Dynamic Balance Skills Research Articles

Effect of the menstrual cycle on knee joint position sense and dynamic balance

The objective of this study was to examine how the menstrual cycle affects knee joint position sense (JPS) and dynamic balance. Forty-five physically active women (age 20.87 ± 0.54 years) participated in this study. Pain was measured with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Knee JPS was measured using the passive-active repositioning method using a digital inclinometer. The modified Star Excursion Balance Test was used to assess dynamic balance (SEBT). The VAS scores were higher in the menses phase compared to the mid-luteal phase (p < 0.001) and mid-follicular phase (p = 0.002). No significant differences were found between phases of the menstrual cycle for JPS in 30° (p > 0.05) and 60° of knee flexion (p > 0.05). There were significant differences in the anterior (p = 0.028), posteromedial (p < 0.001), and posterolateral (p < 0.001) directions of the modified SEBT. The values of the anterior direction in a mid-follicular phase were higher than the menses phase (p = 0.017). Mid-luteal phase values in the posteromedial direction were greater than mid-follicular phase (p = 0.008) and menses phase (p < 0.001). The values of the posterolateral direction in the mid-luteal phase (p < 0.001) and mid-follicular phase (p = 0.009) were higher than in the menses phase. In conclusion, the knee JPS did not change during the menstrual cycle in physically active women. However, the dynamic balance performance was at the lowest level in the menses phase. The risk of injury should be considered during menstruation, especially in activities that require dynamic balance skills in physically active women.

Multidimensional performance characteristics of talented youth judoka: Dynamic balance and coping skills relate to international competitive performance

Understanding of the multidimensional performance characteristics (MPCs) that underlie performance and distinguish athletes of varying performance levels are key for talent development programs. However, in the Olympic combat sport of judo, including MPCs in talent development research is still a recent approach. Hence, little is known about the MPCs of talented youth judoka. Therefore, this study aimed to determine differences in MPCs of talented youth (U18) judoka with varying levels of success in international competition, specified by sex and corrected for body weight. Fifty-two international level judoka (males: n = 28, age: 16.7 ± 0.9 and females: n = 24, age: 16.3 ± 0.9) participated. Multiple linear regressions were performed with performance level as the dependent variable. Performance level was defined as the win rate at international competitions in one competitive season. Anthropometrical (e.g., body height), physiological (e.g., dynamic balance), and psychological (e.g., coping skills) characteristics were used as independent variables. Results showed that win rate of females positively relates to dynamic balance and coping with adversity, and negatively relates to goal setting and mental preparation ( R2 = .611, p &lt; .001). Peaking under pressure positively relates to the win rate of males ( R2 = .152, p &lt; .05). The extent to which MPCs explain competition performance differs between sexes. However, for both sexes, coping skills seem to be important. Therefore, it is recommended that psychological characteristics are integrated in talent programs of youth judoka next to the judo-specific, physiological and/or technical-tactical trainings whilst taking in consideration the individual differences.

Analysis of Core Endurance and, Static and Dynamic Balance Relationship in Adolescent Athletes

Objectives: Core muscles are key components for improving sports performance and preventing injury. In addition, balance is known to have a significant effect on sports performance. This study focuses on how the static endurance of core muscles interact with the static and dynamic balance in adolescent athletes. Materials and Methods: 49 athletes [water polo (n=13), fencing (n=8) and swimming (n=28)] have participated in this study. Mc-Gill core endurance tests were used to evaluate the core muscles endurance. And, HUBER-360 device was used to evaluate the static and dynamic balance skills. Once the measurements were completed, Pearson or Spearman correlation test was used to assess the relationship between the collected data. Results: The results have revealed a moderately negative correlation between trunk flexion test and double-foot static balance test’s eyes open area value (r =-0.427; p=0.002); and a weak negative correlation among the left bridge endurance test and the eyes open test and the left foot static balance test’ area values (r=-0.306/-0.347; p&amp;lt;0.05). No relationship was observed between the core muscles endurance and the dynamic balance skills (p&amp;gt;0.05). Conclusion: Incorporating anterior core muscles endurance exercises into training regimens may be beneficial in improving static balance performance in adolescent athletes. However, it appears that the endurance of lateral and posterior trunk muscles is not associated with static and dynamic balance.

Contribution of static and dynamic balance skills to activities of daily living in children with intellectual disabilities.

