Dynamic Balance Performance Research Articles

No sex-specific effects of balance training on dynamic balance performance in healthy children.

Cross-sectional studies in children reported better balance performance for girls than for boys. Thus, balance trainability might be different between female and male children. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of balance training (BT) on dynamic balance performance in girls compared to boys. Seventeen girls (age: 11.1 ± 0.7 years) and 22 boys (age: 11.1 ± 0.8 years) were assigned to either a BT-group or an active control (CON) group. BT was conducted over eight weeks (two sessions/week) while the CON-groups received their regular physical education lessons during the same period. Before and after treatment, dynamic balance performance was assessed by using the Lower Quarter Y-Balance (YBT-LQ) test. A series of three-way analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were undertaken to test for within-between effects of Test [×2 (pretest vs. posttest)], Group [×2 (BT-group vs. CON-group)] and Sex [×2 (boys vs. girls)]. The three-way ANCOVA yielded a significant main effect of Test (p = 0.002-0.043, = 0.122-0.262) and of Group (all p < 0.001, = 0.330-0.651) but not of sex for all YBT-LQ reach directions and the composite score. Further, there were significant Test × Group interactions (all p < 0.001, = 0.330-0.651) in favor of both BT-groups but neither Test × Sex nor Test × Group × Sex interactions were detected. We conclude that BT is an effective treatment to improve dynamic balance performance in healthy children regardless of their sex. Consequently, girls and boys can be provided with the same BT regime to enhance their postural control.

Age and gender differences in static and dynamic balance of Chinese preschool children.

Objectives: Balance is a crucial ability of early age, but there is conflicting evidence with regard to age and gender differences in preschool children's balance ability. Additionally, there are several tools available to measure balance, yet, wide variation in their use has restricted the capacity to synthesize the reference values. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to investigate the balance ability of preschool-aged children and determine how it is moderated by age and gender. The analysis pertained to determining whether different testing methods affect the results of static or dynamic balancing ability to provide a basis for normative balance ability data for healthy boys and girls between 3 and 6years of age. Method: Six hundred and nineteen preschool children (296 boys and 323 girls) aged 3-6years participated in the study. The static balance (SB) was assessed with children standing on one leg (OST) and in a tandem stance (TS) with respect to time. The balance beam test (BBT) and functional reach test (FRT) were used to evaluate dynamic balance (DB) by measuring the time spent and the distance reached, respectively. Result: The results revealed significant differences in OST with respect to gender (η2 = 0.037, p < 0.001), TS (η2 = 0.026, p < 0.001) and FRT (η2 = 0.016, p = 0.002); the girls performed better than boys on most balance tests except on BBT (η2 = 0.000, p = 0.596). Age had positive effects on the static and dynamic balance performance on the OST (η2 = 0.336, p < 0.001), TS (η2 = 0.205, p < 0.001), BBT (η2 = 0.367, p < 0.001) and FRT (η2 = 0.392, p < 0.001). Older children performed better than their younger counterparts. No significant interactions between age groups and sex were found. Conclusion: This study revealed that static and dynamic balance stability in preschool-aged children was affected by gender and age. Gender dimorphism is present in preschool children, older girls displayed better postural stability than boys, and balance performance improved with age. In addition, the study provides age- and gender-specific balance performance reference values for preschool children across multiple methods, which can be used to monitor static and dynamic balance development.

Relationship between Unilateral Leg Extension Strength and Dynamic Balance in Healthy Young Men

