Dynamic Balance Function Research Articles

The effect of adding uphill treadmill exercise to standard therapy on dynamic balance function in patients with knee osteoarthritis at RSUD Dr. Soetomo in Surabaya

Balance involves integrating sensory input and motor responses to maintain body position, while the "Timed Up and Go" test evaluates functional mobility quickly and effectively. The study aimed to determine the effect of adding uphill treadmill exercise to standard therapy on dynamic balance function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The control group received standard therapy (TENS and Q-bench), while the treatment group also performed uphill treadmill exercise (8° incline, 1.1 m/s, 30 minutes, twice weekly for 5 weeks). Dynamic balance was assessed using the "Timed Up and Go" test. Measurements were taken three times: at the beginning of the study (1 day before exercise), at the end of the study (1 day after the last exercise), and 20 days after the last exercise. The treatment group demonstrated significant improvements in TUG scores compared to the control group at T1 (p = 0.01, Cohen's D = 1.22) and T2 (p < 0.01, Cohen's D = 1.43). Participants aged 55–59, predominantly female and with Grade II knee OA, showed significant improvements in Timed Up and Go scores, particularly in the treatment group receiving uphill treadmill exercise alongside TENS and quadriceps strengthening, highlighting the efficacy of this combined approach in enhancing functional balance and mobility by targeting muscle strength and reducing stiffness. There was a better improvement in "Timed Up and Go" values in measurements after exercise and follow-up in Grade II-III knee osteoarthritis patients who received additional uphill treadmill exercise compared to standard therapy.

ENHANCING VISUOMOTOR INTEGRATION IN OLDER ADULTS: INSIGHTS FROM A MULTI-FACETED TRAINING PROTOCOL

Abstract This investigation rigorously assessed the impact of an 8-week training regimen on visual-motor integration and balance in older adults, particularly focusing on individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Seven participants over the age of 50 years (mean age: 62.4 ± 8.6 years for Control, 73.0 ± 5.7 years for PD) underwent pre- and post-intervention evaluations using the Senaptec Sensory Station and Sway Medical systems. The assessments targeted Eye-Hand Coordination (EHC), Multiple Object Tracking (MOT), and balance metrics. Participants engaged in weekly in-person training sessions and bi-weekly at-home exercises designed to enhance dynamic balance, visual-motor integration, and cognitive function. Each at-home session included activation (saccades, brisk walk, dynamic balance), dynamic vision (customized Senaptec app exercises), and a final phase tailored to individual needs, focusing on either eye-hand coordination or parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activation. Results indicated no statistically significant improvements in balance assessments (p>0.10); however, significant improvements were observed in Central EHC within the PD group (t = 14.35, p = 0.04), with combined analysis across groups also showing significance (t = 2.73, p = 0.03). For peripheral EHC, the Control group exhibited significant task time improvements (t = 3.61, p = 0.02), with combined group analysis confirming significance (t = 3.14, p = 0.02). MOT scores showed the Control group outperforming the PD group (p < 0.02, 1712±605°/s vs 893±220°/s). The findings suggest that targeted visual-motor training can mitigate cognitive and motor declines in aging and neurodegenerative conditions, warranting further large-scale studies.

Effects of Dance Music on Motor Skills and Balance in Children: An Observational Cohort Study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, children in Japan were restricted from sports and outdoor activities. Regular physical activity is essential for healthy growth and development in children, with recommendations advocating for activities such as strength training. However, the long-term effects of the restrictions have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an "exercise class", specifically a dance program, designed to improve motor function in elementary school children affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which may have compromised their motor function. The dance program was developed by a sports science teacher, a professional dancer, and a physical therapist, and it was evaluated in a community-based participatory study. Trained dance instructors conducted one-hour dance sessions in a medical center, held once a week for two months from June to August 2023. A physical therapist and dance instructors led the elementary school children. Outcome measures included grip strength, lower extremity muscle strength, back muscle strength, dynamic balance function during movement, physical activity time, and body fat percentages. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Twenty-four children aged 6-9 years participated in the exercise class over a two-month period. Improvement was observed in grip strength, lower extremity muscle strength, and dynamic balance function during movement. However, physical activity time, body fat percentages, and back muscle strength did not change. The results indicated a significant improvement in motor skills. Dance is an inexpensive program that elementary school children can enjoy while improving their motor skills.

