Dynamic Balance Indices Research Articles

The effects of weight-bearing exercise on postural control and fatigue index of elderly males

Aims: Functional decline in activities of daily living caused by chronic fatigue and postural control weakness are common symptoms of aging that needed to be considered. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effects of weight-bearing exercise (WBE) on postural control and Fatigue Index of elderly males. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two elderly men of Qazvin City were volunteered to participate in the research and were allocated randomly into the two groups of either WBE (n = 26; 67.3 ± 2.4 years) or control group (n = 26; 68.1 ± 2.9 years). Functional test including maximal tolerance to treadmill walking (MTW) and test of Blood Lactate Acid Concentration (BLA) were considered as Fatigue Index before and after exercise intervention. In addition, good balance test was used to measure postural balance via static and dynamic balance. The exercise group performed (WBE) in a seven consecutive day, lasting 30 min in a session. Independent t-test and paired t-test were used to analyze the data at the significance level of 0.05. Results: The results suggested that both functional test (MTW [P = 0.003]; BLA [P = 0.02]) and postural control (static balance index [P = 0.001]; dynamic balance indices [P = 0.001]) were significantly improved in exercise group compared to control group. Conclusion: It appears that WBE would improve the functional performance of daily activities (postural control and fatigue tolerance) in the geriatric population.

Comparison of static and dynamic balance during early follicular and ovulation phases in healthy women, using simple, clinical tests: a cross sectional study

Balance may be influenced by several factors. The menstrual cycle can be considered as an important factor which may affect postural control. This study was aimed to investigate the influence of early follicular and ovulation phases on static and dynamic balance indices. Thirty non-athlete healthy women with a regular menstrual cycle aged between 18 and 25 years participated in the study. Static balance was evaluated through single-leg stance test and dynamic balance was investigated with posteromedial direction of Y- balance test during early follicular and ovulation (24–48 hours after the peak of estrogen) phases of menstrual cycle. The balance tests were performed in a randomized order in each session. A paired t-test analysis was performed to compare the data during the early follicular and ovulation phases. The results indicated that both static and dynamic balance scores were higher in ovulation phase in comparison to early follicular phase (p < .001). It is worth noting to consider the balance fluctuations during different phases of menstrual cycle when prescribing exercise programs for healthy women or when they participate in sport or recreational activities.

The effects of pain on quadriceps strength, joint proprioception and dynamic balance among women aged 65 to 75\xa0years with knee osteoarthritis

BackgroundPatients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were reported to have quadriceps weakness, and impaired proprioception, both related to pain and swelling. It is unclear whether pain alone a causal factor to above findings over the knee joint. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of knee pain alone on the quadriceps strength, proprioception and dynamic balance in subjects with bilateral knee OA without joint swelling.MethodsFourty females with mean age of 68.3 years were involved in this cross-sectional study. The inclusion criteria were bilateral knee OA without joint swelling, with a visual analogue pain scale difference (> 1) between each knee. Patients all underwent assessment of the isokinetic strength of knee muscles, knee proprioceptive acuity, and dynamic balance.ResultsPatients’ more painful knee had weaker isokinetic quadriceps strength than less painful knee at both 60 °/s and 180 °/s (p = 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively). There were no differences in proprioceptive acuity between both knees in all three knee positions. Meanwhile, there was a significant difference in the dynamic balance index measurement between both knees (more painful versus less painful: 3.88 ± 1.15 vs. 3.30 ± 1.00, p = 0.01). Quadriceps strength was associated with dynamic balance stability (60 °/s, r = − 0.578, p < 0.01; 180 °/s, r = − 0.439, p < 0.01).ConclusionsFor patients with knee OA, the more painful knee was associated with weaker quadriceps and poor balance ability. To improve lower limb function and balance stability of the older persons having knee OA, physicians should take the optimal pain management strategy.