It is well known that the quadriceps muscle group is involved in activity during dynamic balance and that dynamic balance tests are an important feedback tool for predicting lower limb injuries. However, the relationship between maximum leg extension strength and performance in the Y Balance Test is not fully known. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between unilateral leg extension strength and dynamic balance in healthy young men. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study. A total of 33 healthy men (mean age ± standard deviation = 21.21 ± 1.24 years) volunteered for this study. The participants’ dynamic balance was determined with the Y Balance Test and unilateral one repetition maximum strength was determined by the leg extension machine. The same side was preferred for strength and dynamic balance measurements. Normalized reach, composite score, and absolute and relative strength values were analyzed for correlations. Linear regression analysis was used to determine whether strength values predicted the results of the Y Balance Test. There was a positive linear correlation between the strength values and normalized reach distances and composite scores (r ranges from 0.466 to 0.757; p &lt; 0.01). The coefficients of determination showed that dynamic balance and strength (absolute and relative) performance are not independent parameters in healthy young men (r2 = 21–57% explained variance). It was also found that strength values (absolute and relative) can predict balance. Our study confirmed the relationship between strength and dynamic balance. It can be said that especially the strength of the lower extremity has an acceptable effect on dynamic balance.

Comparison of Dynamic Balance Performances of Adult Runners With Intellectual Disability Versus Their Sedentary Peers.

Our aim in this study was to compare the dynamic balance between runners (100 sprint) and non-runners with intellectual disability (ID). Our participants were 36 healthy male adults with ID aged 17-29years, divided into runners (n = 18) and sedentary non-runners (n = 18). We assessed dynamic balance in these participants, using the Y-Balance Test (YBT), the Expanded-Timed Up and Go Test (ETUGT) and the Functional Reach Test (FRT). Runners with ID had significantly better balance scores than their sedentary counterparts on YBT (p < .001), the two walking phases of the ETUGT (p < .05) and the FRT (p <.05). Thus, running training (100m sprint) was associated with better dynamic balance in this sample.

Subjective perception of activity level: A prognostic factor for developing chronic dizziness after vestibular schwannoma resection?

IntroductionA vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection causes an acute unilateral vestibular deafferentation resulting in acute postoperative symptoms. Despite the expected resolution of most of the symptoms, due to central vestibular compensation, more than one out of four patients develop chronic dizziness. Several predictive factors, such as age and tumor size, have been suggested. Despite its potential effect on the process of central vestibular compensation, the level of physical activity after VS resection was not yet considered. Therefore, the association between the level of physical activity and chronic dizziness after VS resection will be investigated.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 66 patients who underwent a retro-sigmoid VS resection between October 2001 and February 2007. Patients were assessed before surgery and at 9 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. At 9 weeks, patients were asked to report their level of physical activity (PA) during the past week by using a visual analogue scale and their balance performance was assessed by four standing balance conditions with eyes closed and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). Based on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) score at 6 months, patients were divided in a chronic dizziness group (DHI > 30) and non-chronic dizziness group (DHI-score ≤ 30). Age, sex, Koos classification, preoperative vestibular function, treatment group, balance performance, and level of PA were compared between both groups and used as independent variables in linear regression analyses with the DHI score at 6 months as dependent variable.ResultsThe chronic dizzy patients revealed to have significantly lower levels of PA (p < 0.001) and worse static and dynamic balance performance (p = 0.023 and p = 0.041, respectively) 9 weeks after surgery. After elimination, the multiple regression analysis resulted in a model with two variables (PA level, TUG) which significantly predicted the DHI score (F2,42 = 6.581; R2 = 0.239; p = 0.003).ConclusionThis study revealed associations between (1) the level of PA and balance performance in the subacute phase and (2) chronic dizziness after VS resection. Assessment of the level of PA and balance performance during the subacute phase, which can be performed in a non-invasive and non-time-consuming way, might therefore provide prognostic information after VS resection.

Physical active lifestyle promotes static and dynamic balance performance in young and older adults.