A 24-Week Combined Resistance and Balance Training Program Improves Physical Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Jiang, G, Tan, X, Zou, J, and Wu, X. A 24-week combined resistance and balance training program improves physical function in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 39(1): e62-e69, 2025-This randomized controlled trial assessed the feasibility of older adults performing combined resistance and balance training (RBT) and compared the effects of RBT on physical function with those of resistance training (RT) alone and with no exercise training in older adults. In total, 65 community-dwelling adults aged 60-74 years were randomly assigned to an RT (n = 22), RBT (n = 22), or control (n = 21) group. The exercise intervention consisted of RT or RBT for 45 minutes, 3 times per week for 24 weeks. The control group engaged in no exercise training. The compliance rates were 93% in the RT group and 92% in the RBT group. No training-related adverse effect was observed. In the RT and RBT groups, dynamic balance (p = 0.017; p < 0.001, respectively), maximum walking speed (p = 0.014; p < 0.001), upper extremity (p = 0.013; p = 0.009) and lower extremity (p = 0.009; p < 0.001) muscle strength, and spirometry (p = 0.043; p = 0.018) were significantly improved at 24 weeks compared with the control group. Only the RBT group showed significant improvement in normal walking speed (p = 0.002). Compared with the RT group, the RBT group showed additional significant improvements in dynamic balance (p = 0.001) and lower limb muscle strength (p = 0.027). The findings of this randomized controlled trial indicated that RBT was safe and feasible for older adults. Long-term RBT had better effects than either no exercise training or RT alone on improving physical function in older adults. Compared with RT, RBT additionally benefited dynamic balance and lower limb muscle function, which are clinically important factors in preventing falls, frailty, disability, and other geriatric syndromes.

Ecological Assessment of Water Environment in Huizhou Region of China Based on DPSIR Theory and Entropy Weight TOPSIS Model

The ecological security of the water environment is a key element in evaluating the dynamic balance and ecological service functions in the construction of urban ecological civilizations. Through the regional study of water resources in Huizhou, we selected 24 indicators in five dimensions of the DPSIR theory, such as “driving force-pressure-state-impact-response”, and constructed an ecological evaluation index system of the water environment. Combined with the entropy weight TOPSIS model, the analysis was carried out for spatial differentiation features and spatio-temporal deduction features, and the results showed that the weight coefficients of the spatial differentiation features for the guideline layer exhibited significant stratification characteristics. The overall spatial and temporal interpretation characteristics of the water’s environmental ecology in the Huizhou region from 2016 to 2021 showed a pull-up enhancement effect. The relative proximity value showed a 63.43% increase from 0.361 in 2016 to 0.590 in 2021 over the six-year period. The region is characterized by regional differences in the ecological carrying capacity of the water environment, which is high in the south-east and low in the north-west. The top three areas in the quantitative calculation of the ecological carrying capacity of the water environment are Shexian County, Jixi County, and Qimen County, in that order.

