Maintaining Body Balance Research Articles

Exploring the biomechanical responses of human cupula by numerical analysis of temperature experiments

The vestibular receptor of cupula acts an important role in maintaining body balance. However, the cupula buried in the semicircular canals (SCCs) will be destroyed if it is detached from the relevant environment. The mechanical properties of human cupula still remain ambiguous. In this paper, we explored the cupula responses changing with temperature by experiments and numerical simulation of SCCs model. We obtained 3 volunteers’ nystagmus induced by constant angular acceleration when the temperature of volunteers’ SCCs was 36 °C and 37 °C respectively. The slow-phase velocity of 3 volunteers decreased by approximately 3°/s when the temperature of SCCs reduced by 1 °C, which corresponded to the reduction of cupula deformation by 0.3–0.8 μm in the numerical model. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of the variation of endolymphatic properties induced by temperature reduction on cupula deformation through numerical simulation. We found that the decrease of cupula deformation was not caused by the change of endolymphatic properties, but probably by the increase of cupula’s elastic modulus. With the temperature reducing by 1 °C, the cupula’s elastic modulus may increase by 6–20%, suggesting that the stiffness of cupula is enhanced. This exploration of temperature characteristic of human cupula promotes the research of alleviating vestibular diseases.

The Function of Maintaining Body Balance in Students Involved in Various Sports

The vital activity of any organism is inevitably associated with the impact of many negative environmental factors on it that can impair its function. Eachreaction of the body to influence from the outside is accompanied by a specific reaction of its vegetative structures and muscles, contributing to the maintenance of homeostasis. Successful sports performance requires an impeccable ability to maintain body balance for a long time. Doing different types of sports, to varying degrees, develops t

Effects of Surface Type on Balance Control Strategies in Handstand

Abstract Introduction. A proper manner of maintaining body balance in handstand requires high levels of motor and coordination skills and, first and foremost, specialist training. Therefore, this study sought to determine the effects of surface type on body balance strategies in handstand. Material and Methods. The study included twelve Polish National Team artistic gymnasts with training experience of 16.5 ± 2.12 years. Pedagogical experiment was used as the research method. Body balance assessment of gymnasts was carried out using three tests on different types of the surface. In the first test, the study participants performed handstand on the hard surface. The second one involved executing handstand on canes, whereas the third test consisted in performing handstand on the soft surface. Results. An increase in ground reaction forces (Fx, Fy) was noted in the handstand tests performed on canes (SNS) and on the soft surface (SNA). Conclusions. The analysis revealed that the surface type exerts an influence on the effectiveness of balance control. The findings may constitute the source of knowledge for athletes and coaches about changing conditions of maintaining a stable position when performing handstand during gymnastic training.

Estimation of selected parameters in stabilographic image depending on physical activity level in children and adolescents

Introduction: Balance is an extremely important component of everyday human functioning. Assessment of body balance in children can be not only a diagnostic tool, but also information about the maturation of the balance system, diversity in terms of age and sex, as well as factors affecting balance and its development. In practice, maintaining body balance is a dynamic process, consisting in "continuous loss and regaining balance". According to scientific reports, in addition to age, psychosomatic status, the development of specific sensory-motor capabilities and strategies is also influenced by the type of sport. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess balance in a group of children and adolescents with different levels of sports activity. Material and methods: The study comprised 64 children and adolescents aged 10 to 13. The group was divided into: Group 1 (15 girls and 17 boys) regularly physically active, and Group 2 (17 girls and 15 boys) not undertaking any physical activity. All participants were assessed regarding postural stability using a CQStab2P stabilometric platform. Four tests were carried out for each participant: standing on both feet, on the left and right limb, and free standing with an additional task. The following parameters were analysed: SP (Sway Path) MA (Mean Amplitude) and MF (Mean Frequency). Results: In the majority of cases, the variables indicated statistically significant differences from normal distribution – except for MA-R (on the right lower limb) and MF-T (standing on both feet with additional task). In the case of the SP-L indicators (on the left lower limb), SP-B (standing on both feet), SP-T, MA-B and MA-T, the advantage of low results was observed in the examined sample (distribution accuracy) and clear concentration near the average (leptocurticity of distribution). In the case of the trial to stand on the right lower limb, training subjects obtained statistically significantly higher SP results than those non-training. During the standing test, the length of MA was recorded as statistically significantly lower than in other conditions. In addition, the SA index, when trying to stand on the right lower limb, was statistically significantly higher in relation to the length of the radius when standing on the left limb. Training participants had a higher average radius compared to those not training. Conclusions: Physical training positively affects the results of posturographic examination. Non-training girls have a statistically significantly lower level of SP compared to boys not training and training girls.