Static and dynamic balance skills can be related to the activities of daily living (ADL) in children with non-syndromic intellectual disabilities, and the type of balance skills affecting ADL can differ depending on the domain of ADL (self-care, mobility, and social function). The ADL capabilities of 66 children with intellectual disabilities were assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and were examined in relation to static and dynamic balance skills. Significant positive correlations were found between the one-leg standing and PEDI (r = .841 for self-care, r = .700 for mobility, and r = .760 for social function). Our analysis showed that static balance skills affected self-care, dynamic balance skills affected mobility, and intelligence quotient affected social function. Improving balance skills is important for enhancing ADL capabilities, and the type of balance skills that need enhancement vary based on the domain of ADL.

Effects of padel activity and proprioception training on soccer players in an off-season period.

Off-season periods imply considerable changes in the fitness status of soccer players. So far, no studies evaluated the effects of proprioception-focused training during soccer off-season periods. In this work, we assessed how much some players' abilities (static and dynamic balance, reaction times, quickness, strength, and technical skills) were affected by proprioception training and padel activity during an off-season period of 12 weeks. Twenty-eight non-professional adult male soccer players were organized into three groups: a group carried out regular padel activity, ~2 h once a week. Another group underwent a regular proprioception training program, ~ 20 min, twice a week. The third group did not perform any specific activity (control). Static and dynamic balance, reaction times, quickness, strength, and technical skills were evaluated at three time-points: before starting, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks. Both padel activity and specific proprioception training carried out for 12 weeks significantly improved players' monopodalic static balance with eyes open and dynamic balance. No significant effects of these training regimens were found on monopodalic static balance with eyes closed, visual and acoustic reaction times, acyclic quickness, and strength. Furthermore, proprioception training considerably improved technical skills. Coaches may use padel activity and proprioception exercises for off-season programs featured by ease of execution, low training volume, and high compliance.

School-Age Children's Actual Motor Competence and Perceived Physical Competence: A 3-Yr Follow-up.

This study examined school-age children's actual motor competence (MC) and perceived physical competence (PC) over 3 yr along with the covariate effects of gender and body mass index (BMI). Participants were 1121 (girls 573, boys 548) children (mean age, 11.26 ± 0.32 yr) from 35 randomly selected public schools across Finland. MC was assessed using three movement tests targeting locomotor, stability, and object control skills, and PC was assessed using the sport competence subscale of the Physical Self-Perception Profile via four-phase monitoring. MC and PC remained stable over time. Of the three variables, locomotor skills showed the strongest association with PC. Lower BMI was associated with advanced MC skills and a less steep decrease in locomotor and stability skills over time. The acquisition of fundamental motor skills in childhood and early adolescence is a prerequisite for enhancing MC and PC. The contribution of locomotor skills to PC indicated that versatile lower limb strength, speed, dynamic balance, and movement skills are important for positive subjective beliefs about PC capability. Increasing the MC skills of the children in most need, particularly those with high BMI scores, merits special attention.

Characteristics of Static and Dynamic Balance Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Potential of Motor Interventions for Social Interaction

Characteristics of Static and Dynamic Balance Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Potential of Motor Interventions for Social Interaction

Evaluation of balance in children with sensorineural hearing loss according to age

PurposeHearing is an important sensory skill for psychomotor development. As the cochlea and vestibule share the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear, children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) may have vestibular dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate static, dynamic, functional balance, and mobility as a whole in children with SNHL. Material and methodsEighty children, 40 with bilateral severe-to-profound SNHL (20 children between the ages of 6–10 were included in the Group 1, and 20 children between the ages of 11–15 were included in the Group 2) and 40 with normal-hearing (the Group 3 included 20 children between the ages of 6–10 and the Group 4 of 20 children between the ages of 11–15) were included in the study. The Single-Leg Stance (SLS) Test, Functional Reach Test (FRT), Time Up and Go (TUG) Test, and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) were used to evaluate the balance skills of children. ResultsThe present study found out that children with SNHL in both age groups performed worse than those with normal-hearing in FRT, SLS, and PBS. In the TUG test, children with SNHL in the younger age group had lower performance compared to their peers with normal-hearing while the TUG performance of children with SNHL in the older age group was similar to their normal-hearing peers. ConclusionIt was concluded that the static, dynamic and functional balance skills of children with SNHL were impaired compared to their normal-hearing peers. Including balance assessment in the routine test battery in children with SNHL may be decisive for early diagnosis and rehabilitation of balance disorders. It may be beneficial to add static, dynamic and functional balance tests to the test battery in addition to mobility assessment, especially in children with SNHL in the older age groups.

