Dynamic Balance Tests Research Articles

The Effects of 6 Weeks of Balance Training on Static and Dynamic Balance of Blind Students

Background and Purpose: Visual disturbance causes problems in the orientation, balance, and movement of individuals. It is especially important in children because this is a golden age for adoring physical exercises and physical function in these people. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of 6 weeks of balance training on the static and dynamic balance of blind students. Materials and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study, and the subjects included 45 blind students living in Ahwaz City, Iran. The participants were selected using convenience and purposive sampling methods. A sample of 20 girls and 20 boys, aged 7-14 years, was selected and randomly divided into two control and experiment groups consisting of 20 subjects each (10 females and 10 males). The experimental group received a six-week course of balance training intervention. They have received six-week balance training program, 2 sessions of 45 minutes a week. Static balance was measured by stork test and for dynamic balance star balance test was used. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to control the normality of data. In order to study the effect of time and between groups, repeated measures ANOVA was used. For analyzing the data SPSS software, version 25, Excel 2019 software, and in all statistic test α=0.05 was used. All analyses were done in SPSS software v. 25, Excel 2019 software. The significance level was considered at 0.05 for all tests. Results: The two groups of blind student, each groups 20 subjects and mean age of 10.33 and 11.12 years in control and exercise group respectively. Comparing the groups showed that six weeks of balance training had a positive and significant effect on static balance and dynamic balance of exercise group (P<0.001). The results also showed that in the Post-test stage, the experimental group performed better in static and dynamic balance in all 8 directions compared to the control group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference between girls and boys in terms of balance. Conclusion: Regarding the effect of these exercises on improving the balance of blind children, it is recommended that parents, physical education teachers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and all those who are in some way associated with these children, use balance training as a therapeutic plan.

Lower limb musculoskeletal profiling in Malaysian professional footballers during pre-season pre-competition medical assessments

Background: Lower limb musculoskeletal profiling is important in pre-competition medical assessment (PCMA) as it helps to identify musculoskeletal pathologies that need rehabilitation and risk factors for injury that need specific prevention programme. However, a normative value is needed to identify which is normal or pathological. Our objective in this study is to establish a normative value for football-specific adaptation of lower limb musculoskeletal examination among Malaysian professional footballers. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional examining 83 Malaysian footballers from a single club during PCMA from 17 January 2022 to 17 February 2022. We included anthropometric assessments using body impedance analysis, objective lower limb muscle strength assessments using handheld dynamometer, range of motion and objective dynamic balance test using the Biodex system. Results: The mean age of our study was 20.3 ± 3 years. Goalkeepers and defenders have a higher body mass index and a higher skeletal muscle mass. Strikers and midfielders have a higher quadriceps and hamstring strength. Non-dominant leg has a better overall stability and anterior posterior stability index compared to dominant leg. Defender has a better overall stability. Sixty-six footballers (80%) have at least 1 low Add: Abd ratio of less than 0.9, which requires preventive programme for groin injury. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a position-specific adaptation in different positions in football.

The Effect of Engklek on Improved Balance in Fourth Grade Children at Kiyonten State Elementary School 1

This study is to determine whether there is an effect of traditional sports on increasing dynamic balance in grade IV Kiyonten 1 State Elementary School children. The design of this research is pre-experimental with one group pre-test – post-test design, This research instrument with observation and in the form of a test Modified Bass Test of Dynamic Balance. This study will use descriptive statistical data analysis techniques and analyze them with the application of SPSS (statistical product and service solutions) IBM 25, which is to test for normality and test for homogeneity. When the data is normal, it can be continued to Test – T. After being tested for normality, it turns out that the results are not normal (rejected), therefore the search for hypotheses can be done with Statistics Non-Parametric or exact Test Wilcoxon, that Asymp. sig (2-tailed) is worth 0.001. Because the value is 0.001 pretest with post-test, it can be said that there is an effect of using treatment engklek traditional exercise on improving dynamic balance in grade IV SD N Kiyonten 1. So the study experienced an 11% increase in dynamic balance.

The Influence of Gender and the Specificity of Sports Activities on the Performance of Body Balance for Students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports.

