Dynamic Balance Training Research Articles

The Dynamic Innovative Balance System Improves Balance Ability: A Single Blind, Randomized Controlled Study.

BackgroundFunctional balance training is crucial for both rehabilitation and prevention. A Dynamic Innovative Balance System (DIBA) is readily available for utilization in both functional and postural control training in a wide variety of dynamic conditions.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the DIBA and standard balance training tools on dynamic and static balance.Study DesignRandomized controlled trialMethodsThirty-six healthy males (18 to 32 years) were randomly assigned to group DIBA (n=18) or to the control group (n=18) who performed balance training using a balance board, a wobble board, the BOSU, or a soft cushion block for eight weeks. Each participant was assessed before training, at the end of the fourth and eighth week by using the Flamingo balance test (FBT) for assessing static balance ability and using Y-Balance Test (YBT) for dynamic balance ability.ResultsNo significant differences were found in FBT and YBT between the DIBA and control groups at the end of fourth week (p>0.05). However, at the end of the eighth week, the DIBA group demonstrated statistically significantly better balance ability on the anterior component of YBT (p=0.001) and FBT (p=0.024) than controls.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that the DIBA was effective in both static and dynamic balance training and it may be used alongside other balance tools in a clinical setting. Further studies should include in lower extremity problems to confirm that DIBA training adaptations are transferred to clinical improvements in performance and balance qualities.Level of Evidence2d

A Novel Physical Therapy Learning Experience in Pediatrics Via Telehealth: A Qualitative Case Analysis

Background and Purpose. While the integration of experiential learning with patients and clients into the physical therapy (PT) curriculum is beneficial to student learning particularly in the area of pediatrics, the implementation of such experiences can be extremely challenging. Telehealth is rapidly expanding given the emerging technology, health care needs for individuals in remote settings, and the current pandemic situation. The purpose of the present evaluation was to examine the perspectives of the students, supervising PTs and the caregiver on a method/model for the telehealth delivery of pediatric PT, and the collaborative experiential learning experience in this setting using a qualitative grounded theory approach. Method/Model Description. A 24-month-old boy with spastic hemiplegia was treated for 6 weeks in his home via Zoom videoconferencing in a collaborative clinical education experience. Interventions included constraint-induced movement therapy, bimanual training, dynamic balance training, and facilitation of postural control. Caregiver education was provided throughout. The chat and recording features were used throughout each session to provide direction, feedback, and education while minimizing the distraction during sessions. Semi-structured interviews were completed with the 2 PTs, 6 students, and mother after the experience. Interviews were transcribed and theme coded until saturation was achieved. A concept map was developed through consensus. Outcomes. Themes emerged for telehealth and telehealth learning experiences. Considerations included the home environment, technology, lack of physical contact and importance of verbal communication, preparation, instantaneous feedback, and active participation. The active participation of the caregiver seemed to empower the family and provide them with a therapeutic viewpoint. Communication via the chat feature provided a means for instantaneous feedback that was considered less disruptive to the student–family interaction resulting in student empowerment, confidence, and skill development. Discussion and Conclusion. The telehealth delivery of service seems to enhance the empowerment and buy-in of the patient/caregiver resulting in improved outcomes and carryover for PT. Telehealth PT experiential learning provides a venue for collaborative learning and enhanced student autonomy resulting in improved confidence while fostering student analytical skills, communication skills, and creativity. Telehealth PT provides unique opportunities for growth and learning in a collaborative learning experience and may also serve as a venue for clinical education experiences.