The Impact of 8-Week Deceleration Training on Dynamic Balance Skills of Young Soccer Players

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of deceleration training method on improving dynamic balance skills of young soccer players in comparison with the conventional training methods. This study included 26 young soccer players (mean age: 13.54±1.48, height: 154.98±12.44, weight: 46.16±11.06, Body Mass Index 18.96±2.21 kg/m2, fat percentile 18.22%±3.22). Thirteen players participated in the deceleration training group (DTG) group and thirteen players participated in the conventional training group (CTG). The training programs were executed on three nonconsecutive days in a week for a total of eight weeks. Y-balance tests were conducted both before and after the eight week training programs. The differences between the averages were analyzed with Wilcoxon, comparison between the groups were analyzed with Mann-Whitney-U post hoc analyses. There was no difference in left-right balance variation (p &gt; 0.05) performance measurements between DTG and CTG before the exercise program. However, after the 8 week training programs, the performance measurements between DTG and CTG were significantly different (p &lt; 0.05) and the dynamic balance skill development of the DTG were more advanced. Based on these results, the deceleration training method seems to be a more effective method in developing dynamic balance skills than conventional training methods.

Block and Random Practice: A Wii Fit Dynamic Balance Training in Older Adults

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of blocked and random practice schedules of balance training in dynamic balance abilities of older adults using Wii Fit balance game tasks. Method: Forty-one participants who were not receiving hospice care or living in a nursing home participated. Three Wii Fit balance tasks (tasks A, B, and C) were selected for training, and one task (task D) was selected as the transfer test among the nine tasks in the Wii Fit balance game software. Scores for tasks A and D were evaluated. Completion times for tasks B and C were evaluated. Moved distance for the functional reach test (FRT), completion time for the timed up and go test (TUG), and performance score for the Tinetti performance‐oriented mobility assessment (POMA) were also tested as clinical balance assessment outcomes. Results: The training significantly improved the performance outcomes of clinical balance assessments and task D. There were no significant group × time interaction effects and no significant main effects by group during the acquisition and retention periods of tasks A, B, and C. However, significant main effects by time were observed for tasks A, B, and C. Conclusions: When dynamic balance training such as the Wii Fit balance system is administered to older adults in a clinical setting, either a block or a random practice schedule can be effectively used to improve the dynamic balance skills. Wii Fit–based balance training is clinically effective for improving the dynamic balance ability.

The effect of balance activity on Down syndrome boys

Objective: The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of sensorimotor integration activities on the static and dynamic balance skills of trainable little boys with Down syndrome. Materials and Method: In this quasi-experimental study, the purposive and convenience sampling methods were used to select 20 children (aged 8.50±1.60 years old). Then they were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups, each of which had 10 subjects. The modified stork test and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were conducted to evaluate the static and dynamic balance skills, respectively. The experimental group received 50 forty-minute training sessions six times a week. In the control group, the subjects used the class training programs. The independent t-tests were carried out to analyze data at 0.05 significance level. Conclusion: The results indicated that sensorimotor integration activities improved static and dynamic balance skills.

Fundamental Movement Skills and Academic Performance of 5- to 6-Year-Old Preschoolers

Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are foundational and therefore play an important role in the overall development, sport-specific skills, and academic achievement of children. The aim of the study was to determine if a correlation exists between FMS and the academic performance of 5- to 6-year-old preschoolers. An empirical study including one pre-primary school in Bloemfontein, South Africa, was conducted. Five- to six-year-old learners (N = 69) with an average age of 6.10 years (± 0.37) were assessed with the Kinderkinetics Screening Assessment to determine their FMS abilities. Academic reports, provided by the school, were used to analyse academic performance within three academic learning areas. Statistical analysis (SAS version 9.2.) included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses and associated p values (≤ .05), while the following correlation coefficient cut-off values were used: r ≈ .1 (small), r ≈ .3 (moderate) and r ≥ .5 (large). The results indicated that static and dynamic balancing skills correlated with all three learning areas; these correlations were moderate to large and also statistically significant. Furthermore, it became evident that gliding, skipping and star jumps correlated especially with mathematics, as well as with Home Language and Life Orientation. Of all the learning areas included, Mathematics revealed the most and largest significant correlations with FMS in general. In conclusion, FMS, especially dynamic and static balance skills, of 5- to 6-year-old preschoolers correlate significantly with their academic performance. Children in the fundamental movement stage should be exposed to activities including balancing, vestibular stimulation, bilateral integration, rhythm and spatial orientation.

