Differences In Balance Ability Research Articles

The Effect Insole Usage on Children Balance with Flatfoot Condition

Background: Flatfoot conditions cause children to experience balance problems due to musculoskeletal disorders of the foot. Cases of flatfoot are prevalent in many children and can interfere with their growth and development, potentially reducing their quality of life in the future. Therefore, efforts are needed to improve children's balance. This study aims to determine whether the usage of insoles has an effect on the balance of children with flatfoot conditions at Banyuanyar 3 Elementary School. Methods and Subjects: By implementing gross motor training for children and utilizing arch support insoles, the study seeks to enhance children's balance ability. The research design is a quantitative experimental design with Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT), employing Single Blinding, and data collection through Pre-test and Post-test. The purposive sampling technique was used, with an intervention period of 30 days. The subjects included students from SD Negeri Banyuanyar 3, with a selected sample of 30 children from a population of 119 with flatfoot conditions. Standard interventions, such as rhythmic gymnastics, function as efforts to improve children's balance abilities and are applied to both the control and intervention groups, each comprising 15 children. The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) was used in this study to measure the level of functional balance in children. Results: The Wilcoxon test results for the treatment group indicated a P-value of 0.002 (<0.05), signifying a difference in balance ability between the pre-test and post-test in the treatment group. This indicates an improvement in balance among children using EVA insoles. Conversely, the control group's test results showed a P-value of 0.067 (P>0.05), suggesting no difference in balance ability between the pre-test and post-test in the control group. Therefore, based on this study, it can be concluded that the use of EVA insoles with arch support was found to improve the balance of children with flatfoot conditions.

남녀 대학 축구 선수의 균형 능력과 족저압 단순 비교

In this study, we will compare and analyze the balance ability and plantar pressure of male and female college soccer players, and try to provide basic data for exercise programs that are useful for improving the competitiveness of soccer players and preventing injury, as well as the difference in balance ability. All data were tested independently using the SPSS 26.0 program, and all statistical significance levels were set to .05 to investigate the difference in balance and plantar pressure capabilities between groups. BR As a result of this study, the following conclusions were obtained. First, in balance ability, group B was higher on the left side, and group A was statistically significantly higher on the right side. Second, no significant difference appeared between the Front and Back groups in balance ability. Third, the plantar pressure was high in Group A for the forefoot and Group B for the hindfoot, but no significant difference was observed in the middle foot.

EFEITOS DO TREINAMENTO DE VIBRAÇÃO NA ESTABILIDADE DO EQUILÍBRIO EM SALTADORES DE SALTO EM DISTÂNCIA

ABSTRACT Introduction Vibration training refers to the introduction of vibration methods into the daily training of athletes for body stimulation. In this way, coaches improve athletes’ strength, flexibility, and balance. Athletes can use vibration to stimulate neuromuscular activation. This allows more active units to be concentrated in the muscular contraction. In this way, the athlete’s muscular strength can be increased. Objective This study aimed to analyze the relationship between vibration training and the balance ability of long jumpers. Methods This paper selects several long jumpers as research subjects. The effects of vibration exercises at different frequencies on athletes’ stability are discussed, employing experimental comparison. In this context, statistical calculations are performed on the experimental results. Results There was no difference in balance ability between the vibration and general training groups before training (P>0.05). The athletes in the vibration training group showed more significant improvement in balance after a training period than the general training group. There were significant differences in the data between the two groups (P<0.01). Conclusion Vibration strength training can effectively improve the balance ability of jumpers. Athletes should increase the frequency of vibration training in their daily training. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Effects of Cha-Cha Dance Training on the Balance Ability of the Healthy Elderly.

Neuro-musculo-skeletal degradations with advancing age are generally accompanied with mobility problems and poor health status, contributing to impaired physical function and increased risk of falls. In an effort to diminish a fall-related risk such as unstable balance, a variety of interventions have been studied and implemented. Yet, there have been few studies to evaluate the effect of Cha-cha dance training on postural balance or balance performance of the elderly. The Cha-cha dance is composed of moderate rhythm and symmetrical movements and is easy to master and even easier for the elderly to begin. The purpose of this study was to intervene the fitness exercise through 12-week Cha-cha dance training, evaluate its impact on the balance ability of the elderly, and provide a scientific experimental basis for the elderly to participate in the Cha-cha dance exercise. Forty healthy elderly people with no difference in balance ability were randomly divided into two groups. The Cha-cha training group (CTG, n = 20) regularly participated in Cha-cha dance class, 3 times a week, 90 min each time, for a total of 12 weeks, and the control group (CONG, n = 20) did not participate in the class and engaged to their regular daily life. Dynamic and static balance were measured at pre and post intervention. Overall, the results showed that dynamic balance and static balance in CTG were significantly improved after the intervention. In addition, the results showed that the improvement was more significant in trials in left foot than right foot, and trials in closed eyes than open eyes, respectively. In conclusion, a 12-week Cha-cha dance class or program alone can be an effective intervention to improve balance of the elderly.