A sense of balance is required in sports activities, conditioning the quality of movements and physical performance. (1) The purpose of the study is to investigate the influence of gender and the specificity of sports activities on body balance. The investigated participants are 157 students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports/Bachelor’s degree: 109 men (age = 20.49 ± 2.03, body mass index, BMI = 22.96 ± 3.20), and 48 women (age = 20.21 ± 1.51, BMI = 21.05 ± 2.78). (2) Design: Cross-sectional study, with the definition of the variables gender and sport activity with three stages (non-athletes/NA, team sports games/TSG, and individual sports/IS). The evaluation was based on four dynamic balance tests (Bass test/points, Functional reach test/cm, Fukuda test/degrees of rotation, and Walk and turn field sobriety test/errors) and three static balance tests (Flamingo test/falls, Stork test, and One-leg standing test with eyes closed/s). (3) Results: The variance analysis (multivariate and univariate tests) indicates the superiority of women in most tests applied, but with significantly better values (p < 0.05) only for the Flamingo test and Bass test. Men have superior results only for vestibular stability (Fukuda test) and One-leg standing test, but it is statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). The TSG group has slightly better values than the IS group for the whole set of tests conducted, but these are not statistically significant (p > 0.05), so we cannot highlight the certain superiority of TSG practitioners over those involved in IS. Both the TSG and the IS group outperformed all tests compared to the NA group, with significant differences (p < 0.05), especially for the TSG. Conclusion: Women have better values than men on most tests, and performance sports students have higher average scores than those in the NA group, which demonstrates the beneficial influence of specific training on static and dynamic postural stability.

Insight into dead space effects in granular anammox process with organic stress

In this study, the dead space was demonstrated to enhance the robustness of anammox nitrogen (N)-removal under organic stress. Different from the “yellow aggregates” that inhabit in mixing space were assembled by anammox and heterotrophic micro-colonies, the “red granules” that inhabit in dead space were formed by initial anammox aggregates that growing outward with higher anammox-activity, settleability and sludge stability, which endowed the dead space the role of “anammox-stabilizer” with prominent anammox N-removal contribution (63.8%) especially under high organic stress. The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) dynamic balance test revealed that the high and stable EPS contents in dead space were attributed to the low EPS degradation rate and low proportion of heterotrophic bacteria (HB)-produced EPS, respectively. The weak hydrodynamic forces were the key to less HB-colonization and high granular stability in dead space. Retaining a certain dead space is necessary to prevent anammox bacteria (AnAOB) loss under organic stress.

Relationship between body mass index and postural balance among student of the martial arts club malikussaleh university

Relationship between body mass index and postural balance among student of the martial arts club malikussaleh university. Postural balance is an important component in martial arts. Every player martial art needs fast and strong movements so that the body must be well controlled. Disturbances such as body mass index (BMI) that are not ideal can affect postural stability. The height and shortness or the weight and lightness of a person will affect the location of the center of gravity that later will affect the balance. The purpose of this study is to find out the relationship between body mass index and postural balance among students of the Martial Arts Club Malikussaleh University. This study used a cross-sectional design which was conducted in March 2021 at the Bukit Indah Campus, Malikussaleh University. The sample of this study used total sampling with 49 respondents. Data collection was carried out by measuring body weight, height, static balance with a standing stork test and dynamic balance with a modified bass test of dynamic balance. The results of this study obtained BMI with the highest proportion is normal category, with 31 people (63.3%), while the static balance commonly found in the very good category with 11 people (22.4%), and dynamic balance commonly found in the balanced category with 29 people (59.2 %). The results of the chi-square analysis showed that there was a relationship between BMI with static balance (p = 0.019) and dynamic balance (p = 0.012). This study concludes that there is a relationship between BMI and postural balance among students of Martial Arts Club Malikussaleh University.

Hemodynamic changes in prefrontal cortex following dynamic balance test in sporting and non-sporting population

Purpose Balance is crucial for an individual's capacity to maintain an upright position during both static and dynamic conditions. Balance control is a complex sensory-motor action based on automated and spinal reflexes, under the influence of several distinct and separate supraspinal centres in the brainstem, cerebellum, and cortex. However, cortical neural activation during the functioning of sensory feedback mechanisms involved in the dynamic balance of the sporting group (SG) and non-sporting group (NSG) of young adults is yet to be evaluated. Thus, we evaluated hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) following a dynamic balance task in SG and NSG of young adults. Materials and methods The dynamic balance of 48 participants was evaluated using the wobble board of the Kinematics Measurement System. Hemodynamic changes were recorded using Functional Near Infra-red Spectroscopy System during the dynamic balance task. Results SG performed significantly better (p < .05) on the dynamic balance, as compared to the NSG. PFC hemodynamics was significantly different (p < .05) in SG and NSG. Conclusion We conclude that superior balance scores in SG compared to NSG are associated with different areas of activation of PFC during dynamic balance tasks.