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Neuromuscular Training on Balance and Prevention of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury in Boy Adolescent Taekwondo Athletes

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACL) is the most common knee ligament injury. In addition to the high cost of treatment, it causes loss of athletic participation, and tend to secondary damages. Deficiency balance is one of the most important causes of this injury, so balance improvement can prevents it. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of neuromuscular training on balance and prevention of ACL injury in boy adolescent taekwondo players. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven boy adolescent taekwondo players participated in this study voluntarily. They were divided into two groups of experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 12). The experimental group performed neuromuscular training sessions of 30-45 minutes, three times per week, for 8 weeks, and in the rest of the time (up to 90 minutes), they performed usual taekwondo trainings. The control group only practiced usual taekwondo trainings for 90 minutes. Static and dynamic balance was measured using the Biodex balance system before and after applying the neuromuscular training protocol. The comparison of the groups was done using the ANCOVA statistical method at a significant level of P < 0.050. Results: There were significant differences in the static balance index (P = 0.001) and all of the dynamic static balance indexes [posterior-anterior index (P = 0.001), external-internal index (P = 0.001), and general index (P = 0.001)] between the groups after performing neuromuscular training. Conclusion: It can be suggested that, neuromuscular training have a positive effect on the balance in boy adolescent taekwondo players, and may prevent ACL injury.

Studying Relationship Between Static and Dynamic Balance Indices and Knee Pain Severity in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Background and Objectives: One of the predisposing factors for postural sway changes in patients with knee osteoarthritis is the severity of knee pain. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pain severity and static and dynamic balance indices in patients with knee osteoarthritis.Materials and Methods: 15 patients with knee osteoarthritis were selected through simple non-probability sampling. Static and dynamic balance indices were also measured by Biodex system, the pain severity by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in two pre and post time intervals. The treatment was performed for the balance trainings group for 3 weeks and 5 times per week. Paired statistical t-test and Pearson test were used to analyze the data.Results: The results showed that balance trainings resulted in significant improvement in pain severity and dynamic and static balance indices. There was a significant direct correlation between pain severity and anterior-posterior stability index and medial-lateral stability index on two feet with the closed eyes with exercise, respectively (rho = 0.52, p = 0.04) and (rho = 0.53, p = 0.03). There was also a significant indirect correlation between pain severity and anterior-posterior stability index on the affected leg with the closed eyes (rho = 0.60, p = 0.01).Conclusion: The results of the study confirm the direct and indirect relationship between dynamic balance indices and pain intensity; in the future studies the effect of pain on neuromuscular factors should be considered.

Relationships Between Body Mass Index and Static and Dynamic Balance in Active and Inactive Older Adults.

Although the association between higher body mass index and poorer balance has been observed in older adults, the role of physical activity in this relationship is not well established. This study aimed to provide scientific evidence about the relationship between body mass index and balance, taking into account the amount of physical activity performed as a confounding variable. We collated cross-sectional data from 160 community-dwelling older adults whom we divided into 3 body mass index categories: normal weight (≥18.50-24.99 kg/m), overweight (25.00-29.99 kg/m), and obese (≥30.00-34.99 kg/m). We classified the participants as inactive or active by means of the Yale Physical Activity Questionnaire. We carried out static and dynamic balance measurements by means of a force platform and through the performance of the Timed Up and Go test, respectively. We found statistically significant correlations between static balance, dynamic balance, and body mass index in inactive normal (r = 0.280; P = .035; r = 0.300; P = .031) and inactive overweight (r = 0.395; P = .025; r = 0.339; P = .023) people. We observed moderately strong and fair significant correlations between static/dynamic balance and BMI in inactive (r = .603; P = .028; and r = 0.720; P = .020) and active (r = 0.406; P = .037; and r = 0.378; P = .037) obese people, respectively. We conclude that the amount of physical activity performed is a potential contributing factor affecting the association between body mass index and balance in older persons. These findings could be of importance when identifying the main factors that influence postural control among older adults with obesity.