Impact of Types of Breathing on Static Balance Ability in Healthy Adults.

Recent studies have suggested that breathing type may affect balance ability. However, most of these studies were conducted on the elderly and patients with musculoskeletal or neurological disorders. Therefore, the effect of voluntary breathing, such as thoracic and abdominal breathing, on the balance ability of people in various age groups is not clearly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in balance ability according to the type of breathing in healthy young adults. This study included 78 healthy, young adults. All subjects were assessed for balance ability in neutral breathing, thoracic breathing, and abdominal breathing through a crossover design. Balance ability was assessed during static standing using a force plate. Participants were trained in voluntary breathing, evaluated using electromyography. During voluntary breathing, sway velocity, anterior-posterior difference, and anterior-posterior standard deviation increased while anterior-posterior sample entropy decreased compared to neutral breathing (p < 0.05). Compared with thoracic breathing, abdominal breathing increased sway velocity and variability, and reduced complexity (p < 0.05). These findings show that balance ability is affected by breathing, even in healthy young adults.

Effects of Schroth Exercise with Kinesiotaping in Spine Alignment and Balance Ability in Idiopathic Scoliosis Affecting Young Adults

Background: Although the Schroth exercise is widely used in idiopathic scoliosis, the Schroth exercise with kinesiotaping is not. And, little research has examined their effectiveness. Objectives: To investigate the effect of Schroth exercise with kinesiotaping on idiopathic scoliosis. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Participants with hamstring tightness were allocated into the Schroth exercise with kinesiotaping group (SETG, n=12) and the schroth exercise group (SEG, n=11). Participants groups performed Schroth exercise with kinesiotaping or Schroth exercise according to group assignment. To identify changes in spine alignment and balance were performed at pre- and postexercise. Results: Significant changes occurred in spine alignment, balance ability (X mean, LOS forward, LOS right) after exercise in SETG (P<.05). SETG was a significant difference in balance ability (LOS right) than SEG. Conclusion: Schroth exercise with kinesiotaping are effective in improving spine alignment and balance ability in idiopathic scoliosis.

Effects of Two Foot-Ankle Interventions on Foot Structure, Function, and Balance Ability in Obese People with Pes Planus.

Obese people are prone to foot deformities such as flat feet. Foot management programs are important to prevent them. This study investigated the effects of two foot-ankle interventions on balance ability, foot arch, ankle strength, plantar fascia thickness, and foot functions in obese people with pes planus for four weeks. The experiment was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Twenty-four participants who met the inclusion criteria were selected, and they were randomly assigned to either a short foot group (SFG) or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group (PNFG) according to foot-ankle intervention. Two interventions were commenced three times a week for 20 min over four weeks. The tests were conducted at two intervals: pre-intervention and at four weeks. The tests were conducted in the following order: the patient-specific functional scale test (PSFS), an ultrasound of the plantar fascia, the navicular drop test, balance test, and the four-way ankle strength test. Two groups showed significant differences in balance ability, foot arch, ankle strength, plantar fascia thickness, and foot functions between pre-test and post-test (p < 0.05). PNFG had significantly higher dorsiflexor and invertor strength than SFG (p < 0.05). SF and PNF interventions were effective to improve balance ability, foot arch, ankle strength, plantar fascia thickness, and foot functions in obese people with pes planus. Additionally, PNF intervention is more beneficial in increasing the dorsiflexor and invertor strength compared to SF intervention.

서퍼들의 숙련도에 따른 균형능력과 하지 근활성도 분석

This study is to verify the difference in balance ability and muscle activity in lower extremity depending on their surfing experiences and to provide the basis for the coaching of surfing. Forty adult goofy and regular surfers who were more than 30 surfings per 1 year participated in this study, and they divided into two groups; the experienced group (≥ 5 years of surfing experience) and the inexperienced group (< 5 years). All subjects were tested on their static balance ability for one leg standing and dynamic balance ability for target test with both legs, and they also were measured the muscle activity of tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius during the one leg standing. Static balance ability was defined as envelope area (ENV), total legnth (TL), and sway velocity (SV). The ENV, TL, and SV of right leg in experienced goofy during static balance test with one leg were significantly higher than inexperienced, and there were no differences in the dynamic balance ability and the muscle activity for static balance ability with one leg depending on their surfing experiences. Although the surfing required the balance ability, the results of this study indicate that the experience of surfing did not affect their balance ability and muscle activity in lower extremity. Further study should consider the surfing-related skill level and muscle activity when surfing for develop the training program for surfers" balance ability and their performance.

