Dynamic Balance Tests Research Articles

Acute Effect of Active Tibial Rotation Exercise on Tibial Torsion Angle, Ankle Range of Motion, and Neuromuscular Control

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the acute effect of active tibial rotation exercise on tibial torsion angle, ankle range of motion, and neuromuscular control.METHODS: This study was based on AB/BA Cross-over design, and participants were divided into two conditions (core-tex tibial and manual tibial rotation exercises). Before and after the exercise intervention, tibial torsion angle, non-weight bearing ankle range of motion, weight-bearing ankle range of motion and dynamic balance test, and Shark skill test were conducted.RESULTS: An interaction effect was found in the left non-weight-bearing ankle range of motion and the right posterolateral (PL) of theY Balance Test. In addition, there were significant differences between periods in left tibial torsion angle, non-weight-bearing anklerange of motion, bilateral weight-bearing ankle range of motion, bilateral AN, bilateral posteromedial, right PL, bilateral compositescore, and bilateral Shark skill test.CONCLUSIONS: Tibial rotation exercise is considered valuable as sports injury prevention training due to its effectiveness for lowerextremities functionally and structurally regardless of tibial rotation exercise type.

An Investigation of the Effects of Some Parameters on the Shooting Performance of Air Rifle Shooters in Terms of Gender and Level of Competition

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of some parameters on the shooting performance of air rifle shootersin terms of gender and level of competition. To achieve this, 20 air rifle shooters who ranked in the Air Guns Turkey Cup and Air Guns Turkey Championships volunteered for the study. In this study, the height and body composition of the participants were measured, and then grip strength, back and leg strength, heart rate, flexibility, vital capacity, static balance, dynamic balance, and reaction time tests were performed. One (1) series, which included ten (10) shots was fired to determine the shooting success of the participants. There found a positive and high statistical significance between the scoresof the elite shooters in a series of shots and their expected vital capacity measurements (r=.656; p<0.05), between the scores of the junior shooters in a series of shots, their measured vital capacity (r=.820; p<0.01), their vital capacity percentage (r=.686; p<0.05), and their right-hand grip strength (r=.703; p<0.05). Furthermore, while a negative and high significance was acquired between the male participants’ scores in a series of shotsand the right foot dynamic balance (r= -790; p<0.05), there was a positive and high correlation between the scores of female participants in a series of shots and their expected vital capacity (r=.704; p<0.05). As a result, it was concluded that some performance parameters in terms of gender and level of competition affected the shooting performance of the participants.

The Test–Retest Reproducibility, Standard Error Measurement, and Smallest Real Difference of Dynamic Balance Tests in Chronic Stroke Survivors

Background: A dynamic balance assessment of stroke patients is a very important factor in their rehabilitation process. The aim of this study was to investigate the test–retest reproducibility and smallest real differences in the dynamic balance tests of chronic stroke survivors. Methods: This was a methodological study that fifty-three chronic stroke survivors participated in. Dynamic balance tests were performed using the figure of eight walk test, four square step test, and step test. These tests and measurements were performed twice with 1-week intervals and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to investigate their test–retest reliability. To determine the size of the measurement error, the standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest real difference (SRD) were used. The SEM was used to compare the test–retest reproducibility. Results: The test–retest reliability of the figure of eight walk test, four square step test, and step test was confirmed to be high, with an ICC = 0.93~0.99. The SEMs were 2.21 and 2.25 for the figure of eight walk test and four-square step test, respectively. As for the step test (paretic and non-paretic side), the SEMs were 0.68 and 0.70, respectively, which were <10% of the average score. The SRDs of the figure of eight walk test, four square step test, and step test (paretic and non-paretic side) were 6.10, 6.21, and 1.87 and 1.93, respectively. This showed a reliability of <20% of the highest score. The SRDs (%) of the figure of eight walk test, four square step test, and step test (paretic and non-paretic sides) were 28.9%, 21.9%, and 27.32% and 24.43%, respectively. The SEM for all the tests was <30% and the level of measurement error was acceptable. The ICCs of the test–retest reliability of the figure of eight walk test, four square step test, and step test were identified as high, and the test–retest reproducibility was verified by the low values of the SEM and SRD. Conclusions: The figure of eight walk test, four square step test, and step test might be useful tools for clinicians to examine the changes in dynamic balance over time in the rehabilitation of chronic stroke survivors.