Effects of McGill Stabilization Exercise on pain and disability, range of motion and dynamic balance indices in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain

سابقه و هدف: با توجه به پروتکل تمرین درمانی جدید مک گیل با هدف درمان کمردرد و همچنین عدم بررسی این تمرینات روی تعادل، این مطالعه با هدف بررسی تاثیر تمرینات ثبات دهنده مک گیل و تمرینات مرسوم فیزیوتراپی روی ثبات پاسچرال دینامیک، درد، ناتوانی و دامنه حرکتی در بیماران مبتلا به کمردرد غیراختصاصی مزمن انجام شد. مواد و روش ها: این مطالعه کارآزمایی بالینی بر روی 30 فرد مبتلا به کمردرد در خوابگاه های دانشگاه تبریز که بطور تصادفی به دو گروه تمرینات ثبات دهنده مک گیل (تمرینات اختصاصی ثبات دهنده عضلات محیطی کمر) و تمرینات مرسوم فیزیوتراپی (تمرینات کششی و تقویتی) تقسیم شدند، انجام گردید. شرکت کنندگان در هر دو گروه تمرینات را 30 تکرار برای هر جلسه و هر هفته 3 جلسه به مدت 6 هفته اجرا نمودند. از مقیاس دیداری درد، پرسشنامه ناتوانی کمردرد Quebec، زاویه سنج و سیستم تعادل بیودکس برای ارزیابی متغیرهای درد، ناتوانی، دامنه حرکتی فعال و شاخص ثبات پاسچرال دینامیک (قدامی-خلفی، داخلی-خارجی و ثبات کلی) استفاده شد. ثبت داده های مطالعه بصورت قبل و بعد از اجرای تمرینات و یک ماه پیگیری نمونه ها انجام گرفت (1N2015051022202IRCT:). یافته ها: تفاوت معنی داری در متغیرهای درد، دامنه حرکتی و ناتوانی در بین دو گروه مشاهده نشد اما تغییرات معنی¬دار در شاخص ثبات قدامی-خلفی (0/2±0/31 در مقابل 0/68±0/45)، داخلی-خارجی (0/22±0/23 در مقابل 0/29±0/25) و ثبات کلی (0/3±0/41 در مقابل 0/7±0/58) در بین دو گروه پس از مطالعه مشاهده شد (0/05p<). نتیجه گیری: بر اساس نتایج این مطالعه تمرینات ثبات دهنده مک گیل ممکن است در بهبود متغیرهای ثبات پاسچرال دینامیک و تعادل فرد مفید باشند.

S187 Influence of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on cognitive and motor performance in parkinson’s disease patients

Objective To assess the influence of combined repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with tradmill training on cognitive and motor performance in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Methods Forty-five PD male and female patients participated in this study. Age ranged from 55 to 70 years. The patients were assigned into three equal groups; two control groups (GIG and the second control group (GII) treated by the same program in addition to aerobic exercise on treadmill for 20 min. The study group (GIII) received (5 Hz) rTMS followed by the same program as (GII). The treatment program was conducted three sessions per week, for four weeks; the duration of each session ranged from 40 to 55 min. Biodex balance system, key board tapping and two-dimensional motion analysis were used to assess balance, bradykinesia and gait; respectively. PD cognitive rating scale and auditory event related potential (P300) were used to evaluate cognitive functions pre- and post-treatment. Results Pre-treatment there was a non-significant difference in the mean values of all variables in the three groups. Post-treatment there was a significant improvement in spatiotemporal gait parameters and bradykinesia in the three groups with more improvement in (GIII) ( P 0.05 ). Improvement in balance and cognitive functions was observed only in (GII&GIII). There was a significant difference in variables of dynamic balance indices between both groups. Conclusion Treadmill training combined with rTMS has a positive effect on both cognitive and motor performance in PD patient.

Relationship between some anthropometric indices with dynamic and static balance in sedentary female college students

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between some anthropometric characteristics with dynamic and static balance in sedentary female college students. This study was carried out on a sample of 158 Iranian sedentary female college students, aged 18-25 years, during 2013-2014. Participants were selected from volunteers of Chabahar University. Anthropometric indices (body height, weight, lower-extremity lengths and widest perimeter, body mass index, waist-hip ratio) and balance (dynamic and static) were measured. Static balance with open eyes and eyes closed measured with Angel Balance Test on a stable surface and dynamic balance was evaluated by timed up and go test (TUG). Pearson correlation coefficients were used in analysis. There was a weak negative correlation between dynamic balance and lower leg length (r = -0.164) and weak positive correlation between dynamic balance and body mass index (r=0.164). In the eye open condition, static balance was related to lower leg length (r=0.172) with dominant leg. In the eye open condition with non-dominant leg and eye closed conditions there was no correlation between static balance and any anthropometric indices. The levels of significance are not high but warrant attention. It seems that there was no single anthropometric index that explained the variations in body balance among healthy sedentary young female and other factors such as the sense of sight, vestibular and proprioceptive systems have a role in the balance.