FEATURES OF STATOKINETIC STABILITY OF YOUNG GYMNASTS

The aim of the research is an assessment of statokinetic stability of young gymnasts in the annual training cycle by means of conventional stabilographic tests supplemented by vestibular response stimulation. Materials and methods. The research brought together young athletes aged 8-9 years engaged in gymnastics during the early stages of involvement. We used the «Stabilan 01-2» stabilographic hardware-software complex (ZAO OKB «Rhythm», Russia) for the assessment of a statokinetic function. Results. We have provided the analysis of stabilographic indicators of statokinetic stability of young gymnasts in the annual training cycle, as well as children who do not participate in sport. We have revealed statistically significant differences in statokinetic stability between the representatives of the examined contingent and statistically significant positive dynamics in the annual cycle in young athletes. We have demonstrated that application of tests stimulating vestibular response along with conventional approaches for assessing statokinetic resistance results in getting better resistance indicators of gymnasts compared to non-athletes. Conclusion. The research revealed that younger athletes have a higher level of maintaining body balance, especially in conditions of vestibular response stimulation compared to non-athletes. Consequently, it is necessary to complement conventional stabilographic tests with disturbing factors, for example vestibular response stimulation or local fatigue of the muscles of lower extremities.

Bentuk Kaki Berhubungan dengan Keseimbangan Fungsional pada Pasien Neuropati Diabetik

Changes in foot posture in diabetic neuropathy patients affects the function of the legs as the base support in maintaining body balance. The study aimed to determine the correlation foot posture with functional balance in patients with diabetic neuropathy. This study design was analytic cross sectional, recruited 132 diabetic neuropathy patients. Statistical analysis used Chi Square, Pooled T-test, and multiple logistic regression. The results showed a significant correlation between foot posture and functional balance in diabetic neuropathy patients, the power of correlation is moderate and positive direction (p= 0.001; α= 0.05; r= 0,352). This study suggests the nurse to perform early detection and prevention of the risk of falls in diabetic neuropathy patients related to changes in foot posture and functional balance.

Distribution of feet pressure on ground and maintaining body balance among 8–10-year-old children with and without external load application

The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of applying an external load on the distribution of pressure on the plantar side of the foot and maintaining body balance, using the podobarographic platform. The study was conducted on 130 school children aged 8-10: girls (n = 68, body mass = 22.8 ± 6.0 kg, body height = 129.3 ± 7.5 cm) and boys (n = 62, body mass = 31.1 ± 6.5 kg, body height 134.4 ± 7.3 cm). The study involved 2 trials. At first, children stood on the platform assuming a natural position. Then, they put on a 5-kg backpack and stood on the platform once more. The results indicate that after backpack loading, for the total research group of girls and boys, statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of foot force on the ground in the left forefoot ( p = 0.008), metatarsus ( p = 0.000) and heel areas ( p = 0.002). While in the right foot, these differences were noted for the forefoot ( p = 0.024) and metatarsus ( p = 0.000). The results of balance testing were also statistically significant. They concerned measurements of the body barycentre area (cop-bars p = 0.003), the barycentre area of the left foot (l-bars p = 0.034) and the parameter comparing distance to surface ratio (cop-lsf p = 0.000). It may be concluded that prolonged overloading with backpacks affects movement patterns, which may further lead to the acquisition and consolidation of postural defects.

Relative importance of vision and proprioception in maintaining standing balance in people with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundBalance impairment is common and a risk factor of falls in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative importance between vision and proprioception in maintaining standing body balance among individuals with MS compared with healthy individuals. MethodsThirty people with MS (the mean ± standard deviation of the Patient Determined Disability Steps: 3.62 ± 1.67 out of 8) and 25 healthy adults participated in this cross-sectional study. They underwent a static posturography test, consisting of three sensory feedback conditions: eyes open on a firm surface, eyes closed on a firm surface, and eyes open on a compliant surface. Their standing balance performance, quantified by the 95% confidence ellipse area and the total length of the center of pressure trajectory during each sensory condition, was calculated based on the ground reaction force data. The Romberg's quotient (the ratio of the center of pressure measurements on the firm surface between eyes open and eyes closed conditions) and proprioception quotient (the ratio of the center of pressure measurements with eyes open between firm and compliant standing surfaces) were calculated and compared between groups. ResultsPersons with MS demonstrated significantly larger postural sway under all three sensory conditions than their healthy counterparts. The reliance on the vision and proprioception systems in maintaining body balance was greater among people with MS compared to healthy adults. Both groups similarly relied more on the proprioceptive input to keep body balance than on the vision. ConclusionsLike healthy individuals, persons with MS rely more on proprioception to maintain body balance than vision. Our findings could provide preliminary reference for optimizing balance improving programs aimed at person with MS.