Although regular physical activity exposure leads to positive postural balance control (PBC) adaptations, few studies investigated its effects, or the one of inactivity, on PBC in populations of different age groups. Thus, this study investigated the impact of a physically active lifestyle on static and dynamic PBC in young and older adults. Thirty-five young physically active subjects (YA), 20 young sedentary subjects (YS), 16 physically active older adults (OA), and 15 sedentary older adults (OS) underwent a static and a dynamic PBC assessment. A force platform and an instrumented proprioceptive board were employed to measure the center of pressure (COP) trajectory and the anteroposterior oscillations, respectively. In static conditions, no significant differences were detected among groups considering the overall postural balance performance represented by the area of confidence ellipse values. Conversely, the YA highlighted a higher efficiency (i.e., lower sway path mean velocity) in PBC maintenance compared to the other groups (YA vs OA: p = 0.0057, Cohen’s d = 0.94; YA vs OS p = 0.043, d = 1.07; YA vs YS p = 0.08, d = 0.67). OS exhibited an overall worse performance in dynamic conditions than YA and YS. Surprisingly, no differences were found between YS and OA for all the static and dynamic parameters considered. In conclusion, our results suggest that a physically active lifestyle may promote static and dynamic balance performance in young and older adults, thus with potentially positive effects on the age-related decline of postural balance performance. Dynamic PBC assessment seems more sensitive in detecting differences between groups than the static evaluation.

The Influence of Maturity Status on Dynamic Balance Following 6 Weeks of Eccentric Hamstring Training in Youth Male Handball Players.

Information about when to apply an appropriate eccentric hamstring strength training stimulus during long-term athlete development is essential for effective programming and improving balance performance. This study examined the effects of six-week eccentric hamstring training on dynamic balance performance in youth handball players of different maturity statuses (pre- or post-peak height velocity (PHV)). A randomized controlled design with 45 young male handball players (14.6 ± 0.3 years) from a local national handball club were randomly allocated to a 6 week, twice weekly eccentric hamstring training in two experimental groups: a pre-PHV (maturation offset: −2.13 ± 0.63, n = 10) and post-PHV (maturation offset: 0.79 ± 0.34, n = 12) group and two control groups: maturation offset: −2.09 ± 0.61, n = 10 and maturation offset: 0.55 ± 0.67, n = 13. Dynamic balance performance was evaluated by using the composite score during the lower quarter Y-balance test from pre- and post-intervention. A significant effect on balance scores was found from pre to post (F = 11.4; p = 0.002; η2p = 0.22), intervention (F = 5.4; p = 0.025; η2p = 0.12), and maturation (F = 369; p < 0.001; η2p = 0.9), but no significant interaction effects were found (F ≥ 3.3; p ≥ 0.077; η2p ≤ 0.07). Post hoc analysis revealed that the post-PHV group had a higher score than the pre-PHV group. Furthermore, that dynamic balance increased in the post-PHV group after intervention much more in the control post-PHV group. It was concluded that somatic maturation influences dynamic balance performance and that eccentric hamstring training results in greater improvement in balance performance in young male handball players for the post-pubertal group.

THE EFFECT OF PROPRIOCEPTIVE TRAINING ON HIGH-INTENSITY ACTIONS AND TECHNIQUE IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS: A TRAINING PROGRAM

It is aimed to determine the level of influence of proprioceptive training applied to young football players on high-intensity actions and footballspecific skills of football players. The research group consists of 30 male football players (age = 15.86 ± 0.69). The participants were divided into 2 groups as proprioceptive training group (PTG) and control group, each consisting of 15 football players. The body height and body weight of the participants were measured. Hand-eye coordination, vertical jump, sprint, agility, and core endurance tests, which are defined as high-intensity actions, were applied to the participants. Dynamic balance performances of the participants were also determined. Passing, ball control and dribbling were measured by international tests to determine the participants' football-specific skills. No significant differences were found between the groups in the comparison of PTG and CG in terms of high-intensity actions (p&gt;0.05). There was also no significant difference in the comparison of the dynamic balance performance of both dominant and non-dominant feet (p&gt;0.05). Significant differences were determined in favor of the PTG group in the variables of football-specific skills such as pass shot rate and the number of ball control (p0.05). As a result, it can be stated that in addition to football training, proprioceptive training contributes positively to the development of skills such as passing and ball control, which we can show among the basic football skills.