The Effect of Progressive Dynamic Balance Training on Physical Function, The Ability to Balance and Quality of Life Among Elderly Women Who Underwent a Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is used to treat end-stage osteoarthritis. However, this surgical procedure affects the mechanical receptor function and impairs the ability to balance. Dynamic balance training has been reported to improve stability and self-confidence and safely yield increased physical activity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dynamic balance training on physical function, the ability to balance and quality of life among patients who underwent TKA. Thirty-eight participants were assigned to either the progressive dynamic balance training (PDBT) with physical therapy group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 19). The experimental group undertook a dynamic balance program with physical therapy for 30 minutes per day, five times per week for six weeks, while the control group undertook physical therapy only. A continuous passive motion exercise was performed for 20 minutes after training by both groups. The outcomes were evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index, pain pressure threshold (PPT), range of motion (ROM), Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living (KOS-ADLS), Multifunction Force Measuring Plate, timed up and go (TUG) test and Short-Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36). Physical function (WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index, ROM and KOS-ADLS score) and the ability to balance (TUG test score, confidence ellipse area, path length and average velocity) significantly improved (p < 0.05) in the experimental group compared with the control group. In contrast, the physical component summary score for the SF-36 regarding quality of life significantly improved (p < 0.05); however, the mental component summary score for the SF-36 and PPT did not significantly differ between the groups. Therefore, we suggest that PDBT with physical therapy has positive effects on physical function, the ability to balance and quality of life among patients who underwent TKA.

골반 불균형을 동반한 특발성 척추 측만증 청소년의 외발서기 동적 균형훈련의 효과 검증

This study examined the effects of single leg dynamic balance training on cobb"s angle, asymmetrical pelvic angle and gait in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with pelvic disproportion. We selected 12 subjects who have Cobb"s angle of greater than 10°with pelvic disproportion. Subjects were randomly assigned to spinal stability exercise group(SSEG) 6 or spinal stability exercise and single leg dynamic balance training group(SLDBTG) 6. SSEG was performed spinal stabilization exercise and SLDBTG was performed spinal stabilization exercise and single leg dynamic balance training. We measured pre and post effect of cobb"s angle, asymmetrical pelvic angle and gait. The results showed that the single leg dynamic balance training improved significantly the difference in Cobb"s angle, asymmetric pelvic angle and gait compared to the spinal stability exercise. According to theses results, we verified that single leg dynamic balance training had a considerable effect on asymmetrical weight bearing in adolescent scoliosis. Therefore, this study suggested about how the single leg dynamic balance training will effect asymmetrical pelvic angle and gait in adolescent idiopatic scoliosis.

Post Chemotherapy Balance Exercises in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood cancer; Children with this type of leukemia have poor postural balance, which is one of the side effects of chemotherapy. Objective: Toevaluate the therapeutic effect of static and dynamic balance exercises using both sides up (BOSU) ball on balance in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia after completing their 6 months-chemotherapy treatment. Patients and methods: Thirty children patients of both sexes (18 boys and 12 girls) were participated in this study, who were selected from Benha Children Hospital with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and had chemotherapy treatment for 6 months participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to 2 groups of an equal number, control group, 15 child patients who were 5-8 years of age (6.53 ± 1.13) that underwent gait training therapy and study groups, 15 child patients who were 5-8 years of age (6.67 ± 1.11), that underwent the same program in addition to static and dynamic balance training program by using BOSU ball. Results: There was a significant improvement of balance performance in study group more than control group. Conclusion: Balance exercises using BOSU ball can be used effectively in treating balance defect post chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Comparison of Recent Studies on Rehabilitation of Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review

Background There are many factors contributing to chronic ankle instability (CAI), but recently it has been reported that dynamic balance, peroneal reaction time, and eversion strength deficiency are highly related. Purpose The purpose of this study was to find out whether the contributing factors of ankle instability were used in rehabilitation interventions and, if so, whether they were effective. Study design Systematic review Methods Relevant health databases, such as PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL and ScienceDirect, were searched. Systematic reviews were included if they fit the research question, and they were clearly defined by the search strategy criteria. Results A total of 58 articles were retrieved and 19 articles fulfilled inclusion criteria. In duplicate counts, dynamic balance training (DBT) was used as an intervention in 15 studies, and strength training (ST) was used in 4 studies. There were also mixed forms of intervention that made it difficult to divide exercise methods. Conclusions DBT and ST improved the ankle strength, balance, functional performance, and self-reported function of CAI patients. There was limited evidence that either DBT or ST was more effective in improving function in CAI patients.