Determination of the dependence of competitive results on the procedure of sports selection among Greco-Roman wrestlers

Introduction : the problems of sports selection and selection of prospective children in martial arts schools are quite relevant in the sports practice. It was revealed the use of various selection techniques in the practice of martial arts. There is no unified methodological system for selection in martial arts schools. The purpose of the study : to determine the dependence of the dynamics of sports results of elite athletes on the procedure of sports selection (for example, the Greco-Roman wrestling). Material and methods : elite Greco-Roman wrestlers (n = 114) took part in the research. Age of athletes: 25-45 years. Qualification: International masters of sport (n = 8), masters of sport (n = 49), candidates in masters of sport (n = 57). Athletes filled out a diagnostic card with data on the procedure of sports selection. It was indicated the dynamics of competitive results during the sports career. Indicators of performance and stability of athletes were calculated applying the mathematical statistics methods ( ). The reliability of the results was determined by Student's t-test. Results : Data analysis showed that a significant part of athletes did not pass the selection procedure (n = 23). Many athletes passed only a partial selection procedure (n = 39). Some athletes did not pass the selection procedure. These athletes are not inferior in terms of stability to athletes who passed the selection at the 1st and 2nd levels of competitive results. In subsequent competitions, these athletes demonstrated the reliable (P <0.05) decrease in indicators of stability in comparison with other athletes. It was revealed a significant (P <0.05) advantage in indicators of stability among athletes who passed a partial selection procedure at the 4th level of competitive results. Conclusions : It was found the dependence of stability indicators at high levels of competitive results on the selection procedure of athletes. The athletes who passed the selection procedure demonstrate higher stability at high levels of competitive results. It was revealed a formal attitude to the selection procedure in some coaches and specialists. The trainers do not pay due attention to the indicators of maintaining body balance and coordination abilities during the selection of candidates. It has been revealed that the motor tests applied in the selection procedure do not allow an objective assessment of the potential of athletes' competitive achievements.

Body balance analysis of children and youth with intellectual disabilities.

Children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are an identified group with postural disturbances resulting from a lack of integration among the visual, vestibular and proprioceptive systems. The insufficient level of maturity of the sensory systems is at least partly responsible for disturbances in maintaining body balance. More sway can increase the risk of falls and body injuries. The aims of the study were (1) to compare the ability to maintain the body balance of children and youth with a varying degree of ID, both with the eyes open and closed, and (2) to determine to what extent factors such as sex, level of ID, visual stimulus and body height independently affect the ability to maintain body balance in children and adolescents with ID. The study involved 131 people aged 13-21years (65 girls and 66 boys). The participants were classified as (1) with mild disability (42 girls and 47 boys) and (2) with moderate disability (23 girls and 19 boys), based on IQ test results. Sway measures were collected with the Zebris platform, with the eyes open and closed. Sway path, sway path in anterio-posterior and medio-lateral directions and sway area were analysed. Boys with moderate ID were characterised by a significantly more sway indicating their worse postural balance ability than boys with mild ID, both in the trials with open eyes and closed ones. The type of test (eyes open/eyes closed) to a small extent had influenced the body balance of the examined children with ID. Results of analyses of covariance had showed that all analysed factors (sex, level of ID, type of the test performance and body height), irrespectively from direction of sway (sway path in anterio-posterior and medio-lateral directions), worked independently influencing body balance. It could be assumed that lower height, moderate disability and male sex are factors significantly reducing ability of maintenance of balance of children and youth with ID.