The Benefits of Integrated Exercise Intervention in Osteoporotic Women with Pre-Sarcopenia or Sarcopenia

目的：骨質疏鬆症與肌少症是高齡社會重要健康議題，與跌倒、骨折有高度相關。惟過去研究少以兩者合併個案進行評估，且運動介入模式多為阻力訓練。研究目的為評估整合性運動對骨質疏鬆症女性合併肌少症前期或肌少症（四肢骨骼肌指數，skeletal muscle index, SMI低於5.7kg/m^2）之效益，以作為骨質疏鬆症合併肌少症照護之參考。方法：採準實驗設計，在區域型醫院招募24位骨質疏鬆症併有肌少症前期或肌少症之婦女為研究對象，分成實驗組與控制組。兩組均接受面對面之營養衛教模式；實驗組進行16週整合性中高強度阻力與敏捷性運動訓練（自覺強度維持6－8分），每週一次，每次120分鐘。評估訓練介入前、後組內之身體組成（體脂肪率、上下肢肌肉量）、肌少症指標（SMI、握力）及功能性體適能（上下肢肌力、動靜態平衡）之變化，並控制年齡以單因子共變數或無母數統計進行組間分析。結果：實驗組12位（63.1±7.7歲）與控制組12位（70.1±6.1歲），兩組除年齡外，在基本資料無明顯差異。組內分析，實驗組體脂肪率、上下肢肌肉量、SMI、握力與上肢肌力均顯著改善；而控制組之體脂肪率、軀幹、右腿與左腿肌肉量均顯著變差，上下肢肌力亦明顯退步。組間分析顯示實驗組相較控制組體脂肪率顯著降低，且SMI、握力、上肢肌力、及下肢肌力之變化量均顯著較控制組提升。兩組在動態及靜態平衡上無顯著差異。結論：合併阻力與敏捷性之整合性運動對骨質疏鬆症合併肌少症前期或肌少症之婦女的身體組成、肌少症指標及上下肢肌力表現有實質提升效益，而無介入運動模式下，控制組在16週內體脂肪率增加、肌力下降。未來經更多著重骨質疏鬆症合併肌少症之實證研究，此整合性運動訓練模式或可作為介入和照護方向參考。Objective: Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are two important geriatric issues highly correlated with falls and frailty fractures in the elderly. Studies in the past rarely investigate the combined case of the two syndromes, and emphasis has been placed mainly on resistance training. This study aimed to investigate the benefits of integrated exercise interventions in osteoporotic women with pre-sarcopenia or sarcopenia (Skeletal Mass Index, SMI＜5.7 kg/m^2). Methods: Twenty-four osteoporotic women with pre-sarcopenia or sarcopenia were recruited from a regional hospital to participate in the quasi-experimental study. They were divided into an integrated exercise group (EG) and a control group (CG) with all participants receiving face-to-face nutrition education. The EG group was required to enroll in a 16-week moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise program in resistance and agility training (Rating of Perceived Exertion maintained at 6-8 points). Each weekly session lasted for 120 minutes. Changes in body composition (body fat percentage, muscle mass), sarcopenia parameters (SMI, grip strength), and physical fitness (muscle strength, static and dynamic balance) before and after the integrated exercise intervention were analyzed with age as a covariate in the analysis. Results: Except for age, there was no significant difference in the basic characteristics between the EG (n=12; 63.1±7.7 years) and CG (n=12; 70.1±6.1 years) groups. Intragroup analysis showed a reduced body fat percentage , along with significant improvement in SMI, grip strength, and upper limb muscle strength in the EG group. In contrast, the CG group reported an increased body fat percentage, and a significant decrease in the muscle mass in the trunk and lower leg, as well as in the muscle strength in the upper and lower limbs. Intergroup analysis showed that the EG group experienced a significant improvement in body fat percentage, SMI, grip strength, and upper and lower limb muscle strength. There was no significant difference in the results of dynamic and static balance tests between the two groups. Conclusion: The integrated exercise intervention combined with resistance and agility training can substantially improve the body composition, sarcopenia parameters, and upper and lower limb muscle strength in osteoporotic women with pre-sarcopenia or sarcopenia. On the contrary, a significant increase in body fat percentage and a decrease in muscle strength in 16 weeks are likely to occur in the absence of the intervention. In the future, more empirical studies focusing on the combined case of osteoporosis and sarcopenia are needed, and the integrated exercise training in this study may serve as a reference for intervention.