Research on signal separation method of micro-speed difference dual-rotor based on ZFFT and FT algorithm

Aiming at the problem that the traditional analysis methods such as Zoom-FFT (ZFFT) heavily depend on the data length in the frequency separation accuracy when separating the unbalanced signals of the inner and outer rotors of the dual-rotor system with micro-speed difference, an improved method based on ZFFT + FT was proposed to refine the signal spectrum and accurately identify the unbalanced response of the inner and outer rotors. On the basis of sampling and filtering the micro-speed difference signal by ZFFT, DFT was used to refine the frequency segment, so as to extract the corresponding amplitude of the operating frequency components of the inner and outer rotors. The basic principles of Chirp-Z transform (CZT), ZFFT, and ZFFT + FT algorithms were introduced, and the corresponding programs of each algorithm were written based on LabVIEW software for simulation, then the signal generator was used to carry out the micro-speed difference signal extraction test and finally the dynamic balance test was carried out on the dual-rotor test bench. Data simulation and field test show that compared with the CZT and ZFFT methods, the method has better frequency resolution ability and can separate the micro-speed difference signal with higher accuracy, and has high feasibility and practicability in the dynamic balance of the micro-speed difference dual-rotor system.

Preliminary Study of the Physical Fitness Test for Screening of Cognitive Impairment in the Korean Elderly

This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of physical fitness measurement for cognitive dysfunction screening in elderly Koreans. The subjects of the study were 88 elderly people (16 males and 72 females) aged 60 years or older who visited the Gyeonggi-do public health center and hospital associated with the neurology department of a university hospital in Gyeonggi-do, agreed with the purpose of this study, and wished to participate. Physical fitness measurement variables were isometric muscle strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, agility and dynamic balance, and coordination, and cognitive function tests performed using K-RBANS(Korean-Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status) and CDR(clinical dementia rating), which were dementia screening tools. As a data processing method, correlation analysis was conducted to analyze the correlation between physical fitness and cognitive function. By conducting Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, the diagnostic accuracy and optimal cut-off of each physical fitness test for cognitive impairment were defined as CDR 0.5. As a result of the study, the F8WT, TUG(Time Up & Go Test ), and T-wall tests showed a large area under the curve (AUC) that defined cognitive impairment (TUG=.768, 95%CI=.650~.885; F8WT=.735, 95%). CI=.612~.857, T-wall=.682, 95% CI=.545~.819). The optimal cut-off for predicting cognitive impairment was 6.0 seconds in TUG (sensitivity = 73.2%, specificity = 73.1%), 26.3 seconds in F8WT (sensitivity = 71.4%, specificity = 73.1%), and T-wall. 94.5 seconds (sensitivity = 62.5%, specificity = 65.4%). The F8WT, TUG, and T-wall test were confirmed as accurate and convenient measurement methods for screening cognitive dysfunction in elderly Koreans. In addition, the availability for screening cognitive dysfunction in the elderly population with various levels of education was confirmed.