Exposure to cadmium causes inhibition of otolith development and behavioral impairment in zebrafish larvae

Otolith consisting largely of calcium carbonate, fibrous and proteins, is vital for maintaining body balance and/or hearing of fish. The formation of otolith involves Ca2+ transport and deposition. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Cd2+ on otoliths development by using zebrafish embryos as model. The results showed that exposure to Cd2+ inhibited the utricular and saccular otoliths growth, indicated by reduced lateral areas. Swimming speeds were reduced and a losing balance control was observed in Cd2+ exposed larvae. The genes related to Ca2+ transport (e.g. plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase isoform 2, pmca2; Ca2+-ATPase isoform 2, atp2b1a) and regulation (e.g. parathyroid hormone ligand type-1, pth1; stanniocalcin isoform 1, stc1) were significantly downregulated. However, the adverse effects of Cd2+ on otoliths growth and swimming activity can be protected by supplementation of Ca2+ in exposure medium. Body burden of Cd2+ in larvae was reduced upon the supplement with Ca2+. The overall results suggest that exposure to Cd2+ can inhibit influx of Ca2+, leading to less deposition of CaCO3 for otolith growth, and finally result in impaired balance control and swimming activity in zebrafish larvae.

The Influence of Coordination Training on the Index Level of Coordination Motor Abilities in Greco-Roman Wrestlers Aged 13—14

Wrestling belongs to the group of sports disciplines with complex movement activities in which an essential role is played by coordination motor abilities (CMA). A high level of coordination improvement since the earliest years positively influences the process of learning new movements as well as enables to make a more effective use of technical and tactical skills during a sports fight. Therefore, the formation of coordination abilities since the earliest years isthe condition of training young wrestlers effectively .The aim of this study was to show the influence of coordination training on the changes in coordination motor abilities (CMA) in Greco-Roman wrestlers aged 13—14. Boys practising Greco-Roman wrestling (n = 32) in the Student Sports Club UKS “Dwójka” in Radom took part in the research. They were divided into two groups that were at the same sports level: the experimental one (n = 16) and the control one (n = 16). As for those groups, no significant differences concerning somatic features (body mass, height and slenderness indices) were noticed at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, which excluded the influence of puberty on the obtained experiment results. Seven CMA (kinesthetic differentiation, rhythmization, time-space orientation, movement combining, motor adjustment, speed of reaction, balance) were evaluated on the basis of 14 indices. For that reason sports-motor tests of various authors were applied. The tests were first checked in the context of reliability and accuracy. The basic research method was a six-month pedagogical experiment. It involved implementing a larger number of means of different coordination complexity (low, medium, high) in the training of the experimental group. The control group took part only in the classical wrestling training. The experiment included 84 training sessions. The applied means equally influenced all examined coordination abilities. The total volume of such exercises in the whole experiment was 180 minutes per each examined ability. Moreover, special coordination exercises in the form of circuit training as well as coordination wrestling games and plays were applied once a week. The total work volume in both groups was the same. It was observed that sportsmen undergoing coordination training obtained higher values of the examined indices of CMA than those from the control group (p < 0.05). The highest significant increase was noted in the case of rhythmization, maintaining body balance and motor adjustment. The increase ranged from 12.6% to 27.5%. The lowest increase was noticed in the case of movement combining, kinesthetic differentiation and time-space orientation. In this case the increase ranged between 4.7% and 7.3%. Statistically significant differences in CMA between theexperimental and the control group were observed after the experiment (p < 0.05). The obtained research results make it possible to draw the following conclusions: 1. The increase in the volume of varied complexity coordination exercises in the training of wrestlers contributed to a considerable improvement in the level of CMA, i. e. by 11.4% on average, whereas in the group performing traditional training the improvement was only by 3%. 2. The gain score of coordination abilities in wrestlers aged 13—14 was the biggest in the case of the following CMA: rhythmization (19.1%), body balance (17.3%), motor adjustment (15.1%) and speed of reaction (11.3%). The smallest gain score was noticed in movement combining (4.7%), kinesthetic differentiation (4.9%) and time-space orientation (7.1%). 3. After the experiment there occurred significant differences in the level of most indices of CMA in the experimental and control group, which shows that there may exist considerable reserves in the area of CMA. Autonomous coordination training ought to become an essential part of the process of training in wrestling.Keywords: Greco-Roman wrestling, coordination training, coordination motor abilities.

Recent inner ear specialization for high-speed hunting in cheetahs

The cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus, is the fastest living land mammal. Because of its specialized hunting strategy, this species evolved a series of specialized morphological and functional body features to increase its exceptional predatory performance during high-speed hunting. Using high-resolution X-ray computed micro-tomography (μCT), we provide the first analyses of the size and shape of the vestibular system of the inner ear in cats, an organ essential for maintaining body balance and adapting head posture and gaze direction during movement in most vertebrates. We demonstrate that the vestibular system of modern cheetahs is extremely different in shape and proportions relative to other cats analysed (12 modern and two fossil felid species), including a closely-related fossil cheetah species. These distinctive attributes (i.e., one of the greatest volumes of the vestibular system, dorsal extension of the anterior and posterior semicircular canals) correlate with a greater afferent sensitivity of the inner ear to head motions, facilitating postural and visual stability during high-speed prey pursuit and capture. These features are not present in the fossil cheetah A. pardinensis, that went extinct about 126,000 years ago, demonstrating that the unique and highly specialized inner ear of the sole living species of cheetah likely evolved extremely recently, possibly later than the middle Pleistocene.