Reproducibility of the dynamic balance test of lower limbs with reduction of the body weight in individuals with knee osteoarthritis

Reproducibility of the dynamic balance test of lower limbs with reduction of the body weight in individuals with knee osteoarthritis

Effects of 8-Week In-Season Contrast Strength Training Program on Measures of Athletic Performance and Lower-Limb Asymmetry in Male Youth Volleyball Players.

Strength training using high and lower load such as contrast training (CST) seems to be beneficial as it addresses larger adaptive reserves in youth athletes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CST on dynamic balance (composite score during dynamic balance test (CS-YBT)), one repetition maximum lower-limb back squat (1RM), jumping performance (single-leg hop (SLH) or countermovement jump height (CMJ)), lower-limb asymmetry (predicted from the single-leg jump performance between two legs [ILA]) in elite youth male volleyball players. Thirty-one male youth volleyball players aged 14 years were randomly assigned to a CST group (n = 16) or a control group (n = 15). The tests were performed before and after 8 weeks of training. Significant group × time interactions was observed for CS-YBT [p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.70], 1RM [p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.95], SLH with right and left leg [p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.69 and 0.51], CMJ [p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.47]), whilst it was not notable in ILA [p < 0.294]. Post hoc tests showed that CST group demonstrated greater improvement in all of the dependent variables from medium to large effect size (for all p < 0.001). As a result, 8 weeks of CST twice a week can be an effective and efficient training along with volleyball training to improve skill-related fitness measures, except for lower-limb asymmetry in young volleyball players.

Effect of a Multi-Sensory Training Program on The Balance of Older Women With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Background and Aims: Older adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathies (DPN) are at higher risk of motor control, slower reaction time, and increased postural sways. There is increasing evidence that exercise-based interventions have a positive impact on the health of older people. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a selected multisensory training (SMST) program in improving the balance of older women with DPN. Methods: In this study, 30 older women (Mean±SD age=62.35±1.87 years) were randomly assigned into the SMST and control groups. All participants underwent dynamic and static balance tests before and after the training. The SMST program included the balance training with eyes open and closed on different surfaces to stimulate visual, proprioception, and vestibular system. The intervention was conducted for 12 weeks, two times per week. Results: There was a significant difference in the dynamic balance between the SMST and control groups (t(28)=-6.74, P=0.000, ƞ2=0.61). The results of analysis of variance showed that the SMST program improved the static balance in the X direction (F(1,28)=14.16, P=0.001, ƞ2=0.33) and in the Y direction (F(1,28)=5.38, P=0.028, ƞ2=0.16) in older women with DPN. Conclusion: The SMST can improve the dynamic and static balances of older women with DPN. Older women with DPN are at increased risk of falling. This program can be used to enhance their balance and postural control.

Sprained Knee Prophylaxy Using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)

"Introduction. To control the movement, the brain must process proprioceptive information provided by mechanoreceptors. The role of proprioception in daily activities, physical exercises, were presented, using the SEBT technique and the proprioceptive mechanisms that represent the base of dynamic postural control. Objective. The aim was to highlight the effects of proprioceptive training on lower limb balance in subjects with lower limb injuries but also in healthy subjects, and to evaluate the effectiveness of proprioceptive programs based on postural instability to reduce knee sprains by developing proprioceptive control. These findings indicate the improvement of proprioceptive control which may be a key factor in reducing knee sprain. Methods. The research was performed on 30 subjects, male and female, employees of the Ministry of National Defense, distributed in two experimental groups: G1 and G2. Results. SEBT has become a dynamic test used in clinical trials and research. The results of the research showed validity for SEBT. Conclusions. Knee sprain is a trauma that occurs frequently among athletes. Like athletes, the Ministry of National Defense employees represent a population at high risk of injury or recurrence. Keywords: knee sprain, postural control, neuromuscular control, dynamic balance test. "

Effects of 24 Weeks Combined Rehabilitation Exercise Program on Functional Recovery in Obsess High Tibial Osteotomy Patients

OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the effects of a 24 weeks combined rehabilitation exercise program on the subjective questionnaire, isokinetic muscle function test and dynamic balance test of high tibial osteotomy patients with normal weights and obese individuals.METHODS Sixteen tibial osteotomy patients were recruited in the study. They were divided into two groups(normal weight group[n=8] or obesity weight group[n=8]). A pre-test consisting of subjective questionnaire, isokinetic muscle function test and Y balance test. Using the same test in 12 weeks, 24 weeks after the surgery. All groups completed the rehabilitation exercise program for the duration of 24 weeks.RESULTS The significant interaction was observed between group and time on the involve bilateral flexor strength deficits (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=.045) and the posteromedial reach distance (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=.041).CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that a 24 weeks rehabilitation exercise program is needed after high tibial osteotomy in order to restore the same level of activity as before surgery.