Kinetic and Kinematic Features of Failed Sit-to-stand Trials in Stroke Patients: Analysis Using a Dynamic Balance Index

Kinetic and Kinematic Features of Failed Sit-to-stand Trials in Stroke Patients: Analysis Using a Dynamic Balance Index

片麻痺患者が非麻痺側から歩き始めた場合と麻痺側から歩き始めた場合の動的バランスの違い

片麻痺患者が非麻痺側から歩き始めた場合と麻痺側から歩き始めた場合の動的バランスの違い

The Relation Between Clinical Measurements of Plantar Characteristics and Static and Dynamic Balance Indices

Background: None of plantar arch characteristics such as arch height, heel varus and arch flexibility can affect balance indices in different manners. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the relation between these structural characteristics and balance indices. Patients and Methods: The study population was 100 male and female students from Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran. To evaluate plantar arch, indices such as heel height, arch angle index, rear angle, navicular drop, longitudinal arch angle and footprint angle were recorded and Staheli and Denis methods were used. Static and dynamic data were recorded using the Biodex Balance System. Results: There was a significant correlation between arch height, and static and dynamic balance indices (maximum correlation coefficient = 0.46, moderate correlation coefficient); also, there was a direct significant correlation between rear and footprint angles and some other balance indices (correlation coefficient = 0.2, weak correlation). There was a significant inverse association between navicular drop and balance indices (maximum correlation coefficient = 0.3, moderate correlation coefficient). Evaluating arch and longitudinal arch angle indices by the Staheli and Denis correlation methods showed insignificant association between these variables and balance indices (P > 0.05). Conclusions: It seems that plantar changes have insignificant effect on static and dynamic indices evaluated by the Biodex Balance System.

Endomorphs Show Higher Postural Sway Than Other Somatotypes Subjects

Background: The somatotype may influence the balance control ability. The quality of balance performance is an important factor to prevent injuries during sport activities. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of somatotype on the static and dynamic balance indices as well as falling risk index. Patients and Methods: A total of 141 university student healthy young females were recruited. We measured anthropometric somatotypes (10 parameters, Heath-Carter’s method) and the mean of center of pressure (COP) displacement on a Biodex balance system during unilateral (static balance indices) and bilateral standing (dynamic balance indices) with their eyes open and eyes closed. Results: In this research, the frequency of somatotypes was as follows: endomorph, 51; mesomorph, 43; and ectomorph, 47. During dynamic tests, the endomorph group showed significantly higher COP sway (P < 0.01) and falling risk index (P < 0.05) than other somatotype groups did. The mesomorph group showed significantly better postural control during dynamic balance control test with eyes closed (P < 0.05) in comparison to the other somatotype groups. Conclusions: The mesomorph subjects had a higher degree of static and dynamic balance control, while a lower degree of balance control was found among endomorph subjects, especially when standing on the unlocked balance platform with both eyes open and eyes closed.