In the medium term, more than half of males report kinesiophobia after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is a serious trauma with long-term consequences for the patient. Psychological and physiological factors may negatively affect patient recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and development of kinesiophobia is possible. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of kinesiophobia and lower-leg muscle strength recovery in both sexes after ACLR. 140 ACLR patients agreed to participate in the study. Kinesiophobia was assessed using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK). The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and Tegner Activity Scale (TAS) were used for patient-related outcome measurements. In both legs quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength at 60°/s and 180°/s were measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. For dynamic balance and leg function, the Y-balance test and single-leg hop test were used. 100 (71%) males and 40 (29%) females-mean age 32.5 (±8.3)-were examined 5.5 (±1.25) years after ACLR. 68/140 patients (48.6%) reported a TSK kinesiophobia score equal to or higher than 37 points: 54/100 (54%) males and 14/40 (35%) females (p​=​0.04). Patients with kinesiophobia had significantly lower KOOS values (p​<​0.001). In terms of the TAS no significant differences were found between those with or without kinesiophobia. Knee strength deficiency at 180°/sec and 60°/sec was significantly higher in the kinesiophobia group in knee extension in males (p​=​0.009) and knee flexion in females (p​=​0.001). Normalized body weight isokinetic average peak torque strength tests were significantly better in males compared to females in both groups (p​<​0.001). Both sexes reported high rates of kinesiophobia, but males are at higher risk of developing kinesiophobia than females in the medium term after ACLR. Furthermore, patients with kinesiophobia have significantly lower total KOOS scores, and females were significantly weaker than males in knee flexion and extension according to normalized body weight muscle strength tests. Also, a longer time from injury to surgery increases the risk of kinesiophobia in females. Level IV. Retrospective case series study. Trial registration in ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT05762809.

Relationship between Dynamic Balance and Physical Characteristics and Functions in Elite Lifesaving Athletes.

Balance is important in lifesaving competitions. We aimed to investigate the relationship between dynamic balance and physical characteristics and functions in elite lifesavers by measuring the foot muscle cross-sectional area, ankle joint muscle strength, toe grasp strength, plantar superficial sensation, and dynamic balance (Y-balance test). In this observational study, we measured the foot muscle cross-sectional area, ankle dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, external flexion, isometric muscle strength, toe grasp strength, and superficial foot sensation of 15 adult lifesavers (12 males). The results show that toe grasp strength and ankle plantar flexion isometric muscle strength are particularly important for the dynamic balance of elite lifesavers working on sandy surfaces. Sand training improves intrinsic muscle strength and dynamic balance function. However, high training intensity may reduce plantar surface sensation; this needs to be verified through sand training interventions in the future.

The Influence of Hip-Strengthening Program on Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability.

Background and Objectives: Repetitive ankle sprains lead to mechanical instability of the ankle. Patients with chronic ankle instability may experience decreased muscle strength and limited postural control. This study investigated the effects of a hip-strengthening exercise program on muscle strength, balance, and function in patients with chronic ankle instability. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 patients participated in the study and were randomly assigned to the two groups. Among the 30 participants, 14 were assigned to the hip joint-strengthening exercise group and 16 to the control group. The experimental group underwent a hip-strengthening exercise program and received training for 40 min per session twice a week for four weeks. The control group received the same frequency, duration, and number of sessions. Measurements were performed before and after the training period to assess changes in hip strength, balance, and function. Results: In the within-group and between-group comparisons, both groups showed significant differences in hip joint strength, static balance, dynamic balance, and function (FAAM; foot and ankle ability measures) (p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed in the time × group interaction effects among the hip abductors and external rotation in hip joint strength, path length in static balance, posterolateral and posteromedial in dynamic balance, and FAAM-ADL and FAAM-SPORT functions (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Accordingly, this study confirmed that hip joint-strengthening exercises have a positive effect on the strength, balance, and function of patients with chronic ankle instability, and we believe that hip joint-strengthening exercises will be recommended as an effective intervention method for patients suffering from chronic ankle instability.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Using Dynamic Posturography: Objective and Patient-Reported Outcomes from a Randomized Trial.