Objective Assessment of Knee Proprioception and Sensorimotor Function in Patients with Primary Gonarthrosis before and after Knee Replacement.

The sensorimotor system is a complicated tool allowing for maintaining body balance and responding to changing environmental conditions to prevent injury. It is difficult to objectively assess the function of balance control mechanisms due to the multidimensional nature of the sensorimotor system and multitude of variables that may interfere with the measurement. The function of the sensorimotor system is considerably compromised in osteoarthritis, including gona-rthro-sis. The knee is the second most common location of osteoarthritis, after the hip, and total or partial replacement surgery of the knee joint represents the therapy of choice in advanced stages of the condition. As average life expectancy increases and state-of-the art medical technology develops, the number of total knee replacement surgeries is increasing dramatically and the re-education of the sensorimotor system is of fundamental impo-rtance for restoring function in the patients. This paper describes the current methods for objective assessment of proprioception, sensorimotor function and balance in the knee. The current literature is also reviewed to discuss the use of such examinations in pa-tients with gonarthrosis before and after knee replacement surgery.

Investigating Human Balance and Postural Control During Bilateral Stance on BOSU Balance Trainer

Balance and postural control are essential for performing activities of daily living to minimize risks of fall and injury. A proven way to improve postural stability and the perception of the somatosensory system is to utilize devices such as the BOSU balance trainer, wobble board and seesaw platform. It was reported that performing unilateral stance on BOSU could stimulate and eventually improve human neuromuscular system in maintaining body balance. However, this posture is challenging and may not be suitable for individuals with sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, this study investigates the ability of human postural control while performing bilateral stance on BOSU. Increase in center of pressure measures e.g. sway area, sway velocity, and the range of excursion in both anterior–posterior and medial–lateral directions were observed when subjects stood on BOSU, as compared to when they stood on the flat ground (p < 0.01). This study also found that vision played an important role in challenging environment. Significant differences were found when subjects were standing on BOSU with eyes closed and eyes open (p < 0.01). Hence, it can be deduced that bilateral stance on BOSU can stimulate neuromuscular system to coordinate the lower extremity in order to mitigate the instability and to reduce the risk of fall. Individuals with sedentary lifestyle or impaired balance, or patients who are recovering from minor ankle or knee injury can perform bilateral stance on BOSU, instead of unilateral stance to improve their balance and postural control.

Dynamic Postural Control by Body Mass Index and Walking Speed in Korean Elderly

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of body mass index (BMI) and walking speed on postural control in Korean elderly METHODS: A total of 127 elderly (76.4±7.0 yrs, 155.5±8.1 cm, 60.8±10.2 kg, 25.2±3.5 kg/m2) walked on a force platform for 4.5 meter distance on their pace and parameters of postural control such as Envelope Area (ENV), Rectangle Area (REC), total length from center of pressure (TLC), and Sway Velocity (SV) were measured. Based on their walking speed, they were divided into three groups; slow (S, n=41, 6.5< sec), average (A, n=47, ≤6.5 sec), and fast (F, n=44, ≤5 sec). In addition, based on their BMI, they were grouped as; normal weight (NW, n=35, 21.3±1.3, range 18.5-22.9), overweight (OW, n=38, 24.2±0.5, range 23.0-24.9), and obese (OB, n=54, 28.5±2.5 kg/m2, 25≤). Their physical fitness was also measured by 2-min Step Test, 30-second Chair Stand, 8-Ft Up and Go, and One-leg Standing. RESULTS: No differences in age and height were noticed when compared by groups of BMI. Body weight, fat content, and waist circumference were greater as BMI was higher (p<0.05). ENV (299±285, 316±286, and 252±253 mm2), REC (699±720, 985±2137, and 619±683 mm2), TLC (333±175, 331±175, and 289±117 mm), and SV (17±9, 17±9, and 14±6 mm/sec in NW, OW, and OB, respectively) were not different between groups of BMI. When compared by walking speed, all postural parameters such as ENV, REC, TLC, and SV were not different among S, A, and F. When physical fitness variables were analyzed, no group differences by walking speed and BMI were noticed. CONCLUSION: The degree of sway of center of pressure during walking in elderly was not different when it was compared by groups of BMI and walking speed. Capability of maintaining body balance in elderly population during locomotion may not be predicted by their BMI or walking speed.