Developing an exercise program to improve the biomotor abilities of Wushu Taolu athletes as a support for the Teng Kong Bai Lian (TKBL) movement

The aim of this study was: (1) to develop an appropriate circuit training program for biomotor improvement that supports Teng Kong Bai Lian (TKBL), (2) to examine the feasibility of biomotor improvement that supports TKBL, and (3) to examine training program effectivity. This study is a kind of Research and Development through several procedures, such as observation and data collection, planning, program development, expert validation, initial program revision, small scale trial, large scale trial, operational program revision, effectivity test, and completion program, and training program implementation. Instrument of this study consist of observation, questionnaire for expert validation, test and measurement biomotor including (1) t-test for measuring speed and agility, (2) leg dynamometer for leg strength, (3) vertical jump for leg power, (4) curl-up test for core strength, (5) modified bass test of dynamic balance for measuring dynamic balance. The results of the collected data will be analyzed using Aiken for expert validation, and small and large-scale trials, while the paired sample t-test with SPSS is used to analyze the effectiveness test. Expert validation, small-scale trial, and large-scale trial were analyzed using the Aiken method with Aiken table value, whereas the effectivity test was analyzed using paired sample t-test on the SPSS application. The result showed that expert validation for the training program was obtained above 0.80 Aiken value for all test items. The results of the effectiveness test showed a significant effect on increasing the biomotor component of leg muscle strength, core strength, leg muscle explosive power, speed and agility with a P value of 0.000, but the effect was not significant on the balance component where the P value was 0.840. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the ciccuit training program can effectively increase leg muscle strength, core strength, leg muscle explosive power, speed and agility, but does not improve balance. So this training program can be applied to Wushu Taolu athletes to improve their biomotor abilities to support the TKBL movement.Keywords: Wushu, circuit training program, strength, core strength, power, speed, agility, balance

Effects of a Senior Musical Program on the Physical Function and Cognitive Abilities of Older Women in the Community.

We aimed to investigate the effects of a community-based senior musical program on the cognitive and physical functions in older women. Older women aged ≥65 years participating in a program at a community welfare center were randomized to experimental (n = 17) or control (n = 17) groups. The control group participated in singing and yoga classes offered at the welfare center, while the experimental group participated in a senior musical program consisting of vocal training, dancing, and breathing training. The effects of the 12-week program (120 min/session, two sessions/week) and the intergroup differences in outcomes were compared using the cognitive impairment screening test (CIST), pulmonary function test (PFT), respiratory muscle pressure test (RPT), and static and dynamic balance tests. The experimental group showed significant post-intervention changes in CIST scores, cardiorespiratory parameters, and static and dynamic balance (p < 0.05), but the control group only showed significant changes in some respiratory and balance parameters (p < 0.05). In comparison with the control group, the experimental group showed significantly greater post-intervention changes in the CIST score, PFT and RPT parameters, static balance, and Y-balance anterior (p < 0.05). The senior musical program enhanced older women's cognitive, respiratory, and physical functions and promoted a sense of accomplishment and self-satisfaction.

Comparison of the Ability of Static and Dynamic Balance Tests to Determine the Risk of Falls among Older Community-Dwelling Individuals

This study aimed to examine the validity of balance tests and compare their diagnostic accuracy to determine the risk of falls among older community-dwelling individuals. Eighty-five older participants were assessed based on their demographics and fall data. They were then assessed for the ability to perform balance measures, including five times sit-to-stand tests (FTSSTs), timed up and go tests (TUGs), three times stand and walk tests (TTSWs), functional reach tests (FRTs), and single-leg stance tests (SLSs). The correlation between fall data and balance measures was found to be significant for all parameters (p < 0.05). The TTSW showed the highest level of ability to indicate the risk of falls among older community-dwelling adults with sensitivity = 92.68%, specificity = 84.09%, and AUC = 0.931 (95%CI = 0.860 to 1.000). These findings confirm the benefits of the practical functional balance measures to determine the risk of falls among older community-dwelling individuals.