Balance deficits are common and debilitating. Standard treatments have limitations in addressing symptoms and restoring dynamic balance function. This study compares a rehabilitative computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) protocol, computerized vestibular retraining therapy (CVRT), with a home exercise program (HEP) for patients with objectively confirmed unilateral vestibular deficits (UVDs). Single-center, randomized, interventional trial, with 1-sided crossover. A tertiary neurotology clinic. Patients with UVDs and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) score >30 were randomized to receive either CVRT or HEP. After completion of treatment, the HEP group was crossed over to CVRT. Outcome measures were the sensory organization test (SOT) and 3 participants reported dizziness disability measures: the DHI, Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) scale, and Falls Efficacy Score-International (FES-I). We enrolled 37 patients: 18 participants completed CVRT and 12 completed HEP, 11 of whom completed the crossover. Seven participants withdrew. The CVRT group demonstrated a greater improvement in SOT composite score than the HEP group (P = .04). Both groups demonstrated improvement in participant-reported measures but there were no differences between groups (DHI: P = .2604; ABC: P = .3627; FES-I: P = .96). Following crossover to CVRT after HEP, SOT composite (P = .002), DHI (P = .03), and ABC (P = .006) improved compared to HEP alone. CVRT and HEP were both associated with improved participant-reported disability outcomes. CVRT was associated with greater improvement in objective balance than HEP. Adding CVRT after HEP was superior to HEP alone. Multimodal CDP-based interventions, such as CVRT, should be considered as an adjunct to vestibular physiotherapy for patients with UVD.

A Vestibular Challenge Combined with Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) Promotes Anxiety-Like Behaviors.

Motion-induced anxiety and agoraphobia are more frequent symptoms in patients with vestibular migraine (VM) than migraine without vertigo. The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a therapeutic target for migraine and VM, but the link between motion hypersensitivity, anxiety, and CGRP is relatively unexplored, especially in preclinical mouse models. To further examine this link, we tested the effects of systemic CGRP and off-vertical axis rotation (OVAR) on elevated plus maze (EPM) and rotarod performance in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Rotarod ability was assessed using two different dowel diameters: mouse dowel (r = 1.5 cm) versus rat dowel (r = 3.5 cm). EPM results indicate that CGRP alone or OVAR alone did not increase anxiety indices. However, the combination of CGRP and OVAR did elicit anxiety-like behavior. On the rotarod, CGRP reduced performance in both sexes on a mouse dowel but had no effect on a rat dowel, whereas OVAR had a significant effect on the rat dowel. These results suggest that only the combination of CGRP with vestibular stimulation induces anxiety-like behavior and that CGRP affects the dynamic balance function in mice depending on the type of challenge presented. These findings suggest that anxiety-like behaviors can be teased out from imbalance behaviors in a mouse model of "migraine." Future studies are aimed to determine if CGRP receptor antagonists that have been effective treating migraineurs and mouse "migraine" models may also reduce the anxiety observed in migraine.

The Effects of Dynamic Balance Function, Neuromuscular Coordination and Lower Limb Muscle Power on Step Sequence Performance in Figure Skaters

The Effects of Dynamic Balance Function, Neuromuscular Coordination and Lower Limb Muscle Power on Step Sequence Performance in Figure Skaters

Effect of Gaze Stabilization Exercise with Balance Exercise on Static and Dynamic Balance Function of H ealthy Y oung A dults: A R andomized Controlled Trial

Effect of Gaze Stabilization Exercise with Balance Exercise on Static and Dynamic Balance Function of H ealthy Y oung A dults: A R andomized Controlled Trial

Comparison of the effect of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction and moderate-intensity resistance training on balance functions in elderly women