Static and Dynamic Balance Comparison Between the Involved and Uninvolved Sides in Patients Who had Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: One-year Follow-up Study

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) causes a reduction in the balance of the lower extremities. Static and dynamic balance were evaluated separately to confirm the decrease in balance in patients underwent ACLR. The commonly used methods include the Biodex Balance System (BBS) for static balance and the Y balance test (YBT) for dynamic balance. No study has evaluated whether the static and dynamic balance of the involved side recovers as much as the uninvolved side one year after ACLR. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the recovery of static and dynamic balance between the involved and the uninvolved sides. Methods: The BBS (overall, anteroposterior index, and mediolateral index) and YBT (anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial) of 58 patients underwent ACLR were measured one year postoperation. Both sides of the BBS and the YBT were compared using the paired t-test. Results: All the index of the BBS showed no difference between the involved and the uninvolved sides, while all the scores of the YBT showed a significant difference in both sides. The YBT anterior result was 54.64 ± 5.62 cm in the involved side and 56.90 ± 5.41 cm in the uninvolved side (p = 0.001). The YBT posterolateral results were 90.12 ± 10.51 cm and 92.34 ± 9.85 cm (p = 0.013). The YBT posteromedial results were 93.72 ± 8.84 cm and 96.14 ± 9.37 cm (p = 0.002). Conclusion: A year after ACLR, the static balance showed no difference, while the dynamic balance showed a significant difference in the involved and the uninvolved sides. The static balance of the involved side recovered as much as the uninvolved side, but the dynamic balance did not. Therefore, dynamic balance training should be considered in the rehabilitation program for patients underwent ACLR.

Analysis of Physiological Signals of Individuals with Eyes Closed Subjected to Unexpected Direction-Specific Stimuli Causing Instability

Research regarding the cerebral cortex and muscle activity patterns of the body used for postural balance control when sudden instability stimuli occur is lacking. This study analyzed individuals' physiological signals when direction-specific instability stimuli were applied while their eyes were closed. Healthy adults in their 20s maintained their postural balance while looking at the center of gravity provided by a monitor with a three-dimensional dynamic postural balance training system. We performed electroencephalography (EEG) and measured trunk and lower extremity muscle activity of participants with their eyes closed when subjected to four direction-specific instability stimuli (anterior, posterior, left, and right). EEG results showed that gamma waves increased significantly with an unbalanced stimulus when the participant's eyes were open and closed. The increased gamma wave rate with eyes closed was low in the exercise planning area, where information is relatively integrated and exercise is planned without visual information. EMG results showed fewer gamma waves on EEG due to the low focus on postural control because participants could not observe the center of gravity, which is the basis for balance. The trunk and lower extremity muscles tended to be used more due to the larger body perturbation angle. These outcomes can be used as basic data regarding how the human brain and muscles maintain postural balance when an unexpected external instability stimulus occurs. Quantitative postural balance rehabilitation training protocols for the elderly and those with disabilities can be created based on these outcomes.

Effectiveness of Progressive Resistance Drills and Dynamic Balance Training on Functional Performance among the Patients with Osteoarthritis of Knee

Osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease in which the wearing down of the protective tissue at the ends of bones (cartilage) occurs gradually and worsens over time. The majority of people aged 40 years have radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis, is more common in women than in men.(1) Exercise has a wide range of health benefits in every individual. Mostly for middle aged population there is a clear evidence to support exercise in improving health and functional performance with well evidenced exercise programs.(2, 3) These programs have shown to improve the mobility of joints and strength of muscles around the joints by performing specific exercises for the specific muscles. This population people are often unable to undertake high intensity exercise programs. Therefore progressive resistance exercises are been used as an alternative. Many research studies have reported the benefits of resistance exercises as a physical activity for middle aged adults and individuals with limited movement. Method: The subjects in the KIMSDU campus were screened and 41 subjects fulfilling the criteria were involved. Prior consent was taken. Treatment protocol consists of progressive resistance exercises for 4 days per week for 6 weeks The interpretation of the study was done on the basis of comparing pre-test and post test assessment of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC) and BERG BALANCE TEST. Result: Intra group comparison results showed that progressive resistance exercises are effective and WOMAC and Berg Balance Test were statistically extremely significant (p<0.0001) and (p<0.0001) respectively. Conclusion: Progressive resistance exercises were significantly effective in improving the mobility and function and reducing the pain among the patients with osteoarthritis of knee.