Comparative efficacy of gait training for balance outcomes in patients with stroke: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Growing evidence suggests that gait training can improve stroke patients' balance outcomes. However, it remains unclear which type of gait training is more effective in improving certain types of balance outcomes in patients with stroke. Thus, this network meta-analysis (NMA) included six types of gait training (treadmill, body-weight-supported treadmill, virtual reality gait training, robotic-assisted gait training, overground walking training, and conventional gait training) and four types of balance outcomes (static steady-state balance, dynamic steady-state balance, proactive balance, and balance test batteries), aiming to compare the efficacy of different gait training on specific types of balance outcomes in stroke patients and determine the most effective gait training. We searched PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception until 25 April 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of gait training for the treatment of balance outcomes after stroke were included. RoB2 was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) was used to evaluate the effect of gait training on four categories of balance outcomes. A total of 61 RCTs from 2,551 citations, encompassing 2,328 stroke patients, were included in this study. Pooled results showed that body-weight-support treadmill (SMD = 0.30, 95% CI [0.01, 0.58]) and treadmill (SMD = 0.25, 95% CI [0.00, 0.49]) could improve the dynamic steady-state balance. Virtual reality gait training (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI [0.10, 0.71]) and body-weight-supported treadmill (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI [0.02, 0.80]) demonstrated better effects in improving balance test batteries. However, none of included gait training showed a significant effect on static steady-state balance and proactive balance. Gait training is an effective treatment for improving stroke patients' dynamic steady-state balance and balance test batteries. However, gait training had no significant effect on static steady-state balance and proactive balance. To achieve maximum efficacy, clinicians should consider this evidence when recommending rehabilitation training to stroke patients. Considering body-weight-supported treadmill is not common for chronic stroke patients in clinical practice, the treadmill is recommended for those who want to improve dynamic steady-state balance, and virtual reality gait training is recommended for those who want to improve balance test batteries. Missing evidence in relation to some types of gait training is supposed to be taken into consideration. Moreover, we fail to assess reactive balance in this NMA since few included trials reported this outcome. PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022349965.

Effect of kinesio taping intervention on the muscle strength and balance of college basketball players with functional ankle instability.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute Kinesio Taping (KT) intervention on the muscle strength and balance ability of college basketball players with functional ankle instability (FAI). Methods: Thirty college basketball players with FAI were treated with acute KT to test the changes in their muscle strength and balance ability. Results: After acute KT intervention, the ankle dorsiflexion moment and the ankle plantar flexion moment increased by 34% and 19.9%, respectively. The stable plane test with the subjects' eyes open decreased by 1%, whereas that with the subjects' eyes closed decreased by 1.1%. The swaying environment test with the subjects' eyes open increased by 2.4%. The swaying plane test with the subjects' eyes open increased by 5.1%, whereas that with the subjects' eyes closed increased by 16.2%. The swaying environment test with the subjects' eyes open plus the use of a plane increased by 12.1%. Conclusion: KT can increase the isokinetic strength of the ankle dorsum muscle and plantar flexion of college basketball players with FAI. The effect of KT in the static balance test was weaker than that in the dynamic balance test. The findings indicate that KT can significantly improve the balance ability of college basketball players with FAI during dynamic sports.

Neuromuscular and balance adaptations following basketball-specific training programs based on combined drop jump and multidirectional repeated sprint versus multidirectional plyometric training.

Multidirectional jumping and repeated sprint ability are crucial performance factors in basketball. The main aim of this investigation was to examine the neuromuscular performance and body balance adaptations following basketball-specific combined training programs based on drop jump and multidirectional repeated sprint versus multidirectional plyometric training. Forty-two professional basketball male players participated in the current investigation and were randomly assigned to three groups: a combined group (COMB; n = 14), a multidirectional jump group (MJG; n = 14) and an active control group (CON; n = 14). The COMB and the MJG groups completed the 8-week training programs with two weekly sessions while the CON continued their usual training. The static and dynamic balance tests, the repeated sprint ability test (IRSA5COD), the T-change of direction (CoD) test, the vertical jump tests, the five time-jump test (FJT) were performed by participants before and after the intervention period. The results showed a significant main effect of time with remarkable improvements at the end of the intervention (P < 0.001, effect size small/moderate) except the physiological parameters for IRSA5COD. Only, significant group × time interactions for body balance, T-CoD test, IRSA5COD (total time and best time), and jump tests were found (P < 0.001, effect size from trivial to moderate). Bonferroni corrected post-hoc tests revealed significantly greater improvement in favor of COMB compared to MJG for body balance, CoD and IRSA5COD (P < 0.005, effect size small/moderate). Otherwise, no significant differences between COMB and MJG concerning jump performances were found. Combined drop jump and multidirectional repeated sprint training program lead to significantly better neuromuscular performance, body balance and CoD in professional basketball players when compared with an usual training.