Background: The ageing leads to a loss of strength and mobility, which increases the risk of falls. It can be counteracted with resistance training. Low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction (LI-BFR) can be an alternative to increase strength and muscle size at the same level as high-intensity resistance training (HI-RT) for the population who does not tolerate high loads due to lower mechanical stress. This study aims to compare the effect of LI-BFR and moderate-intensity resistance training (MI-RT) on balance functions in elderly women. Methods: This study is a true experimental research with pre and post-test randomized control group design located at Dr. Soetomo Hospital Surabaya that starting from June 2023The study sample was elderly women who met the study criteria. A total of 26 people were randomly divided into two groups. The moderate group received moderate-intensity resistance training (MI-RT) ≥40-60%1RM, BFR group received low-intensity resistance training with BFR (LI-BFR) 20-30%1RM, restriction pressure 50mmhg or 40%AOP. Duration intervention for 6 weeks. This study assessed static balance using the One Leg Stance test (OLS) and dynamic balance using the Time Up and Go test (TUG). Results: There was a significant in MI-RT, score of OLS p&lt;0.000 and TUG p&lt;0.000. LI-BFR, significant in score of OLS p&lt;0.001 and TUG p&lt;0.000. The difference in OLS and TUG between groups was not significantly different (delta OLS p=0.6, delta TUG p=0.3). There were two mild adverse events in the MI-RT. Meanwhile, there were no adverse events in the LI-BFR. Conclusion: Low-intensity resistance training with BFR for 6 weeks can improve static and dynamic balance function in elderly women as well as MI-RT. Low-intensity resistance training with BFR is safe, comfortable and beneficial, so it can be an alternative resistance training in older people.

Preliminary observation of wearable balance diagnosis and treatment system in evaluating dynamic and static balance function in patients with vestibular vertigo

A newly developed wearable balance diagnosis and treatment system was studied to evaluate the indexes of the abnormal balance function in patients with vestibular vertigo. A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 30 patients diagnosed with non-acute vestibular vertigo in the outpatient department of Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from July 2022 to May 2023 were selected as the vertigo group, including 13 males and 17 females, and aged (45.7±13.9) years. Meanwhile, 20 healthy controls (8 males and 12 females) were included as the control group, with a mean age of (43.6±8.0) years. The static balance and limits of stability (LOS) function of all subjects were assessed with wearable balance diagnosis and treatment system developed under the leadership of Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University. In the static balance test, the ratio of eyes open with cushions to eyes open without cushions in the vertigo group was less than that of the control group[1.20% (0.92%, 1.53%) vs 1.49% (1.22%, 1.81%), P=0.008], indicating that patients with non-acute vestibular vertigo may compensate static balance ability earlier. In vertigo group, the directional control in 8 directions, the maximum excursion in anterior, posterior, right anterior and right posterior directions, the endpoint excursion in the posterior, right posterior, and left posterior directions were all smaller than those of the control group (all P<0.05). The reaction time in the left posterior direction of vertigo group was longer than that of the control group (all P<0.05). Those results indicated that the directional control, maximum excursion and endpoint excursion of LOS could be considered as important reference indexes for dynamic balance function.

Effect of Virtual Reality Game Training on Improving Walking Speed and Dynamic Balance Function After Stroke

Background: Stroke is a serious health condition that can cause physical and cognitive impairment, affecting a person's ability to perform daily activities. Important factor that affect the quality of life of stroke patients is the ability to mobilize, especially walking. Virtual Reality is expected to increase walking speed and dynamic balance which are important to improve patient mobility and independence. Aim(s) : Analyse the effect of Virtual Reality (VR) game training using Xbox 360° and KinectTM devices on post-stroke walking speed and balance Material and methods: An experimental study involving 18 ischemic post-stroke patients at the Rehabilitation Installation of Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Hospital Manado (from June to July 2023). The intervention was a 30 minutes VR game exercises with three sessions per week (a total of 8 sessions for each subject). This subject was assessed using the 10-meter Walk Test (10 MWT) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Result: There were significant improvements in both walking speed and dynamic balance. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test results on Walking Speed (10 MWT) obtained a value of Z = -3,754 with a value of (p = 0.000 &lt;0.05). Similar results were obtained in testing the dynamic balance function where the paired t test results were obtained at t = -14.750. The results indicate significant differences in the mean value of Subacute Post-Stroke BBS before and after training (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Virtual Reality (VR) game training using Xbox 360° and KinectTM devices significantly increased walking speed and balance in post-stroke patients.

Higher Dynamic Balance Performance Was Associated With Cognitive Function Among U.S. Community-Dwelling Low-Income Older Adults.