Effects of Kinect exergames on balance training among community older adults: A randomized controlled trial.

Background:Recent years have witnessed wide applications of exergames to balance training among the older adults. However, research concerning balance training with the use of Kinect for Xbox has remained scarce. While previous studies have shown the positive effects of exergames on improving balance and preventing falling among the older adults, there has been a paucity of empirical evidence supporting the superiority of Kinect exercise to conventional exercise over balance training among the older adults. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of Kinect exercise against conventional exercise over balance training among the community older adults.Method:A total of 20 participants were randomly assigned to the Kinect Exercise Group (N = 10) or the Conventional Exercise Group (N = 10) for a 5-week balance training (45 minutes a time, 2 times a week). Assessor blinding was employed to assess the participants’ performance before and after the treatment, including 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30-sec CST), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and One-Leg Stance Test (OLST) respectively with eyes open and closed. Subjective feeling of the intensity of pain and side effects were recorded throughout the investigation period. Nonparametric statistics was used for data analysis.Results:Within-group comparison between the pre-test and post-test indicated that significant differences existed in all of the 5 tests (30-sec CST, TUG, FRT, OLST with eyes open, and OLST with eyes closed) in the Kinect exercise group. To the Conventional exercise group, however, significant differences were only observed in 30-sec CST, FRT and OLST with eyes open. With regard to between-group comparison, significant differences were only found in FRT.Conclusion:Such results indicated that both treatments were helpful in improving the participants’ balance performance, that Kinect exercise was more effective in terms of overall balance ability, and that Kinect exercise was particularly beneficial to functional reach enhancement in comparison with traditional exercise. Kinect exercise could be a feasible, safe, and effective alternative for dynamic balance training among older adults.

Short-term Multicomponent Exercise: Effective For Addressing Major Variables That Influence Fall Risk In Older Adults

Falls are commonly linked to gait and balance inconsistencies, influenced by a combination of variables including muscle strength and power. For years, short-term higher intensity multi-component dynamic training methods have been used to improve athletic performance in younger populations by significantly affecting variables including muscular strength and force, gait, and balance. Currently, there are a number of fall prevention programs. However, questions specifically surrounding mode and duration of these fall prevention programs still exist. PURPOSE: To determine if a short-term, 8-week multi-component dynamic resistance-training program is effective in eliciting positive changes in factors that directly influence fall risk in older adults. METHODS: Forty men and women (ages 55-90 yrs.; mean = 69.5) performed 8-weeks of multi-component dynamic training (3x/week; 45-minutes per session) consisting of skill appropriate agility and change of direction training, specific lower body strength exercises, and both stationary and dynamic balance training. Muscle performance was measured pre/post using a 10RM bilateral leg extension and a standardized sit-to-stand test. Repetition-by-repetition force (N) was assessed using a calibrated force plate during the sit-to-stand test. Balance, gait, and speed were measured via standardized balance and walking tests. Changes in lean and fat masses were obtained via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Pre/post mean differences were analyzed using Paired T-tests. RESULTS: Training elicited positive outcomes in all muscle performance variables. Sit-to-stand efficiency increased (+53.9%; p<0.001) and repetition-by-repetition mean force improved +6.0% (p<0.05) during the same test. Significant increases in mean 10RM bilateral leg extension (+8.6kg; +28.0%; p<0.001), and positive balance changes were also observed (11.5%; p<0.01). Walking time decreased in all participants (-30.1%; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Shorter, higher intensity dynamic exercise can be a safe and effective way to improve muscle performance, gait speed, and balance in older adults at risk for falling.

Effectiveness of incorporating the biofeedback technique — video reconstruction into comprehensive rehabilitation programs for elderly patients

Objective: to conduct a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of hardware balance training in elderly patients in order to improve coordination, postural control and improve mobility. The study included 40 participants, over the age of 70 years. All patients were divided into 2 groups: patients in the control group received a standard rehabilitation program: classes in therapeutic gymnastics with an instructor of exercise therapy, massage. In addition to routine methods, patients of the main comparison group underwent training on the CMill dynamic balance training hardware device. The duration of the rehabilitation course was 10 days. As a result of the study, in patients of the main group, compared with the control control group, a significant improvement was noted in 21 out of 33 analyzed podometric indicators of the dynamic walking stereotype. The results of the effective use of the apparatus balance training method indicate the prospect of including this technology in the rehabilitation programs of elderly patients to improve the dynamic stereotype and increase stability while walking.