Effect of Pilates on Lower Limb Strength, Dynamic Balance, Agility and Coordination Skills in Aspiring State Level Badminton Players

Effect of Pilates on Lower Limb Strength, Dynamic Balance, Agility and Coordination Skills in Aspiring State Level Badminton Players

Assessment of balance skills and falling risk in children with congenital bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss

ObjectiveTo evaluate the balance skills and falling risk in children with a congenital bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss (CBPSNHL). Methods25 children with CBPSNHL and healthy 25 children with similar age and gender were included in the study. The flamingo balance test, the tandem stance test, and the one-leg standing test were performed to assess the patients' static balance skills. The pediatric balance scale (PBS) was used to evaluate the dynamic balance. Visual analog scale (VAS) was applied to the patients assess the frequency of falls. ResultsThe flamingo balance test, the tandem stance test, and the one-leg standing test in the children with CBPSNHL were all significantly worse than the control group. Although the scores of PBS in patients with CBPSNHL were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.001), the results of both groups were consistent with a low risk of falls. There was no significant difference between the VAS scores indicating the frequency of falls among the groups (p = 0.552). ConclusionStatic and dynamic balance skills of the children with CBPSNHL are significantly impaired compared to their healthy peers. Children with CBPSNHL also have a lower risk of falling just like their healthy peers and there is no significant difference between their falling frequencies. Balance skills of children with CBPSNHL can be assessed quickly and effectively on a hard floor (eyes closed), with a tandem standing test or a one-leg standing test.

Motor performance and correlates of mental health in children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

This cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between motor performance and mental health in a representative population of children with hearing impairment. Ninety-three pupils (45 males, 48 females) aged 6 years to 16 years (mean 11 y 3 mo, SD 2 y 9 mo) with hearing impairment of at least 40 dB and a Nonverbal IQ greater than 70 were assessed for motor performance with the Zürich Neuromotor Assessment (ZNA) and for mental health with the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Children with hearing impairment had lower motor performance scores in all four ZNA subscales compared with ZNA norms (z-scores -1.42 to -2.67). After controlling for Nonverbal IQ, ZNA pure motor performance correlated negatively with the SDQ total difficulties score. Pure motor, pegboard, and dynamic balance subscales correlated negatively with peer-relationship problems. Dynamic balance correlated negatively with emotional problems. Performance in pure motor and dynamic balance skills correlated negatively with age. Except for static balance, no correlation was found between motor performance and the degree of hearing impairment. Results confirm that a high percentage of children with hearing impairment have poor motor performance. These problems are associated with difficulties in social relationships. Early recognition of these problems may lead to interventions to assist children with hearing impairment with their peer relationships.

Electrical stimulation versus kinesitherapy in improving functional fitness in older women: A randomized controlled trial

Long-stay hospitalized elderly patients frequently develop a decrease in strength, cardiovascular fitness and balance, which can be improved by exercise. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (ES) might also be effective in this population. The effect of different lower limb rehabilitation programs (3 interventions/week for 6 weeks) on functional fitness in 40 hospitalized old females (82 ± 7 years) were evaluated: kinesitherapy (KT), ES, KT alternated with ES (KT + ES), and no treatment (C). Outcome variables after rehabilitation were: (a) maximal strength of leg extensor and finger flexor muscles; (b) cardiorespiratory fitness (6-min walking test, 6MWT; heart rate, HR); (c) static and dynamic balance and gait skills (Tinetti test). The maximal strength of leg extensor (but not finger flexor) muscles significantly improved in ES (+26%) and KT + ES (+16%) groups only. The distance covered during the 6MWT significantly increased in KT (+15%), ES (+14%) and KT + ES (+9%) groups, but the post-test HR recovery improved in KT group only. Balance (but not gait) skill scores significantly and similarly increased in KT (+11%), ES (+10%) and KT + ES (+11%) groups. In long-stay hospitalized old females ES and KT + ES improved lower limbs isometric strength. Walking ability was improved by all treatments, whereas cardiovascular performance and recovery were ameliorated by KT only.