Structural Topology Optimization of Reactionless Four-Bar Linkages

AbstractClassical dynamic balancing techniques do not consider the linkage elastic behavior. For mechanism or robot design purpose, taking into account the flexibility of the multibody system is of utmost importance, in order to be able to manufacture a mechanism/robot which is stiff enough for a given task. This paper deals with a novel approach that allows to design mechanisms by means of structural topology optimization while specific dynamic balancing conditions are considered. In our work, the links are treated as three-dimensional flexible bodies, and the optimization process is performed for all the bodies simultaneously. Applying this methodology, the optimal design of a dynamically balanced four-bar linkage is accomplished while its compliance is minimized. Numerical validations of the optimized linkage properties are carried out using commercial software. The dynamic balancing performance of the optimized four-bar linkage is numerically validated using adams. Besides, ansys software was used in order to perform the linkage stiffness analysis and to compare it with the results of the optimization solver. In order to verify the feasibility of the proposed methodology, a prototype is built. Experimental studies are carried out in order to evaluate its dynamic balancing performance.

ACUTE EFFECT OF INSPIRATORY MUSCLE WARM UP PROTOCOL ON DYNAMIC AND STATIC BALANCE PERFORMANCE

The aim of this study is to examine the acute effect of inspiratory muscle warm-up protocol on dynamic and static balance performance. For this purpose, 17 sedentary individuals participated whose ages were between 20-26 years old. On different days, right static, left static, right dynamic and left dynamic tests were applied to the subjects randomly after control, placebo and experimental protocol. PowerBreathe brand inspiratory training device was used for inspiratory warming and Biodex Balance SD isokinetic balance test mechanism was used for measurement. The data obtained as a result of the test were analyzed by using the SPSS package program version 22.0. The data obtained were analyzed separately for General balance, Anterior-Posterior (A-P) balance and Medial-Lateral (M-L) balance groups. According to the result obtained, while the inspiratory warming protocol created a significant positive effect in some balance groups, it did not create a significant effect in some balance groups. Therefore, it can be said that the inspiratory warming protocol affects some balance parameters but this effect is not a level that can directly benefit the performance.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0938/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The Association between Multidirectional Speed Performance, Dynamic Balance and Chronological Age in Young Soccer Players.

The ability to maintain a stable single-leg balance stance during a fast change of direction movement is a fundamental aspect both for improving sport-specific skills and for prevention strategies. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the associations between multidirectional speed performance (MDS), dynamic balance performance (DBP), and chronological age in young and uninjured soccer players. In addition, it was examined whether chronological age and balance can predict variance in speed performance. One-hundred forty-six young male soccer players (age range 11–19) performed the y-balance test (YBT) and the lower extremity functional test (LEFT). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis were executed. The analyses were carried out on the further variables: for the DBP, the YBT composite score % (CS dominant leg/CS non-dominant leg) and limb symmetry index % (LSI) were used; for the MDS, the LEFT time in seconds (s) was used. Findings revealed LEFT scores to have a significant association with chronological age (p = 0.000), CS dominant (p = 0.019) and LSI (p = 0.044) of the YBT. In addition, CS dominant and chronological age explained the variance of the LEFT by 44%, regardless of LSI. To conclude, MDS revealed a strong association with DBP of the dominant side but a small association with LSI. In addition, a small association was found between quick LEFT times and older players. Finally, MDS variance can be predicted from DBP of the dominant side and chronological age in young soccer players. The tests used in this study could be useful screening tools for the detection of performance deficits, the implementation of prevention training programs, and the optimization of selection strategies in soccer academies.

Proprioception and dynamic balance performance in wrestlers: Freestyle vs. Greco-Roman