Differences in Balance Ability and Motor Control between Dancers and Non-Dancers with Varying Foot Positions.

The purpose of this study was to investigate balance and motor control in dancers and non-dancers with different foot positions. Physically active female dancers (n = 11) and non-dancers (n = 9) randomly completed two balance tests in a single visit: 1) Y-balance test (YBT), and 2) motor control test (MCT). Each test was completed with two different foot positions: 1) first ballet position in which heels were touching and feet were externally rotated to 140 degrees, and 2) sixth ballet position in which heels were spaced 10 cm apart and forward parallel. For the YBT, participants completed three attempts at anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reaches, which were averaged and standardized to limb length for a composite score. For the MCT, participants completed a multi-directional target test on a Biosway balance system, and accuracy and time to completion were analyzed. Findings revealed no differences in YBT score (p = 0.255), MCT score (p = 0.383), or MCT time (p = 0.306) between groups in the sixth position. However, dancers displayed better YBT scores (p = 0.036), MCT scores (p = 0.020), and faster MCT times (p = 0.009) in the first position. Results suggest that superior balance and motor control in dancers may be limited to less innate dance-specific foot positions.

Effects Of 24-week Wuqinxi Intervention On Posture Control Ability Of Patients With Parkinson’S Disease

PURPOSE: This study was to determine the effects of 24-week’s Wuqinxi routine on posture control ability in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). METHODS: A randomized, controlled trial design was used in this study. Forty-six patients (23 women) with stage 1 through 3 Parkinson’s on the Hoehn and Yahr staging scale were randomly assigned into a Wuqinxi training group or a stretching group. All participants practiced 60-minute exercise sessions twice weekly for 24 weeks. The NeuroCom Balance Manager System was used to assess Limit of Stability and Unilateral Stance. Limit of Stability (LOS) is a test that evaluates the movement of the center of gravity on a test platform to the farthest boundary that can be achieved. Limit Of Stability was performed to assess posture control ability, along with the standing time of Unilateral Stance and the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale(UPDRS)III scores before and after the 24-week exercise interventions. Mixed-model (group by time) Repeated measures ANOVAs using SPSS 24.0 were conducted to determine the differences in balance ability between the Qigong and Wuqinxi groups before and after the intervention. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: After 24 weeks of exercise intervention, PD patients in the Wuqinxi group showed a significant increase in forward maximum excursion and endpoint excursion.(Table 1) CONCLUSIONS: After 24 weeks of exercise intervention, the posture control ability of patients with Parkinson's disease in the Wuqinxi group was significantly improved and it has already been appeared after the 12th week.

Worse balance is associated with larger perturbation-evoked cortical responses in healthy young adults

BackgroundReactive balance recovery evokes a negative peak of cortical electroencephalography (EEG) activity (N1) that is simultaneous to brainstem-mediated automatic balance-correcting muscle activity. This study follows up on an observation from a previous study, in which N1 responses were larger in individuals who seemed to have greater difficulty responding to support-surface perturbations. Research QuestionWe hypothesized that people engage more cortical activity when balance recovery is more challenging. We predicted that people with lower balance ability would exhibit larger cortical N1 responses during balance perturbations. MethodsIn 20 healthy young adults (11 female, ages 19–38) we measured the amplitude of the cortical N1 response evoked by 48 backward translational support-surface perturbations of unpredictable timing and amplitude. Perturbations included a Small (8 cm) perturbation that was identical across participants, as well as Medium (13−15 cm) and Large (18−22 cm) perturbations scaled to participant height to control for height-related differences in perturbation difficulty. To assess individual differences in balance ability, we measured the distance traversed on a narrow (0.5-inch wide) 12-foot beam across 6 trials. We tested whether the cortical N1 response amplitude was correlated to balance ability across participants. ResultsCortical N1 amplitudes in response to standing balance perturbations (54 ± 18 μV) were inversely correlated to the distance traveled in the difficult beam-walking task (R2 = 0.20, p = 0.029). Further, there was a significant interaction between performance on the beam-walking task and the effect of perturbation magnitude on the cortical N1 response amplitude, whereby individuals who performed worse on the beam-walking task had greater increases in N1 amplitudes with increases in perturbation magnitude. SignificanceCortical N1 response amplitudes may reflect greater cortical involvement in balance recovery when challenged. This increased cortical involvement may reflect cognitive processes such as greater perceived threat or attention to balance, which have the potential to influence subsequent motor control.