A randomised controlled trial investigating motor skill training as a function of attentional focus in old age

BackgroundMotor learning research has had little impact on clinical applications and rarely extended to research about how older adults learn motor skills. There is consistent evidence that motor skill performance and learning can be enhanced by giving learners instructions that direct their attention. The aim of this study was to test whether elderly individuals that receive an external focus instruction during training of dynamic balance skills would learn in a different manner compared to individuals that received an internal focus instruction.MethodsThis randomised trial included 26 older persons (81 ± 6 years) that were training functional balance twice a week for the duration of 5 weeks. Learning outcomes were recorded after every training session. Weight shifting score and dynamic balance parameters (Biodex Balance System), components of the Extended Timed-Get-Up-and-Go test, five chair rises, and falls efficacy (FES-I) was assessed at baseline and post-intervention.ResultsParticipation for training sessions was 94%. No differences between groups were found following 5 weeks of training for weight shifting score, dynamic balance index and dynamic balance time (p < 0.95, p = 0.16, p < 0.50), implying no learning differences between training groups. Extended Timed-Get-Up-and-Go components Sit-to-stand, p = .036; Gait initiation, p = .039; Slow down, stop, turnaround, and sit down, p = 0.011 and the Fes-I (p = 0.014) showed improvements for the total group, indicating that function improved compared to baseline.ConclusionA 5-week balance training improved weight shifting scores and dynamic balance parameters as well as functional abilities. The observed improvements were independent from the type of attentional focus instructions. The findings provide support for the proposition of different motor learning principles in older adults compared to younger adults.Trial RegistrationISRCTN44627088

Balance and postural skills in normal-weight and overweight prepubertal boys

This study investigated differences in balance and postural skills in normal-weight versus overweight prepubertal boys. Fifty-seven 8-10-year-old boys were categorized overweight (N = 25) or normal-weight (N = 32) according to the International Obesity Task Force cut-off points for overweight in children. The Balance Master, a computerized pressure plate system, was used to objectively measure six balance skills: sit-to-stand, walk, step up/over, tandem walk (walking on a line), unilateral stance and limits of stability. In addition, three standardized field tests were employed: standing on one leg on a balance beam, walking heel-to-toe along the beam and the multiple sit-to-stand test. Overweight boys showed poorer performances on several items assessed on the Balance Master. Overweight boys had slower weight transfer (p < 0.05), lower rising index (p < 0.05) and greater sway velocity (p < 0.001) in the sit-to-stand test, greater step width while walking (p < 0.05) and lower speed when walking on a line (p < 0.01) compared with normal-weight counterparts. Performance on the step up/over test, the unilateral stance and the limits of stability were comparable between both groups. On the balance beam, overweight boys could not hold their balance on one leg as long (p < 0.001) and had fewer correct steps in the heel-to-toe test (p < 0.001) than normal-weight boys. Finally, overweight boys were slower in standing up and sitting down five times in the multiple sit-to-stand task (p < 0.01). This study demonstrates that when categorised by body mass index (BMI) level, overweight prepubertal boys displayed lower capacity on several static and dynamic balance and postural skills.

Quantitative Assessment of Neuromotor Function in Adolescents with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome

Motor impairment in children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) or High functioning autism (HFA) has been reported previously. This study presents results of a quantitative assessment of neuromotor skills in 14-22 year old HFA/AS. 16 HFA/AS and 16 IQ-matched controls were assessed by the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment (ZNA). The HFA/AS group showed strongest impairments of dynamic balance skills and diadochokinesis. Motor abilities were associated with degree of social withdrawal in the full sample and severity of current autistic symptoms in the HFA/AS group. Similar motor patterns as in younger children were found in the older adolescents. The association of autistic symptoms with motor performance points towards an essential role of motor impairment in autism spectrum disorders.

Brief Report: The Impact of Subcortical Band Heterotopia and Associated Complications on the Neuropsychological Functioning of a 13-year-old Child

Motor impairment in children with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high functioning autism (HFA) has been reported previously. This study presents results of a quantitative assessment of neuromotor skills in 14-22 year old HFA/AS. Sixteen HFA/AS and 16 IQ-matched controls were assessed by the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment (ZNA). The HFA/AS group showed strongest impairments of dynamic balance skills and diadochokinesis. Motor abilities were associated with degree of social withdrawal in the full sample and severity of current autistic symptoms in the HFA/AS group. Similar motor patterns as in younger children were found in the older adolescents. The association of autistic symptoms with motor performance points towards an essential role of motor impairment in autism spectrum disorders.