The aim of this study was to compare proprioception and dynamic balancebetween freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers. In this study, 42 national level wrestlers (freestyle [FS], n = 21 and Greco-Roman [GR], n = 21) volunteered to participate and performed a battery of tests including: Y balance-test and upper quarter YBT to measure lower and upper-extremity balance performance, an electrogoniometer to measure proprioception and range of motion, and dynamometer to measure sense of force and muscles strength in wrestlers. No significant differences were observed in YBT ( P = 0.37), ankle plantar flexor strength ( P = 0.44), range of motion in ankle plantar flexion ( P = 0.42) and shoulder flexion ( P = 0.75) between the GR and FS wrestlers. There were significant differences in YBT-UQ ( P = 0.001), shoulder flexor strength ( P = 0.002), error sense of force in ankle plantar flexors ( P = 0.001) and shoulder flexors ( P = 0.037), error joint reposition in ankle plantar flexion ( P = 0.001) and shoulder flexion ( P = 0.001) between the GR and FS wrestlers. It seems that a difference in the nature of exercises and competitions in FS and GR wrestlers needed different adaptations in muscular and neuromuscular performance. Le but de cette étude était de comparer les tests de proprioception et d’équilibre dynamique entre les lutteurs freestyle et gréco-romains. Dans cette étude, 42 lutteurs de niveau national ( freestyle [FS], n = 21 et gréco-romaine [GR], n = 21) se sont portés volontaires pour participer et ont effectué une batterie de tests comprenant: Un test d’équilibre Y et un YBT du quart supérieur pour mesurer les performances d’équilibre des membres inférieurs et supérieurs, un électrogoniomètre pour mesurer la proprioception et l’amplitude des mouvements, et un dynamomètre pour mesurer le sens de la force et la force musculaire des lutteurs. Aucune différence significative n’a été observée dans le YBT ( p = 0,37), la force des fléchisseurs plantaires de la cheville ( p = 0,44), l’amplitude de mouvement en flexion plantaire de la cheville ( p = 0,42) et la flexion de l’épaule ( p = 0,75) entre les lutteurs GR et FS. Il y avait des différences significatives dans le YBT-UQ ( p = 0,001), la force des fléchisseurs de l’épaule ( p = 0,002), l’erreur de sens de la force dans les fléchisseurs plantaires de la cheville ( p = 0,001) et les fléchisseurs de l’épaule ( p = 0,037), l’erreur de repositionnement de l’articulation dans la flexion plantaire de la cheville ( p = 0,001) et la flexion de l’épaule ( p = 0,001) entre les lutteurs GR et FS. Il semble qu’une différence dans la nature des exercices et des compétitions chez les lutteurs FS et GR ait nécessité différentes adaptations dans la performance musculaire et neuromusculaire.

Effect of supervised rehabilitation combined with blood flow restriction training in athletes with chronic ankle instability: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance exercise has been advocated as an alternative approach for improving muscle strength in patients undergoing musculoskeletal rehabilitation. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-week supervised rehabilitation (R) with and without BFR on muscle strength, cross-sectional area (CSA), dynamic balance, and functional performance in athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI). A total of 16 collegiate athletes with CAI participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to the BFR+R group (n=8) or the R group (n=8). Both groups underwent supervised rehabilitation 3 times weekly for 4 consecutive weeks. Additionally, the BFR+R group was applied with a cuff around the proximal thigh at 80% arterial occlusion pressure in addition to the traditional rehabilitation program, whereas the R group received the sham BFR only. Before and after 4 weeks of intervention, isokinetic muscle strength, CSA, Y-balance test, and side hop test (SHT) were measured. Following a 4-week intervention, the BFR+R group exhibited significant improvements in muscle strength of ankle plantarflexor and evertor, CSA of fibularis longus, and SHT timed performance compared with prior training and the R group (all, P<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed on dynamic balance among the groups. The present finding indicated that a 4-week supervised rehabilitation combined with BFR is more effective in improving muscle strength and size and functional performance compared with the traditional rehabilitation alone. This information could have implications for physical therapists and clinician in developing and designing a rehabilitation program for athletes with CAI.

Effect of Arm Movement and Task Difficulty on Balance Performance in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