The Association of Gender and Body Mass Index on the Values of Static and Dynamic Balance of University Students (A Cross-Sectional Design Study)

The balance of the body conditions the quality and efficiency of the movements in daily and sports activities, its impairment generating problems in the manifestation of motor skills for all age groups. The aim of this study is to analyze how the gender and BMI values of university students influence the results of the static and dynamic balance tests applied. The investigated group consists of 195 undergraduate students, from various specializations of the Dunărea de Jos University in Galați (99 males and 96 females, ages = 20.16 ± 1.98, BMI = 24.15 ± 5.68). The independent variables gender and BMI levels (underweight, normal weight and overweight/obese) were defined. The participants were evaluated in May 2019 using a series of 7 tests: one leg standing test with eyes closed, stork test, flamingo test, Bass test, functional reach test, walk and turn field sobriety test and Fukuda test. The results provided using multivariate analysis (MANOVA) indicate balanced performance for the gender variable, but with significantly better values for women in the one leg standing test, flamingo test and functional reach test (F values are associated with thresholds p &lt; 0.05). Men obtain slightly better, but statistically insignificant (p &gt; 0.05), performances on the stork test, Bass test and Fukuda test. The BMI step comparison confirms the difficulties of the overweight group in assessing balance, with the lowest scores in maintaining static positions and the most errors in dynamic balance tests, with significant differences from normal and underweight in most tests (p &lt; 0.05). An interesting aspect is the slightly superior performance of the underweight compared to the normal weight group, for the one leg standing test, flamingo test and walk and turn field sobriety test. The analysis of Spearman correlation coefficients indicates a number of significant associations between elevated BMI values and decreased performance on balance tests.

Effects of Soccer Exercise on Balance Ability and Kinesthesia of the Lower Limb Joints in Children Aged 5-6 Years.

Age-, height- and weight-matched children were recruited to the experimental group (EG; n = 31) and control group (n = 32). Following a 16-week soccer training program, balance ability and dominant-side lateral knee and ankle kinesthesia changes were tested. Regarding balance ability, the Sway Index, when children stood on a firm or foam surface with their eyes closed in the static balance test, and the dynamic balance test time were 13.5%, 11.6%, and 14.3% lower in the EG than in the control group, respectively. The scores in the left and right directions were 23.7% and 24.2% higher in the EG, respectively. Regarding kinesthesia, the angle of knee extension and ankle metatarsal flexion and dorsiflexion were 13.4%, 20.0%, and 16.8% lower in the EG than in the control group. These results indicate children in the EG had a better performance. After soccer exercise, children aged 5-6 years displayed improved balance in the left and right directions and improved knee extension, ankle plantarflexion, and dorsiflexion kinesthesia.

Multicomponent elastic training improves short-term body composition and balance in older women

The aim was assessing the short-term effects of multicomponent training including some elastic exercises on body composition and balance in healthy older women. In two sessions/week for 12 weeks, 24 women performed 4 blocks of exercise in 2 experimental conditions: a) Control Group; b) Multicomponent Training Group (EMC). The following variables were assessed: % of body fat and different static and dynamic balance tests. EMC protocol including exercises with elastic bands performed at progressive intensity and volume over time is effective for improving body composition and balance in healthy older women.

Reliability, Validity, and Sensitivity of a Specific Agility Test and Its Relationship With Physical Fitness in Karate Athletes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of a developed specific karate agility test (SKAT) and to examine its relationship with physical fitness. A total of 36 karateka voluntarily participated in this study. During two separate sessions, international and national ranked athletes completed the SKAT by performing three changes of direction (CoD): two in a preplanned manner and one in response to a stimulus that was provided by a live tester (Light tester). Assessment of CoD, horizontal jumping ability, 5 and 10 m sprint time, and dynamic balance were also applied during these two occasions. To evaluate SKAT’s construct validity, two groups were recruited based on their karate results: High- vs. low-ranked athletes. Reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the SKAT were examined from the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), smallest worthwhile change (SWC), and receiving operator characteristic analysis. Regarding relative and absolute reliability, the ICC of SKAT was excellent at >0.95 and the SEM was <5%. According to the sensitivity analysis, the power to detect small performance changes can be rated as “good” in karate athletes (SWC > SEM). The SKAT showed a moderate relationship with the CoD, jumping, sprint, and dynamic balance tests. High-ranked athletes were better than their low-ranked counterparts on SKAT (Cohen’s d = 2.00). The area under the receiving operator characteristic curve was 0.76. To sum up, the SKAT is a reliable and valid tool to assess the agility performance of karatekas and can be used by conditioning trainers to detect “true” performance changes.