The difference in balance ability between generations

The difference in balance ability between generations

Dynamic postural stability, is associated with competitive level, in youth league soccer players

ObjectivesTo assess the effect of competitive level on dynamic postural stability in young elite and sub-elite soccer players. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingLaboratory. ParticipantsFifty-four male soccer players of Under 16 and Under 17 categories (mean age 15.9 ± 0.6), divided into two groups who regularly compete at national (n = 28) and regional (n = 26) levels. Main outcome measuresDynamic Postural Stability Index (DPSI) and vertical Time to Stabilization (vTTS) for a forward-jump landing. Static postural sway was calculated on the basis of center-of-pressure trajectories for a 20 s one-legged stance. ResultsPlayers at national level exhibit better dynamic postural control than those at regional level, as indicated by the significantly lower DPSI (0.327 vs. 0.373, p < 0.001) and vTTS (0.887 vs. 1.158 s, p = 0.003). In contrast, no differences between groups were found in any of the postural sway parameters for the static test. ConclusionsYoung soccer players at national level are characterized by better balance performance in terms of faster and more efficient stabilization after a forward jump, while one-leg static standing tests appear not challenging enough to reveal differences in balance abilities associated with the combination of superior technical and physical features.

Design and analysis of a novel fall prevention device for lower limbs rehabilitation robot.

Most stroke survivors are suffering from physical motor impairments and confronting with the risk of falls, and well trunk stability is essential for balance during daily functional activities. Current fall prevention devices have various limits to the efficient recovery of balance function of the trunk. To provide hemiplegic patients after stroke with the retraining of trunk position sense and a safety environment, a novel fall prevention device is proposed. Firstly, the structure of the device is introduced and this work is a first effort towards restoring trunk balance function through retraining of trunk position sense. Secondly, the kinematic and static model of the device are developed. Lastly, kinematic and static analysis are carried out to study the motion characteristics, and a contrast experiment was derived to show the effectiveness of robot. No obvious difference in balance ability between two groups prior treatment (P> 0.05). Fugl-Meyer assessment in all the cases were improved in different extent (P< 0.05). The robot group had significantly higher Fugl-Meyer scores after treatment than the control group (P< 0.05). The results show that the fall prevention device has good kinematic dexterity within the prescribed workspace and markedly improves balance function.

CHANGES IN INSTABILITY AND IRREGULARITY OF THE ELDERLY DUE TO DIFFERENT BALANCE ABILITY

Older adults with a balance-related neurological disease or who have experienced previous falling incidents tend to show increase in instability and changes in irregularity of postural control. This study analyzed the impact of differences in balance ability on the instability and irregularity of postural control in older adults without neurological disease and previous fall experiences. The 49 subjects were older adults aged 65 years and above who did not have neurological disease and prior falling incidents during the previous year. The subjects were classified into two groups of 27 healthy (Berg score [Formula: see text]) and 22 balance-impaired older adults (Berg score [Formula: see text]) according to the Berg balance scale. Each subject was asked to hold in the standing position with eyes closed and with eyes open for one minute. Postural sway was measured along with acceleration using an inertial sensor attached to the subject’s waist. The measured postural sway was calculated using linear measures (95% confidence ellipse area, root mean square) that represented instability and nonlinear measures (sample, multi-scale and composite multi-scale entropy) that represented irregularity. All linear measures showed an increase in the average value in the balance-impaired older adult group’ as well as significant differences between the two groups, whereas the nonlinear measures did not show any differences. These findings indicated that differences in instability were not necessarily accompanied by irregularity changes, and the similarities in irregularity were assumed to be the result of the postural control mechanisms of the subjects without neurological diseases and prior fall incidents being similar to those of subjects with physical injuries.

The effects of whole body vibration combined biofeedback postural control training on the balance ability and gait ability in stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of biofeedback postural control training using whole body vibration in acute stroke patients on balance and gait ability. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty stroke patients participated in this study and were divided into a group of 10, a group for biofeedback postural control training combined with a whole body vibration, one for biofeedback postural control training combined with an aero-step, and one for biofeedback postural control training. Biorescue was used to measure the limits of stability, balance ability, and Lukotronic was used to measure step length, gait ability. [Results] In the comparison of balance ability and gait ability between the groups for before and after intervention, Group I showed a significant difference in balance ability and gait ability compared to Groups II and III. [Conclusion] This study showed that biofeedback postural control training using whole body vibration is effective for improving balance ability and gait ability in stroke patients.