BackgroundStudies have shown that restricted compared to free arm movement negatively affects balance performance during balance assessment and this is reinforced when the level of task difficulty (e.g., varying stance/walk conditions, sensory manipulations) is increased. However, it remains unclear whether these findings apply to individuals with differences in the development of the postural control system. Thus, we examined the influence of arm movement and task difficulty on balance performance in children, adolescents, and young adults.MethodsStatic, dynamic, and proactive balance performance were assessed in 40 children (11.5 ± 0.6 years), 30 adolescents (14.0 ± 1.1 years), and 41 young adults (24.7 ± 3.0 years) using the same standardized balance tests [i.e., one-legged stance (OLS) time with eyes opened/closed and/or on firm/foam ground, 3-m beam (width: 6, 4.5, or 3 cm) walking backward step number, Lower Quarter Y-Balance test (YBT-LQ) reach distance] with various difficulty levels under free vs. restricted arm movement conditions.ResultsIn all but one test, balance performance was significantly better during free compared to restricted arm movement. Arm by age interactions were only observed for the YBT-LQ and post hoc analyses revealed significantly greater performance differences between free and restricted arm movement, especially, in young adults. Arm by age by task difficulty interactions were found for the OLS and the 3-m beam walking backward test. Post hoc analyses showed significantly greater performance differences between free and restricted arm movement during high vs. low levels of task difficulty and this was more pronounced in children and adolescents.ConclusionsRegardless of age, static, dynamic, and proactive balance performance benefited from arm movements and this was especially noted for youth performing difficult balance tasks.

Five weeks of Yuishinkai karate training improves balance and neuromuscular function in older adults: a preliminary study

BackgroundMartial arts training has shown positive impacts on balance and physiological measurements. Further investigation of the contents and feasibility of an effective therapeutic assessment of martial arts is needed in older adults, mainly for future applications and real-world implementation.MethodsSixteen older adults (8 male, 8 female, age 59–90 years), with or without chronic conditions, participated in a preliminary study using 5-weeks of karate training and a triple baseline control procedure. Group and single subject data analyses were conducted for dynamic balance, Timed Up and Go (TUG), hand grip, ankle plantarflexion force, and spinal cord excitability (via the soleus H-reflex) pre- and post-training.ResultsOn average, participants completed a total of 2437 steps, 1762 turns, 3585 stance changes, 2047 punches, 2757 blocks, and 1253 strikes. Karate training improved dynamic balance performance such that the group average time was reduced (time to target (−13.6%, p = 0.020) and time to center (−8.3%, p = 0.010)). TUG was unchanged when considering the entire group (p = 0.779), but six participants displayed significant changes. Left handgrip (7.9%, p = 0.037), and plantarflexion force in the right (28.8%, p = 0.045) and left leg (13.3%, p = 0.024) increased for the group. Spinal cord excitability remained unchanged in group data analysis but 5 individuals had modulated Hmax/Mmax ratios.Conclusion5-weeks of karate training delivered in a fashion to mimic generally accessible community-level programs improved balance and strength in older adults. Whole-body movement embodied in karate training enhanced neuromuscular function and postural control. We met the overriding goal of this preliminary study to emphasize and assess feasibility and safety for the generalizability of martial arts interventions to real-world communities to impact health outcomes. Further quantitative work should explore threshold dose and development of martial arts training interventions as potential “exercise is medicine” functional fitness for older adults.

Improving Lower Extremity Functional Indices of People With Dynamic Knee Valgus With Therapeutic Exercises: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Purpose: One of the most significant contributors to lower extremity degeneration alterations and its effects on balance and sports performance is dynamic knee valgus (DKV) as a faulty movement pattern. Different exercise interventions have been conducted to improve DKV. Extensive research and meta-objective analysis were conducted to assess how exercise interventions affected people with lower extremity functional indicators of DKV. Methods: The electronic databases Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, Google Scholar, and Iranian databases SID and Magiran were systematically searched from inception to September 2021. Only full-text articles published in English/Persian peer-reviewed journals that met this study criterion were tracked. Two researchers evaluated the methodological quality of research findings separately, employing the Downs and Black Checklist. After collecting significant data from eligible studies, the results were integrated by applying a random-effects meta-analysis approach. Results: The final systematic review and meta-analysis comprised seven of the 3470 papers deemed potentially relevant. The outcome illustrates that different exercise interventions may be effective in improving dynamic balance (SD=0.93 degrees, 95%CI: 0.54-1.32, P&lt;0.001) and functional performance (Hedge’s g=1.695, 95% CI=1.22-2.17, Z=6.99, P&lt;0.001) in 250 DKV participants. Conclusion: Exercise interventions appear to be an effective method to enhance dynamic balance and functional performance in individuals experiencing DKV; nevertheless, these results should be regarded as preliminary due to the limited number of studies and their limitations.