Developing the Positional Characteristics of a Dance-Specific Star Excursion Balance Test (dsSEBT).

Current dynamic balance tests do not sufficiently test all aspects of balance required for dancers in everyday training and performances. The aim of this study was to examine alterations to the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) to ensure a more dance-specific protocol. Twenty-four healthy ballet and contemporary dancers (age: 22.21 ± 6.47 years) participated in completing five different variations of the SEBT. This research implemented upper-body restrictions commonly used in dance settings and tested the effects of two different foot positions, parallel and turned out, as well as two alternate balance surfaces, a foam balance pad and a firm yoga block. Reach distances (percent of limb length), center of pressure (COP, cm²), error scores, and time to completion were measured. Overall, the dance-specific upper body restrictions did not affect the dancer's ability to reach maximally and achieve a successful trial as there were no significant differences between the original SEBT and the dance-specific SEBT parallel condition (p = 1.00). The foam and block conditions were found to be significantly more difficult due to lower reach distance values, higher COP values, and higher error score values when compared to the original, parallel, and turnout positions (p < 0.05). Lastly, it was discovered that 62.61% of all errors made were in the crossed side and crossed front spokes, suggesting these are the most difficult reach directions to accomplish. The variations used in the study will aid in developing a reliable dance-specific dynamic balance test.

The Effect of Big Toe Strength Development on Some Athletic Performance Parameter in Young Male Footballers

Aim: To examine the development of strength exercises for the big toe in young football players and to examine the effect of this development on the athletic performance parameters (vertical jump, contact, dynamic balance) we determined. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 24 individuals, 12 experimental and 12 control groups, who played active football between the ages of 12-14. To the control and experimental group; big toe strength (BTS), vertical jump, tapping, dynamic balance tests were applied as pretest and posttest. BTS exercise was performed on the platform developed to improve the strength of the big toe, 3 days a week for 8 weeks, along with football training, in the experimental group. The control group continued football training for 8 weeks. Since the experimental and control groups of the study showed a normal distribution, it was checked whether the pretest scores of the groups were statistically different, and whether the pretest and post-test values of the experimental and control groups differed in percentage terms with the independent sample t-test. In the analysis of all hypothesis tests, the level of significance was evaluated by taking p&lt;0.05 Results: In the 8-week strength exercise we have done to the participants in the experimental group of our study, we see that the BTS scores have increased at the level of significance compared to the control group. This development shows a positive improvement in all anaerobic athletic performance scores. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study shows that BTS development is positively related to athletic performance parameters. Keywords: Football, Big Toe, Athletic Performance, Training Science, Exercise

Effects of Tai Chi on the neuromuscular function of the patients with functional ankle instability: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAnkle instability limits physical activities and undermines a person’s quality of life. Tai Chi’s health benefits have been reported in different population groups. However, the effects of Tai Chi on neuromuscular function among young adults with functional ankle instability (FAI) remain unclear. Therefore, we aim to investigate the effect of Tai Chi on young adults with FAI.MethodsThis study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial with blinded assessors. A total of 104 young adults with FAI will be recruited and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The participants in the simplified Tai Chi exercise program (STCEP) group will receive a 12-week Tai Chi training. The participants in the control group will receive a low-intensity exercise program and health education for 12 weeks. The primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. Primary outcome measures will include the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score, kinematics/kinetics data, electromyography during single-leg landing tasks, and the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Secondary outcome measures will include the total time of Dynamic Leap and Balance Test (DLBT), ankle muscle strength, and ankle proprioception.DiscussionThis study will investigate the effects of Tai Chi exercise on the neuromuscular function of patients with FAI, as indicated by ankle joint biomechanics, ankle proprioception, balance, ankle muscle strength, and ankle muscle activation. Results will demonstrate that Tai Chi can be an effective exercise for young adults with FAI.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100044089. Registered on 10 March 2021