A Validation of the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale in High Functioning Older Adults

The Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAB) is a commonly used assessment for predicting fall risk in high functioning older adults. While it has been shown to be a reliable and valid tool in clinical and therapy settings, a comparison with laboratory measures of balance capable of detecting subtle differences in balance ability has not been conducted. This shortcoming with the current FAB scale allows the possibility of a ceiling effect in the capability to identify balance deficits in high functioning older adults. PURPOSE: This study investigates whether a ceiling effect exists within the FAB, and specifically investigates the validity of the FAB assessment as a method for detecting subtle balance deficits in highly functioning older adults. METHODS: 33 community living older adults (age: 62.97 ± 7.14 years) were assessed using the short from of the FAB. While performing the single leg balance test participants were scored 1 through 4 based on observed errors. Simultaneously, center of pressure (COP) movement was recorded using a plantar pressure pad. COP sway, velocity, and variability were quantified using the pressure data. A one way ANOVA was used to examine differences in COP metrics between FAB groups. A k-means cluster analysis was used to separate participants into 4 groups based on COP sway. Ability of the FAB to detect subtle differences in balance was quantified by examining the percent agreement between grouping based on COP sway and grouping based on FAB scores. RESULTS: Average COP sway was significantly different between FAB groups, with participants who score a 4 demonstrating less sway (6.21 ± 3.08 cm) than those who scored a 1 (13.30 ±4.56 cm, p = 0.001) or a 2 (13.19 ± 2.95 cm, p = 0.001). However, there were no differences between FAB groups 1 and 2. The kappa statistic indicated poor agreement between the groups based on COP sway and groups based on FAB scores (Kappa= .210). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the FAB scale lacks the sensitivity to detect subtle balance changes in high functioning older adults. Further investigations are necessary to construct a sensitive balance scale which is both clinically useful but does not produce a ceiling effect when assessing high functioning older adults.

Comparison of older adults' visual perceptual skills, cognitive function, and fall efficacy according to fall risk in the elderly.

[Purpose] This research aims to identify the relationships among visual perceptual skills, cognitive functioning, and fall efficacy of older adults based on whether they are at risk for falls. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects included 116 older adults over 65 years of age who use D Seniors Welfare Center and Y Senior Citizen Center in Busan Metropolitan City. All research subjects were classified based on balance maintenance ability evaluation and whether or not they had experienced falls more than once. Those with scores below the cut-off standard were selected as a group of older adults at risk for falls. An MVPT-3 test was used to assess visual perceptual skill, MMSE-KC, and MoCA-K tests to assess cognitive function, and the FES-K falls efficacy test to classify subjects as either at risk for falls or not. [Results] After comparing scores for visual perceptual skills, cognitive functioning, and fall efficacy, subjects at risk for falls showed significantly lower scores than did those not at risk. [Conclusion] The study found that there are significant differences in balance ability, visual perceptual skill, cognitive functioning, and fall efficacy between older adults at risk for falls and those not at risk.

Characterization of Static Balance Abilities in Elite Soccer Players by Playing Position and Age

In this study, we investigated the static balance of adult and adolescent elite soccer players to understand how expertise and playing position influence postural control. Seventy-one national level players were tested using a force platform to acquire Center-of-Pressure (COP) data in uni- and bipedal stance and calculate sway area (SA), COP path length, velocity and displacements. The results show significant differences in postural sway related to age and playing position only for single-limb stance. In particular, midfielders exhibited significantly lower values of SA with respect to defenders (–48%, p = 0.001) and the under-15 players exhibited SA 42–64% higher than all the others (p = 0.001). In the light of planning training or rehabilitation programs specific for each player’s role and age, sway measurements may supply useful, objective and reliable information only for the unipedal test as the bipedal standing appears not challenging enough to let differences in balance abilities emerge.

불안정한 지지면에서의 율동적 감각-운동훈련이 여성노인의 균형능력에 미치는 영향

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sensorimotor training in unstable surface on balance ability of elderly women. METHODS: Total of 40 subject were recruited from two separated institution for elderly women in Changwon and conveniently allocated into experimental and control groups. Twenty women were included into experimental group and another twenty women were into control group. Experimental group performed sensorimotor training in unstable surface and control group were only activities of daily living during eight weeks. To assess static balance ability used One leg stance test (OLST) and to assess dynamic balance ability used timed up and go test (TUGT) and Functional reach test (FRT). RESULTS: Control group did not show any difference in balance ability. However static balance ability in experimental group improved on hard or soft surface only eye open condition. Also dynamic balance ability in experimental group improved TUGT or FRT. CONCLUSION: Sensorimotor training in unstable surface improved balance ability of elderly women.