C's measured variables showed a substantial improvement over group A's when compared (p &lt; 0.01), while group B and C did not differ significantly (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions. Virtual reality and balance beam training have an effective influence on the improvement of balance and walking performance.

Enhancing groundwater recharge in drinking water protection zones in Flanders (Belgium): A novel approach to assess stormwater managed aquifer recharge potential

Study regionFlanders (Belgium) Study focusStormwater infiltration for managed aquifer recharge is increasingly recognized as a drought adaptation measure. Given the high degree of urbanization and imperviousness, stormwater infiltration has significant potential in Flanders (Belgium). This research presents a novel approach to quantify stormwater availability and its potential to enhance groundwater recharge. Stormwater volumes available for recharge are calculated based on the imperviousness level, yearly average precipitation volumes, and runoff coefficients. This study focuses on groundwater protection zones around drinking water wells to assess the role of increased infiltration for sustainable drinking water production. Calculated potential stormwater volumes for recharge are compared to natural groundwater recharge and pumping volumes for drinking water production to quantify the potential significance of stormwater infiltration for aquifer recharge. New hydrological insights for the regionResults show a high potential for stormwater infiltration in Flemish protection zones with an average of 17% (7%-33%) additional groundwater recharge from stormwater infiltration. Additionally, stormwater recharge could potentially compensate for 19% (8%-37%) of abstracted drinking water production from phreatic aquifers. Locally, higher groundwater recharge potentials were calculated, especially in protection zones around the city of Leuven. Therefore, stormwater harvesting for infiltration and groundwater recharge should be further encouraged throughout the region, with special attention to urban areas. However, further research is needed on stormwater quality to assess groundwater quality risks in this water quantity-quality balancing exercise.

Improved hand muscle ability after 6 weeks of squeezing a tennis ball exercise in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Children with cerebral palsy tend to be less physically fit compared to typically developing peers. This is mainly due to the lack of physical activity and exercise during their childhood. If adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy don't get enough exercise, it could result in reduced mobility and physical fitness. It is very important to start treatment for cerebral palsy when the child is young. The goal of this research was to investigate how children with spastic cerebral palsy might benefit from enhancing their hand muscle functioning by squeezing a sponge tennis ball during hand-strengthening exercises. The study implemented a true experimental design with a pre-and post-test control group. This methodology allowed for a rigorous and systematic investigation, ensuring reliable and valid results. Twelve boys between the ages of 15 and 17 who were all diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy participated in sponge tennis ball gripping exercises as part of a program of intervention. A 30-minute workout of sponge tennis ball squeezing involves 4-6 sets of 15-20 repetitions with passive rests of 30 seconds. The prescribed regimen involves conducting the exercise four times per week for six weeks. Before and after the intervention, the Hand Grip Dynamometer was used to assess the hand muscle strength of children with spastic-type cerebral palsy. Data analysis techniques were applied using the independent samples t-test with a significant level of 5%. The results showed the average muscle strength of the right hand after the intervention between control vs. experiment (4.36 ± 1.35 kg vs. 34.16 ± 3.34 kg (p = 0.000)), the average muscle strength of the left hand after the intervention between control vs. experiment (2.31 ± 0.49 kg vs. 30.18 ± 2.08 kg (p = 0.000)). The findings of the research suggest that engaging in frequent tennis ball gripping exercises, conducted on a frequency of four sessions per week over a duration of six weeks, may yield notable improvements in the hand muscle functionality of children diagnosed with spastic-type cerebral palsy. The findings suggest that including these activities in treatment, procedures may provide significant value for persons with this particular illness.

Time-course of balance training-related changes on static and dynamic balance performance in healthy children

ObjectiveIn healthy children, there is evidence of improvements in static and dynamic balance performance following balance training. However, the time-course of balance training-related changes is unknown. Thus, we determined the effects of balance training after one, three, and six weeks of exercise on measures of static and dynamic balance in healthy children (N = 44, 20 females, mean age: 9.6 ± 0.5 years, age range: 9–11 years).ResultsParticipants in the intervention group (2 × 25 min balance exercises per week) compared to those in the control group (2 × 25 min track and field exercises and soccer practice per week) significantly improved their static (i.e., by measuring stance time in the One-Legged Stance test) and dynamic (i.e., by counting step number in the 3-m Beam Walking Backward test) balance performance. Late effects (after 6 weeks) occurred most frequently followed by mid-term effects (after 3 weeks) and then early effects (after 1 week). These findings imply that balance training is effective to improve static and dynamic measures of balance in healthy children, whereby the effectiveness increases with increasing training period.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN16518737 (retrospectively registered at 24th August, 2023).

Unilateral Hamstring Muscle Strengthening Exercises Can Improve Hamstring Asymmetry and Increase Jumping Performance in Sub-Elite Badminton Athletes

This study aimed to determine the effect of 10 weeks of unilateral training on asymmetry and jumping performance in sub-elite badminton athletes. 23 out of 41 badminton athletes who met the inclusion criteria were taken as samples in this study. Selected samples will be given unilateral exercise interventions in the form of Swiss ball hamstring curl exercises and single leg bridge for ten weeks with a frequency of exercise 3 times a week. Data were collected two times before the intervention (pretest) was given and after the intervention (posttest). The measurement uses the Norbord test to determine the condition of hamstring asymmetry and the Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) jump test to determine jump height. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in the percentage of hamstring asymmetry p ≤ 0.001 (Pretest: 20.26±10.25 % to Posttest: 9.20±3.51 %) and has a large effect size with a Cohen's d value of 1.443, and an increase in jump height p ≤ 0.001 (Pretest: 33.06±4.93 cm to Posttest: 35.17±4.54 cm) and has a medium effect size with a Cohen's d value of 0.447. The conclusion is that 30 unilateral exercises for ten weeks can improve hamstring asymmetry above 10% and increase jumping performance in badminton athletes. Keywords: Hamstring Asymmetry, Jump performance, Unilateral exercise