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 static and dynamic balance training on balance in children with congenital blindness

Aim: Visual information is very important in predicting the speed of body segments and objects and providing balance, as well as in the timing of psychomotor responses. The maintenance of posture and balance is negatively affected by partial or total loss of vision. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of static and dynamic balance training on balance in children with congenital blindness. Materials and methods : The study included 18 congenitally blind children, comprising 9 males and 9 females with a mean age of 10.94 ± 1.89 years. All participants were attending a special primary/secondary school for the blind. Balance functions were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the training program using the Balance Subtests of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test Short Form (BOT-2, SF), Timed Up and Go Test, the Functional Reach Test and the One Legged Stance Test. The training program of static and dynamic balance exercises was applied twice weekly for 8 weeks. Results: A significant improvement was determined in all the balance tests after the training program (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that balance-specific static and dynamic exercises contribute to improvements in the balance of children with congenital blindness. Therefore, balance exercises should be to rehabilitation programs to improve the balance of children with congenital blindness

Effect of Dynamic Balance Training on Agility in Adolescent Volleyball Players

Effect of Dynamic Balance Training on Agility in Adolescent Volleyball Players

Effectiveness of Dynamic Balance Training with and without Visual Feedback on Balance in Ambulatory Stroke Patients

Effectiveness of Dynamic Balance Training with and without Visual Feedback on Balance in Ambulatory Stroke Patients

Effect of Kinesio taping on Y-balance test performance and the associated leg muscle activation patterns in children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChildren with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) have leg muscular deficits which negatively affects their dynamic postural stability. Kinesio tape (KT) could enhance muscle activation, postural control and functional activities in healthy individuals. Therefore, we hypothesized that the usage of KT may address the postural instability problem of children with DCD. Research questionTo investigate the immediate effect of KT on dynamic postural stability and the associated lower limb muscle activity in children with DCD. MethodsForty-nine children with DCD were recruited where twenty-five children were randomly assigned to the KT group (mean age = 8.18 ± 1.16 years) and twenty-four to the control group (mean age = 8.06 ± 0.93 years). KT group received KT application to the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles whereas the control group received no intervention. Measurements were taken before and after the application of KT. Dynamic balance performance was measured using a lower quartile Y-balance test (YBT-LQ). Leg muscle peak activation and time-to-peak muscle activation of the dominant lower limb during YBT-LQ were measured by surface electromyography. ResultsYBT-LQ composite score increased by 6.3% in the KT group at posttest (95% CI: -7.308, -2.480). In addition, a higher rectus femoris peak activation was illustrated for YBT-LQ anterior (32.5%; 95% CI: -48.619, -16.395) and posteromedial (24.6%; 95% CI: -42.631, -6.591) reach directions from pretest values in the KT group. Moreover, KT group exhibited a 38% (95% CI: 0.015, 2.983) longer gastrocnemius medialis time-to-peak duration for YBT-LQ posteromedial reach direction when compared to the control group. SignificanceKT revealed an immediate beneficial effect on YBT-LQ performance. Application of KT also increased rectus femoris peak activation and lengthened the muscle time-to-peak duration for specific reach directions. Incorporating KT as an adjunct with dynamic balance training programme could be beneficial for children with DCD.

Effects of Dynamic Perturbation-Based Training on Balance Control of Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Walking is one of the daily activities that may cause falling in older adults. We developed a novel dynamic balance training program using a perturbation-based training on a custom-made treadmill, which can generate forward, backward, and lateral sway perturbations during walking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the balance performance of community-dwelling older adults after 8-weeks of perturbation-based balance training. A three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to collect kinematic and kinetic data. Seventeen community-dwelling older adults performed quiet standing with and without the balance perturbation. Biomechanical parameters such as center of pressure (COP) and center of mass (COM) were calculated. A paired t-test was used to compare the difference in balance performance before and after the training. After training, the results showed that the COM control of the older adults was significantly improved during quiet standing with perturbation, while the COP control during quiet standing without perturbation was not changed. The perturbation-based balance training exerted a positive effect on dynamic balance control in older adults. This translational research offers a new paradigm of balance training and can be applied to patient populations who have a high risk of falling.