Local Quadriceps Vibration Training in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease and several different physiotherapy protocols have been recommended to provide pain relief and improve disability in patients with Knee OA. Objectives: In order to find the effectiveness of local vibration application on knee OA complications, a randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to assess the changes in muscle torque, balance, pain perception, and physical function after local quadriceps muscle vibration in women with knee OA. Patients and Methods: A total of 50 with knee OA (age range, 35–73 years of age) who were referred from outpatient clinic of Semnan University of Medical Sciences were recruited in a single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial and were randomly assigned to experimental group receiving local vibration over the quadriceps muscles in addition to conventional physiotherapy or control group receiving only conventional physiotherapy. The following measures were assessed before and after 15 sessions of intervention and after four-week follow-up: knee flexor and extensor muscle torque, dynamic and static balance indices, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) index, knee pain perception, active knee flexion range of motion (ROM), and six-minute walking test (6 MWT). Results: knee pain, balance indices, 6 MWT, and WOMAC index were significantly improved after intervention in both experimental and control groups (P < 0.05) while more knee pain relief, better balance performance, and more active knee flexion ROM were found in the vibration group in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Local vibration may increase the effectiveness of conventional physiotherapy protocol by reducing pain perception and improving balance control and active knee flexion ROM in women with knee OA. More studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of different protocols of local vibration training on knee OA symptoms.

Effects of indoor horseback riding and virtual reality exercises on the dynamic balance ability of normal healthy adults.

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to determine the effect of indoor horseback riding and virtual reality exercises on the dynamic balance ability of normal adults. [Subjects] This study enrolled 24 normal adults and divided them into two groups: an indoor horseback riding exercise group (IHREG, n = 12) and a virtual reality exercise group (VREG, n = 12). [Methods] IHREG exercised on indoor horseback riding equipment and VREG exercised using the Nintendo Wii Fit three times a week for six weeks. The Biodex Balance System was used to analyze dynamic balance as measured by the overall stability index (OSI), anteroposterior stability index (APSI), and mediolateral stability index (MLSI). [Results] In the within-group comparison, IHREG and VERG both showed significant decreases in the dynamic balance indexes of OSI, APSI, and MLSI after the intervention, but no significant difference was found between the groups. [Conclusion] Both indoor horseback riding and virtual reality exercises were effective at improving the subjects’ dynamic balance ability as measured by OSI, APSI, and MLSI, and can be used as additional exercises for patients with conditions affecting postural control.

Relationship between the medial longitudinal arch and the thoracic and lumbar curvatures with the static and dynamic stability in obese females

Background and Aim: Materials and Methods: Twenty eight obese females (age= 25±8 years old, BMI=37±4) and twenty nine non-obese females (age= 23±4 years old, BMI=23±3) were recruited in this case-control study with the cross-sectional technique. The MLA, spinal curve angles and the static or dynamic balance index of the subjects were measured using the navicular drop, flexible ruler and Biodex balance system tools, respectively. The static balance test was carried out using a modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB) test in both the open and closed eyes while the subjects stood on their dominant legs. The order of the dynamic and static tests was selected randomly. Results: The findings of this study showed that in closed eye condition, most changes happened between the global Stability Index (SI) and BMI; while in open eye condition, most changes occurred between the lateral-medial stability index and BMI (r=0.5). Also during an open eye condition, a moderate correlation was found between the navicular drop and lateral-medial stability index (r=0.05). In closed eyes condition, no significant changes were found between the SI and lumbar lordosis (r=0.0004); while a weak correlation was found between the thoracic curve angle and lateral-medial stability index (r=0.04). Conclusion: The dynamic stability is not only correlated to their BMI, but is highly dependent on their foot curvature types and slightly on their thoracic curve angle. Abdominal obesity always played a significant role in antero-posterior stability index. Lumbar curvature showed a minor effect on static index value. Key words: Dynamic stability, static stability, obesity, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis. Reviewing the literature reveals a possible correlation between the obesity and the potential foot, spine and stability problems. Investigating the important parameters affecting the balance of obese people and prevention from falling are of high importance to reduce the resulting expenditures. This study aimed to assess the acts and the counter acts between the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) and the thoracic and lumbar curvatures with the static and dynamic stability in obese females.