Lower extremity proprioception and its association with activity and participation in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy

ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aimed to assess lower extremity proprioception and investigate its relationship to activity and participation levels in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP). MethodsA total of 22 children with USCP between the ages of 5 and 16 years participated in this study. Lower extremity proprioception was evaluated with a protocol that consisted of verbal and location identification, unilateral and contralateral limb matching, and static and dynamic balance tests performed with the impaired and less impaired lower extremities under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Furthermore, the Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM) and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) were used to evaluate the independence levels in daily living activities and participation levels. ResultsChildren demonstrated proprioceptive loss, as evidenced by an increase in matching errors under the eyes-closed condition compared to the eyes-open condition (p<0.05). Also, the impaired extremity had greater proprioceptive loss than the less impaired extremity (p<0.05). The 5–6-year age group experienced greater proprioceptive deficits than did the 7–11 and 12–16 age groups (p<0.05). Children's lower extremity proprioceptive deficit was moderately associated with their activity and participation levels (p<0.05). ConclusionsOur findings suggest that treatment programs based on comprehensive assessments, including proprioception, may be more effective in these children.

Comparison of Dynamic Balance and Unilateral Hop Performance Between Women and Men Handball Players After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Pilot Study.

After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), long-term functional deficiencies can occur, with controversial results reported when comparing women and men. Dynamic balance and unilateral hop test performance are considered important indicators for the risk of reinjury of the lower extremity. Although both sexes seem to have a similar risk to experience a second anterior cruciate ligament injury, sex-specific differences of dynamic balance and unilateral hop performance in handball players following ACLR are unknown. To compare dynamic balance and unilateral hop performance between women and men handball players at least 6months after ACLR. Cross-sectional pilot study. Ten women (27.6 [4.5]y) and 10 men (26.5 [3.1]y) handball players 6 to 16months after ACLR. Dynamic balance and unilateral hop performance were assessed using the Y-Balance Test and the Single-Leg Hop for Distance Test. Women players demonstrated significantly better results in the anterior direction of the Y-Balance Test for both legs compared with men players. Hop performance was not significantly different between sexes. Dynamic balance and single-leg hop performance seem not to differ between women and men handball players 6 to 16months after ACLR. The difference between sexes in the anterior reach direction of the Y-Balance Test should be considered small, rather than representing a true difference.

Use of structural models to elucidate the occurrence of falls among older adults according to abdominal obesity: a cross-sectional study.

Obesity is a risk factor for falls in older adults, but the effects of body fat distribution and its interaction with other factors are not well established. To verify the occurrence of falls among older adults with and without abdominal obesity and the effects of sociodemographic, health, and behavioral variables on this outcome. A cross-sectional study in an urban area of Alcobaça, Brazil. Men and women older than 60 years with (270) and without (184) abdominal obesity were included. Sociodemographic, health, and behavioral data were collected using validated questionnaires in Brazil. Descriptive and path analyses were performed (P < 0.05). The occurrence of falls was high in participants with abdominal obesity (33.0%). In both groups, a higher number of morbidities (β = 0.25, P < 0.001; β = 0.26, P = 0.002) was directly associated with a higher occurrence of falls. Among participants without abdominal obesity, a lower number of medications (β = -0.16; P = 0.04), a higher number of depressive symptoms (β = 0.15; P = 0.04), worse performance on the agility and dynamic balance tests (β = 0.37; P < 0.001), and lower functional disability for basic activities of daily living (β = -0.21; P = 0.006) were directly associated with the occurrence of falls. Adults older than 60 years with abdominal obesity have a higher prevalence of falls. Different factors were associated with the occurrence of falls in both groups.