4-weeks Dynamic Balance training fails to improve ankle and knee joint position sense

Objective: Research clearly shows that balance training improves balance and reduces recurrent injuries. However, the existing data is inconclusive about the effect of balance training exercises on proprioceptive outcomes. While some studies have reported positive effects of balance training on position sense other have reported insignificant findings. For that reason the purpose of this study was to determine if a dynamic balance training program centered on the use of unstable surface exercises can improve lower extremity joint position sense. Setting: University Research Laboratory Participants: Twelve healthy men (age: 22.5 ± 4.58 years, height: 181.58 ± 7.57 cm, weight:85.25 ±10.67 kg, BMI: 25.87 ± 3.01 kg/m 2 ) and 16 healthy women (age: 20.87 ± 3.4 years, height: 164.13 ± 6.15 cm, weight: 63.75 ±13.3 kg, BMI: 23.53 ± 3.94 kg/m 2 ) volunteered to participate. Intervention(s) : All participants underwent a total of 12 supervised training sessions over a 4-week period of time with each session lasting about 30 minutes. The specific exercises that were performed during each training session included: 1) hop to stabilization onto and off of a BOSU ball in four directions (anterior, lateral, anteriomedial, and anteriolateral; 2) mini-squats on a BOSU ball while in a single limb stance; 3) unanticipated reach sequences while stabilizing on a BOSU ball in a single limb stance; and 4) static single limb stance on a BOSU ball. Main Outcome Measure(s): Ankle joint position sense and knee joint position sense were assessed by a passive reproduction of passive positioning protocol. Target angles of 10° and 20° of inversion were used for ankle joint position sense; 30° and 45° of knee flexion were used for knee joint position sense assesment. Average absolute error for the dominant limb quantifed joint-position sense. Results : At the end of 4 weeks dynamic balance training program centered on the use of unstable surface, absolute error score for ankle inversion at 10° improved from 2.29±1.61 to 2.09±1.86, knee flexion at 30° improved from 5.07±2.78 to 4.80±2.55, and knee flexion at 45° improved from 4.12±2.19 to 3.87±2.25. However, this improvements were not significant (p>0.05) Conclusion: There were improvements noted (absolute error decreased for 10 o of inversion and 30 o and 45 o of knee flexion) despite the lack of significant differences and small effect sizes with 95% CIs that crossed 0. The lack of a significant improvement in absolute errors scores could be due to methodological considerations, participant characteristics and/or a training volume dose response.

Different neuromuscular parameters influence dynamic balance in male and female football players.

To analyse the relationship between several parameters of neuromuscular performance with unilateral dynamic balance measured through the Y-Balance test, as well as to determine the possible sex-related differences. The Y-Balance test, isokinetic (concentric and eccentric) knee flexion and extension strength, isometric hip abduction and adduction strength, lower extremity joint range of motion (ROM) (hip, knee and ankle) and core stability were assessed in male (n = 88) and female (n = 44) professional football players. A stepwise multivariate linear least square regression with backward elimination analysis was carried out to identify a group of factors that were independently associated with balance performance in both sexes. Passive hip flexion and ankle dorsiflexion with knee flexed ROM were the main factors that retained a significant association to dominant (R2 = 23.1) and non-dominant (R2 = 33.5) balance scores for males. For females, core stability, hip abduction isometric peak torque, passive hip abduction and ankle dorsiflexion with knee flexed ROM variables retained a significant association with balance scores for both, dominant (R2 = 38.2) and non-dominant (R2 = 46.9) legs. Training interventions aimed at improving or maintaining unilateral dynamic balance in male football players should include, among other things, stretching exercises for the posterior chain of the lower extremity. However, females should also include exercises for strength and mobility of the hip abductors and core stability (especially in the frontal plane). This knowledge would allow clinicians and sport practitioners to develop more effective and tailored unilateral dynamic balance training interventions in male and female football players, possibly improving performance and reducing the risk of injury. III.