Effects of dry cupping therapy on pain, dynamic balance and functional performance in young female with recreational runners chronic plantar fasciitis

There is limited evidence available on the effects of dry cupping therapy on outcomes of pain, dynamic balance and functional performance in young female recreational runners chronic plantar fasciitis. To investigate the effectiveness of dry cupping therapy on pain, dynamic balance and functional performance parameters in young female recreational runners with chronic plantar fasciitis. Thirty female recreational runners with plantar fasciitis were recruited from outpatient department of SGT hospital. They were randomly divided into two equal groups: Dry cupping therapy (Experimental group n = 15) and Conventional therapy (Control group n = 15). The experimental group received dry cupping therapy along with the conventional treatment whereas the control group received conventional treatment alone for 4 weeks (3 days/week). Outcome variables such as pain (Numeric pain rating scale), dynamic balance (Star excursion balance test) and functional performance (Figure of eight hop test) were evaluated at baseline and after 4 weeks of study period. Appropriate statistical tests were performed to test hypothesis the study hypothesis. Findings suggested a significant improvement in parameters of pain, dynamic balance and functional performance ( p < 0.05). However, these improvements were found to be significantly greater ( p < 0.05) with the addition of dry cupping therapy to the conventional treatment. Findings of the present study suggests that dry cupping therapy may be considered as an adjunct treatment method in addition to the conventional treatment in young female runners with chronic plantar fasciitis. In begrenzter Zahl existieren Nachweise für Effekte der Trockenschröpftherapie auf die Endpunkte Schmerz, dynamische Balance und funktionale Performanz bei jungen Patientinnen mit chronischer plantarer Fasciitis. Untersuchung der Wirkung der Trockenschröpftherapie auf Parameter für Schmerz, dynamische Balance und funktionale Performanz bei jungen Freizeitläuferinnen mit chronischer plantarer Fasciitis. 30 Freizeitläuferinnen wurden rekrutiert. Sie wurden nach dem Zufallsprinzip in zwei gleiche Gruppen aufgeteilt: Trockenschröpftherapie (Experimentalgruppe, n = 15) und konventionelle Therapie (Kontrollgruppe, n = 15). Die Experimentalgruppe erhielt neben der konventionellen Behandlung Trockenschröpftherapie, während die Kontrollgruppe für die Dauer von 4 Wochen ausschließlich die konventionelle Behandlung erhielt (3 Tage / Woche). Die Ergebnisvariablen Schmerz (Numerische Skala zur Schmerzbewertung), dynamische Balance (Star Excursion Balance-Test) und funktionale Performanz (Achter-Hop-Test) wurden zu Beginn der Studie und erneut nach 4 Wochen gemessen. Zur Bewertung der Studienhypothese wurden geeignete statistische Tests durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine signifikante Verbesserung in den Parametern für Schmerz, dynamische Balance und funktionale Performanz (p < 0.05). Diese Verbesserungen waren noch einmal signifikant erhöht (p < 0.05), wenn zusätzlich zur konventionellen Behandlung die Trockenschröpftherapie angewendet wurde. Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Studie liefern Hinweise darauf, dass die Trockenschröpftherapie als unterstützende Behandlungsmethode zusätzlich zur konventionellen Behandlung von jungen Patientinnen mit chronischer plantarer Fasciitis erwogen werden kann.

Are There Sex Differences in Balance Performance after a Short-Term Physical Intervention in Seniors 65+? A Randomized Controlled Trial

A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies demonstrated a relationship between sex and balance determinants in seniors; however, no study has focused on sex-related differences in static and dynamic balance performance after a physical intervention as primary interest. The aim was to investigate sex differences in the static and dynamic balance performance after a 4-week physical intervention based on yoga in seniors 65+ years of age. Five-hundred participants (234 males, 266 females) were assessed with the Tinetti Balance Assessment Tool in pre-and post-testing. The experimental group (122 males, 140 females) underwent the intervention, while the control group (112 males, 126 females) ran their usual daily program. ANCOVA model was used for the statistical evaluation of the results. No sex differences were found in balance performance after a short-term physical intervention in seniors 65+ years of age. At the same time, a significant positive shift was demonstrated in performance in both static and dynamic balance.