Effects of proprioception and core stability training followed by detraining on balance performance in deaf male students: a three-arm randomized controlled trial

Purpose Children with hearing impairment are unable to speak and may suffer from some physical problems such as weakness in postural performance ability and development. The aim of the current study was to explore the effects of proprioception versus core stability training for an 8-week period followed by a 6-month detraining protocol on the balance performance of deaf students. Materials and methods This is a randomized controlled trial design of three groups in blinded evaluators. The study was conducted at the school gym. A total of 30 participants, of male deaf students, were randomized into three groups: (1) one group receiving proprioception training (PT, n = 10), (2), one group receiving core stability training (CST, n = 10) for 8 weeks, and (3), and control group (CON, n = 10). The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) test and Y-balance test assess static and dynamic balance at pre- and post-training following a 6-month detraining. Results Post 8 weeks of training intervention, PT and CST values showed significant improvements in both static (p = 0.001) and dynamic (p = 0.001) balance. Following the 6-month detraining, only the PT group maintained their improvements in both the static and dynamic balance tests (p = 0.348) and the CST group showed decreases in the balance tests (p = 0.034). Conclusions The results indicate that 8 weeks rehabilitation program (PT and CST) is an optimum training modality to enhance balance in deaf students and PT induces more training effects than CST for maintaining training benefits following the detraining. Clinical trial registry number: IRCT20170312033029N2; URL: https://en.irct.ir/trial/25584; Trial Id: 25584; Registration date: 2017-12-08; Study start date; 2017-12-22

The Effect of Cerebellar tDCS on Static and Dynamic Balance of Inactive Elderly Men.

The aim of this study was investigating the effect of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on static and dynamic balance of inactive older adults. Twenty-four older adults participated in this study. All participants underwent static and dynamic balance tests. In the Experimental group, anode electrode was positioned at the O point in the cerebellum and cathode electrode was positioned on the left eye socket (FP1). In the control group, the anode and cathode electrodes were positioned at O and FP1 points, respectively, but the current stimulation was stopped after 30 s. Then, the posttest was performed. Data analysis was done using MANCOVA. There was a significant difference between the Experimental and control groups in static balance (p = .12) and dynamic balance (p = .18) and the performance was better in the experimental group. It can be concluded that tDCS can improve static and dynamic balance in inactive older adults.

Fortalecimento intrínseco do pé e eletroestimulação em idosos - Ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Introduction Aging reduces functional capacity related to reduced toe plantar flexion strength. The exercise for strengthening the foot’s intrinsic muscles can be optimized using electrostimulation. Due to the scarcity of data in the literature on these methods, further studies are necessary. Objective To evaluate and compare the effects of training to strengthen the foot’s intrinsic muscles on the risk of falls in older adults. Methods This is a randomized clinical trial with 19 older patients allocated into three groups: control (CG; n = 7), exercise (EG; n = 6), and exercise+electrostimulation (EEG; n = 6). The EG received an exercise protocol for the foot’s intrinsic muscles, the EEG received the same protocol with Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), and the CG received guidance regarding preventing falls. The individuals were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Single-Limb balance test (SLBT), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Paper Grip Test (PGT) tests. One and two-way ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis. Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results There was a significant improvement in the TUG test (9.64 ± 1.78 vs. 8.20 ± 1.94) in relation to the EG. With the EEG, there was an improvement both in the TUG (12.68 ± 4.01 vs. 10.61 ± 3.70) and in the FRT (26.37 ± 7.66 vs. 33.14±9.73) with p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion An exercise protocol associated with electrostimulation improves performance in func-tional and dynamic balance tests in older adults.