Effects of Genu Varum Deformity on Postural Stability

It is well known that any balance control disturbance can increase the risk of injury during sport activities. Knee deformities such as genu valgum and genu varum may perturb the line of gravity passing the lower limb joints and so disturb dynamic and static balance indices. This study was designed to investigate the effects of genu valgum and genu varum deformity on the static and dynamic balance indices. 90 non-athletic female university students (age: 21.8±1.75 years, weight: 55.8±9.6 kg, height: 161.3±11.9 cm) were assigned in one of the 3 experimental groups; normal knee (n=30), genu varum (n=30) and genu valgum (n=30), according to their knee conditions. Static and dynamic overall stability index (OSI), anteroposterior stability index (APSI), mediolateral stability index (MLSI) and falling risk were evaluated by the Biodex balance system. No significant difference was seen among these groups in terms of dynamic and static OSI and APSI, while significantly higher falling risk and lower stability was found in the genu varum group compared to the normal groups in term of dynamic and static MLSI (p<0.05). The results showed that genu varum deformity may increase the normal postural sway in the mediolateral direction and also increase falling risk.

Study on the Coordination Performance of Urban and Rural Construction Land Use in Chengdu City

On the basis of defining the concept of coordinating urban and rural construction land use, this paper studied thecoordination performance from two aspects, one was the dynamic balance index and the other was thecoordination index. The results showed that: the coordination performance of the urban and rural constructionland use was high in protecting cultivated land, and also was an important way to protect cultivated land; thecoordination index of urban and rural construction land mainly located between 0.4 and 0.6, the internal structureof urban and rural construction land was unreasonable, the process of land urbanization lagged behind theprocess of population urbanization, which showed a downward trend and implied there was a large room forimproving the performance.

Dynamic posturography in evaluation of balance in patients of Parkinson’s disease with normal pull test: Concept of a diagonal pull test

Objectives To assess subclinical balance impairment in patients of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with normal “pull test”, using dynamic posturography. Methods Twenty PD patients (H&Y stage 2) and 20 matched healthy controls were studied. The patients were evaluated in best ‘ON’ state using UPDRS and Dynamic Posturography. The latter measured dynamic balance indices and limits of stability (LOS) in 8 directions: forward (FW), backward (BW), right (RT), left (LT), forward-right (FW-RT), forward-left (FW-LT), backward-right (BW-RT) and backward-left (BW-LT). Results The dynamic balance indices and total LOS scores did not differ significantly between PD and controls. Direction-wise analysis of LOS showed significantly lower scores (suggesting impaired balance) in PD compared to controls only in FW-RT (21.2 ± 13.8 vs 34.5 ± 17.5, p = 0.005) and BW-LT (20.8 ± 9.8 vs 31.8 ± 15.1, p = 0.018) directions. In LOS test, controls had better stability in FW than BW ( p = 0.002) and on RT than LT directions ( p = 0.0005). Analysis in diagonal directions showed greater stability in FW-RT than FW-LT, in BW-LT than BW-RT, in FW-RT than BW-RT, and BW-LT than FW-LT directions. Though PD patients maintained greater stability in FW direction like controls, they lost the advantage in other directions. Conclusions Despite normal “pull test”, PD patients had subclinical direction-specific balance impairment, more apparent in forward-right and backward-left directions. This information may be useful in modifying the standard “pull test” with addition of pull in diagonal directions for detection of early balance impairment.

Tilt vibratory exercise and the dynamic balance in fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of tilt whole-body vibration (WBV) for improving dynamic balance in women with fibromyalgia (FM). Forty-one women (ages 41-65 years) were randomly assigned to either a vibration (n = 21) or control (n = 20) group. The vibration intervention consisted of a 30-minute session of instruction plus 3 sessions of WBV per week over a period of 12 weeks. Each vibration session consisted of 6 repetitions of a 45-60-second 12.5-Hz vibration. The posture of the patient was lateral. Dynamic balance was assessed with a balance platform, and the level of stability could be controlled. We performed intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis and efficacy analysis in participants who completed the study (vibration, n = 18; control, n = 18). Based on ITT analysis, the dynamic balance of the vibration group improved by 36% as compared with baseline, whereas that of the control group was unchanged. Differences in the dynamic balance index were predicted (61%; P < 0.001) by the following linear model: (0.027 x body weight) - (0.800 x dynamic balance at baseline) - (0.632 x group). The vibration program was useful and feasible for improving dynamic balance in women with FM. These novel results support further research aimed at the development of physical therapy programs that utilize controlled vibration.