Acute Effects of Soleus Stretching on Ankle Flexibility, Dynamic Balance and Speed Performances in Soccer Players.

Simple SummaryCalf muscles, including the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, are very important for soccer players, but the benefits of soleus stretching are rarely reported. Both regular and soleus stretching conditions lead to better ankle range of motion, maximum plantarflexion strength, dynamic balance and speed performances compared to the no-stretching control. Adding soleus stretches into the regular stretching protocol would allow further improvement of ankle flexibility, maximum plantarflexion strength and curved running speed performances. The results from this study can provide insights for pre-exercise design and subsequent performances in soccer.Most dynamic stretching protocols include the gastrocnemius muscle, but soleus stretches are often neglected, which is the key powerful muscle for the push-off (concentric) of all speed movements. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the added soleus stretch in a regular stretching protocol would have greater benefits for ankle flexibility, dynamic balance and functional performance. Fourteen healthy male soccer players received each of the stretching conditions (regular stretching only (Regular), regular stretching with soleus stretching (Soleus) and no stretching (Control)) randomly on different training days, with two-day separation. The ankle flexibility, standing heel-lift balance and speed performances were assessed following each stretching intervention. The active dynamic stretches were performed for 30 s with three repetitions on each of the three (Regular) and four (Soleus) muscles. One-way ANOVA with repeated measures (or the Friedman non-parametric test) was performed to determine any significant effect with alpha = 0.05. Our findings revealed that both the Regular and Soleus stretching groups showed an increased active range of ankle motion compared to the no-stretching control (Ps < 0.05). In the heel raise balance test, both stretching groups experienced a significant increase in maximum plantarflexion strength as well as resultant anterior–posterior and medial–lateral CoP excursions compared to the no-stretching control (Ps < 0.05). In the sprinting tasks, both the Soleus and Regular stretching groups induced faster linear and curved running times (Ps < 0.05). When comparing the two stretching groups, Soleus stretching led to better ankle flexibility, maximum plantarflexion strength and curved running time (Ps < 0.05). Thus, added stretches on the soleus muscles can provide further benefits to speed performances in soccer.

Combined Plyometric and Short Sprint Training in U-15 Male Soccer Players: Effects on Measures of Jump, Speed, Change of Direction, Repeated Sprint, and Balance.

This study examined the effect of 8 weeks of biweekly combined plyometric and short sprint training into the typical within-season training schedule of youth male soccer players. Participants were allocated at random to an experimental group (EG; n = 17, age: 14.6 ± 0.5 years, body mass: 60.5 ± 7.1 kg, height: 1.64 ± 0.08 m, body fat: 11.3 ± 1.4%) and a control group (CG; n = 17, age: 14.6 ± 0.4 years, body mass: 61.0 ± 3.9 kg, height: 1.67 ± 0.05 m, body fat: 11.8 ± 1.4%). Measures obtained pre- and post-intervention included vertical and horizontal jump performances (i.e., squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump with aimed arms (CMJA), and five-jump test (FJT)) and sprint performances (i.e., 10 and 30 m sprint). In addition, change-of-direction ability (sprint with 90° Turns (S90°) and sprint 9–3–6–3–9 m with backward and forward running (SBF)), repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA), and dynamic balance performance (Y balance test) were measured pre- and post-intervention. The EG experienced higher jump (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.71), sprint (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.64), change-of-direction ability (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.66), RSSA (all parameters except the fatigue index p < 0.01; d ≥ 0.71), and dynamic balance (all p ≤ 0.05; d ≥ 0.50) improvement compared to the CG. Adding biweekly combined plyometric and short sprint training to standard training improves the athletic performance of youth male soccer players (under 15 (U15)).