Animal locomotion in different mediums

Wetlands are repositories of unique biodiversity. Wetland organisms are well adapted to their habitat, lying at the interface of aquatic and terrestrial environments. In order to understand their adaptations in a better way, it is essential to grasp the basic properties of the medium in which various organisms live. This is attempted here by first examining the properties of the two contrasting environments, terrestrial and aquatic. We focus primarily on locomotion, touching upon related life processes like respiration, body size and maintaining body balance by employing basic principles of biology and physics.

Smooth-pursuit eye movements without head movement disrupt the static body balance.

[Purpose] To investigate the changes of body balance in static posture in smooth-pursuit eye movements (SPEMs) without head movement. [Subjects and Methods] Forty subjects (24 males, 16 females) aged 23.24 ± 2.58 years participated. SPEMs were activated in three directions (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal movements); the target speed was set at three conditions (10°/s, 20°/s, and 30°/s); and the binocular visual field was limited to 50°. To compare the body balance changes, the general stability (ST) and the fall risk index (FI) were measured with TETRAX. The subjects wore a head-neck collar and stood on a balance plate for 32 s during each measurement in three directions. SPEMs were induced to each subject with nine target speeds and directions. All measured values were compared with those in stationary fixation. [Results] The ST and FI increased significantly in all SPEMs directions, with an increased target speed than that in stationary fixation. In the same condition of the target speed, the FI had the highest value relative to diagonal SPEMs. [Conclusion] SPEMs without head movement disrupt the stability of body balance in a static posture, and diagonal SPEMs may have a more negative effect in maintaining body balance than horizontal or vertical SPEMs.

Characteristics of autocorrelation structure of lower extremity functional laterality in disturbed and undisturbed bipedal upright stance

PurposeIt is posited that functional laterality is influenced by the generation and conduction of neural signals and therefore associated with sensorimotor control. The question arises if symmetry or asymmetry in sensorimotor processing affects the development of symmetric or asymmetric motor programs in the lower extremities. The purpose of the study was to examine the mechanisms of the human mobility moto-control – the process of maintaining body balance in a standing position through an appropriate course of distribution of ground reaction forces in a time frame, in a situation requiring lower extremity Movement symmetry.MethodsThe autocorrelation function was calculated for ground reaction forces (in the three orthogonal axes) registered during 45 s of bipedal upright stance in two conditions (eyes open and closed).ResultsMinor albeit significant deficiencies in postural muscle control were revealed as a function of time, as evidenced in the decay of the autocorrelation function to zero (T&lt;sub&gt;0&lt;/sub&gt;) between the right and left foot for the mediolateral ground reaction force signal. However, the results attest to symmetrical sensorimotor control between both feet.ConclusionsMotor actions (postural corrections) performed in long-duration tasks may have less of an effect on sensorimotor control than those applied in shorter duration projections. ANOVA and correlation analysis (across all variables) of the right and left foot T0 indicate considerable symmetry in the control of force magnitude and direction during upright standing.

The level of body balance in a handstand and the effectiveness of sports training in gymnastics

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the level of maintaining body balance in a handstand among gymnasts at the stage of directed and championship training and to prove a relationship with the sports result, taking into account the difficulty and the quality of exercises. Material/Methods: The study involved boys aged 11–12 years systematically training gymnastics (G1, n = 20) and 12 experienced gymnasts aged 18–26 years with an accomplished international class (G2, n = 12). Both groups comprised top athletes classified at the national and the international level.The study was conducted prior to the apparatus trial, on the day preceding competition in an official sports tournament. The trial of maintaining the body balance in a handstand was carried out in a closed room after about a 10-minute warm-up. Results: An analysis of the tests showed significant differences in the level of maintaining the body bal-ance in a handstand. The largest one was reported in Area 95, whose field in experienced athletes was less than half the size (X = 8.16cm² ±8.06cm²) of the younger group ( X = 19.81cm² ±8.74cm²). Conclusions: The study of correlations of the body balance in a handstand with the level of sports prepara-tion has shown that the level of this specific to artistic gymnastics skill plays a big role in shap-ing sports mastery both among young gymnasts with a few years’ experience and among ex-perienced athletes with the international class.