Efeito da idade no equilíbrio corporal e nos resultados do vídeo teste do impulso cefálico em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca

ABSTRACT Purpose to verify whether there is an association between the clinical assessment of balance and the gain in the vestibulo-ocular reflex with advancing age in patients with heart failure. Methods analytical-descriptive, observational cross-sectional study, which included patients diagnosed with heart failure, divided into two groups by age (G1, under 60 years old and G2, 60 years old or older). The patients were evaluated through anamnesis, cardiac assessment, clinical assessment of body balance (cerebellar function screening and assessment of static and dynamic balance) and instrumental assessment of vestibular function (Video Head Impulse Test-vHIT). The findings were described and compared through inferential statistical analysis. Results 34 patients with a mean age of 55 years and 9 months, mostly men (71.49%). There was no association between vestibulo-ocular reflex gain, symmetry of the semicircular canals and body balance with advancing age. Associations were observed between the results of the Unterberger-Fukuda test with the gain in the vestibulo-ocular reflex of the right lateral and left posterior semicircular canals and with the percentages of symmetry of the anterior semicircular canals for patients in Group 2. In Group 1, an association was observed between the results of the Unterberger-Fukuda test and the symmetry values of the anterior semicircular canals and the gain in the vestibulo-ocular reflex of the left anterior and right posterior semicircular canals. Conclusion there was no association between the results of the clinical assessment of body balance and the vHIT findings with advancing age in patients with heart failure. However, there was a difference between the gain of the specific vestibulo-ocular reflex for some semicircular canals, with higher rates of alteration in the dynamic balance test, in both groups. The results of the applied tests allowed characterize the predominance of chronic vestibular hypofunction of peripheral origin in patients with heart failure, regardless of age group.

Gender and limb effects on adult normative data for the Biodex Balance System

Posturography normative data in healthy populations is crucial for several reasons including monitoring the independence issues related to activities of daily living (ADLs), fall and incapacity avoidance, and residual injury impairment. The Biodex Balance System requires updated normative data regarding healthy persons because of recent revisions to the Biodex Balance System. Further, this study aimed to determine and compare gender and limb performance in 161 adults aged 18-55 years (n = 80 males; n = 81 females). Assessments involved both static and dynamic stability tests such as double-leg and single-leg balance tests at platform stability which served as outcome measurements. Females performed significantly (p≤.05) better on double-leg static balance (p=.031), double-leg dynamic balance (p=.002), and single-leg dynamic balance on both the left (p=.003) and right legs (p=.013) when compared to males. The normative values and findings of this study not only enable the evaluation of individual performance regarding the balance of adults but also suggest the need to use gender-stratified normative data when using the Biodex Balance System to interpret double- and single-leg, static and dynamic balance test performance.

Effects of fatigue on balance and ankle proprioception during drop landing among individuals with and without chronic ankle instability

This study aimed to explore the effects of fatigue on the balance and ankle proprioception during drop landing of individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). A total of 35 participants with unilateral CAI and 35 healthy participants participated in this study. A static balance test, dynamic balance test, and ankle proprioception test were conducted before and after fatigue. Fatigue was induced with turn back runs and vertical jumps protocol. Sway distance of the center of pressure (COP), root mean square of the COP (RMS), total excursions (TOTEX), mean velocity (MVELO), 95% confidence ellipse area of the COP movements (95% AREA), Normalise Reach Distance in the anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL) directions, and the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated and analyzed. There were significant group by fatigue interactions for static balance variables, normalise reach distance in the PM and PL directions, and AUC. Fatigue reduced balance and ankle proprioception in individuals with CAI. After fatigue, static and dynamic balance and ankle proprioception during drop landing were significantly worse in the CAI group than in the control group. Fatigue had a significant negative effect on balance and ankle proprioception in CAI patients. Therefore, fatigue may be an important factor causing repeated ankle sprain in CAI patients.