Multiple studies have reported the association between balance performance and cognitive function among older adults. However, few studies have been conducted in low-income settings. This cross-sectional study examined the relationships of dynamic and static balance with cognitive function in community-dwelling low-income older adults in Orlando, Florida. Dynamic balance was assessed with a Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and static balance with BTracks Balance System. Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) assessed cognition and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 assessed depressive symptoms. Multiple regression analysis showed dynamic balance was significantly associated with cognition, but static balance was not, controlling for depressive symptoms (N = 89, M age = 72.70, SD ± 6.95; females = 79). Specifically, higher dynamic balance was associated with better cognitive function. Cognitively healthy participants (RUDAS scores ≥23) scored 2.526 points higher in SPPB than those with possible cognitive impairment (RUDAS scores <23). Findings provide the evidence to suggest dynamic balance and cognitive function health disparities affecting older adults from low-income community. By implication, dynamic balance and cognitive function should be part of routine screening with older adults living in low-income communities.

A Comparative Study on the Dynamic Balance and Whole Body Muscle Function of Field Hockey Players and Soccer Players

A Comparative Study on the Dynamic Balance and Whole Body Muscle Function of Field Hockey Players and Soccer Players

The effect of adding exergame boxing to balance functions of elderly women

Background: The average incidence of falls in elderly women exceeds that of elderly men in all age groups. Exercise had a consistent effect on reducing the risk of falls when prescribed correctly and was successful in reducing fall rates in the community, with an even greater effect seen in a balance-challenging exercise program. The exercise in question is a series of combined activities that maintain or increase flexibility, endurance, strength and balance. Compared to traditional sports, sports games are more interesting and challenging, are not affected by the weather, and being able to practice at home increases safety and comfort. Exergame boxing is considered a fun and competitive fighting video game, so it has an effect on psychological and social interactions in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding exergame boxing on the balance function of elderly women. Methods: This study is a true experimental research with pre and post-test randomized control group design. The research participants were 32 elderly women, with each group consisting of 16 elderly women. Participants in the treatment group received exergame boxing, which was carried out 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Participants in both groups are required to take part in conventional exercises programmed by Nursing Home 5x/week for ±15 minutes. The outputs were assessed at the beginning (initial value) and after 8 weeks of intervention (final value). Results: There were significantly significant differences in the One Leg Stance (OLS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) values in the control and treatment group (p&lt;0.005), but the effect size was higher in the treatment group. Conclusions: The addition of exercise boxing for 8 weeks can improve the static and dynamic balance function of elderly women as measured by OLS and TUG.

Relationship between lower extremity injury experience and dynamic balance function in school-age female badminton players

Relationship between lower extremity injury experience and dynamic balance function in school-age female badminton players

Relationship between dysphagia and motor function in community-dwelling older people.

Dysphagia is a problem typically associated with aging. The aim was to investigate the relationship between dysphagia and motor function using a simple assessment method that can be performed in the community setting, and to promote the early detection and prevention of dysphagia. Data from the Locomotive Syndrome and Health Outcome in Aizu Cohort Study (LOHAS) were used. Those aged ≥65 years were included. Motor function was assessed using a grip strength test, single limb standing test (SLS), and timed up and go test (TUG). Swallowing function was assessed using the Japanese version of the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). The association between motor function and swallowing function was analyzed. In total, 1732 participants were included. In logistic regression modes in which grip strength, SLS, and TUG results were included separately, the odds ratio for dysphagia increased by 1.08 (P = 0.001) for each 1-kg decrease in grip strength, and increased by 1.15 (P < 0.001) for each 1-s increase in TUG time. No association was found for SLS. In the model in which grip strength and TUG were included simultaneously, the odds ratio for dysphagia increased by 1.06 (P = 0.01) in grip strength, and increased by 1.11 (P = 0.009) in TUG time. Our results suggest that skeletal muscle strength and dynamic balance function are associated with dysphagia in community-dwelling older people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 603-608.