Balance Test Performance Research Articles

Effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise on balance, falls, and motor function in older adults: a meta-analysis.

This study systematically evaluated Tai Chi's effects on balance, fall prevention, and physical function in older adults. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and EMbase databases included randomized controlled trials published up to August 2024. The meta-analysis used RevMan 5.4 and applied the GRADE framework to assess evidence quality. Twenty-two studies met the criteria. Tai Chi significantly improved balance and physical function, particularly in the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), one-leg standing with eyes closed (OLS-C), and Timed up-and-go test (TUG). Fear of falling (FOF) also reduced, though changes in Tinetti Balance Test (TBT) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were not statistically significant. Tai Chi effectively enhances balance and physical function in older adults, with notable potential for fall risk reduction. While some tests showed no significant effect, overall results support Tai Chi as a valuable intervention to promote older adults' health. https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2024-8-0082/.

Sensor-Based Gait and Balance Assessment in Healthy Adults: Analysis of Short-Term Training and Sensor Placement Effects.

While the analysis of gait and balance can be an important indicator of age- or disease-related changes, it remains unclear if repeated performance of gait and balance tests in healthy adults leads to habituation effects, if short-term gait and balance training can improve gait and balance performance, and whether the placement of wearable sensors influences the measurement accuracy. Healthy adults were assessed before and after performing weekly gait and balance tests over three weeks by using a force plate, motion capturing system and smartphone. The intervention group (n = 25) additionally received a home-based gait and balance training plan. Another sample of healthy adults (n = 32) was assessed once to analyze the impact of sensor placement (lower back vs. lower abdomen) on gait and balance analysis. Both the control and intervention group exhibited improvements in gait/stance. However, the trends over time were similar for both groups, suggesting that targeted training and repeated task performance equally contributed to the improvement of the measured variables. Since no significant differences were found in sensor placement, we suggest that a smartphone used as a wearable sensor could be worn both on the lower abdomen and the lower back in gait and balance analyses.

Порівняння показників динамічної рівноваги за методикою STAR EXCURSION BALANCE TEST спортсменів, що займаються карате WKF, фехтуванням та рукопашем гопак

Purpose: to compare the Star Excursion Balance Test performance of male representatives of karate, fencing, and hopak hand-to-hand combat. Material and methods. The study was conducted at the Ivan Bobersky Lviv State University of Physical Culture at the Department of Fencing, Boxing and National Martial Arts in the period November-December 2023. Qualified male athletes aged 18-22 in the number of 31 participated in the collection of experimental material, including there were 10 representatives of karate according to the WKF version, 12 representatives of fencing, 9 representatives of hopak hand-to-hand combat. Research methods: analysis of literary sources and materials from the Internet; pedagogical research; measurement of basic anthropometric indicators of athletes (height, body weight, length of arms and legs); measurement of Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT); methods of mathematical statistics. A comparison of the anthropometric indicators of karate fighters, fencers and hopak hand-to-hand combatants did not reveal any statistically significant differences between them. At the same time, swordsmen have slightly longer legs (98,4 cm) at the same height than hopak (96,3 cm) and karate (95,6 cm). Karate fighters with a relatively smaller height (177,2 cm) have relatively longer arms (78,8 cm) than swordsmen (179,5 cm and 75,9 cm, respectively) and representatives of hopak hand-to-hand combat (179,4 cm and 78,8 cm respectively). On average, the shortest arms in this study were found in fencers. In fencers, significantly better (Р<0,05) SEBT indicators of legs were found, compared to similar results of representatives of hand-to-hand combat hopak (positions 1, 2 of the left, and 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 of both legs) and karate (positions 1, 2, 4 of the left, and 5, 6, 7 of both legs). This can be explained by the specifics of training in this type of single combat. Fencers with relatively shorter arms demonstrate the same, and in some positions, relatively better SEBT results of the belt of the upper limbs, compared to representatives of karate (positions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 - left, 2, 4, 7, 8 - right) and hopak arm wrestling (positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 – left, 2, 3, 4, 7 – right). Karate fighters have a slight advantage in SEBT indicators of the upper belt (positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 - left) and lower limbs (positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 - both legs), compared to the results of hopak hand-to-hand combatants, with somewhat smaller anthropometric indicators. Conclusions. The results of the work showed better indicators of SEBT in fencers, compared to representatives of karate version of WKF and hopak hand-to-hand combat. This is especially observed in SEBT indicators of the lower extremities. This fact is explained by the specificity of many years of training in fencing, where the result depends precisely on the development of the athletes' lower limbs. At the same time, SEBT indicators of the upper limbs in fencers do not have the same bright manifestation. Karate fighters have some advantage in the SEBT indicators of the upper and lower limb belt, compared to the SEBT indicators of hopak hand-to-hand combatants. Given the above, we can conclude that long-term training in a particular type of martial arts has its own imprint on anthropometric and SEBT indicators.

What is the influence of biomechanical variables on the Y balance test performance in recreational runners?

BackgroundAsymmetries and poor Y balance test (YBT) performance are associated with an increased risk of injuries in athletes. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between YBT performance with biomechanical variables in runners. MethodsThe runners underwent the YBT, followed by the assessment of center of pressure, plank position, muscle strength (MS) of hip flexors, extensors, abductors, and external rotators, knee extensors, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), Q angle, forefoot alignment, and passive hip internal rotation. Associations between variables were examined using multiple linear regression models with the Bayesian Information Criterion. Results122 cases were analyzed. The R2 values were 0.38; 0.05; 0.06; and 0.15 for the anterior, posteromedial, posterolateral and composite directions models, respectively. The anterior reach in the YBT was associated with ankle dorsiflexion ROM [Sβ 95%IC: 0.43 (0.32–0.55)], passive hip internal rotation [Sβ 95%IC: 0.35 (0.24–0.47)], MS of the hip extensors [Sβ 95%IC: 0.19 (0.07–0.31)] and forefoot alignment [Sβ 95%IC: 0.14 (-0.25-0.02)]. The posteromedial and posterolateral reach were associated with MS of the hip flexors [Sβ 95%IC: 0.23 (0.09–0.37) and 0.24 (0.11–0.38)], respectively. The composite score was associated with MS of the hip flexors [Sβ 95%IC: 0.31 (0.18–0.45)], ankle dorsiflexion ROM [Sβ 95%IC: 0.24 (0.10–0.37)] and Q angle [Sβ 95%IC: 0.18 (0.04–0.31)]. ConclusionYBT performance in different directions demonstrated specific associations with key biomechanical factors.

Salidroside directly activates HSC70, revealing a new role for HSC70 in BDNF signalling and neurogenesis after cerebral ischemia.

Salidroside, a principal bioactive component of Rhodiola crenulata, is neuroprotective across a wide time window in stroke models. We investigated whether salidroside induced neurogenesis after cerebral ischemia and aimed to identify its primary molecular targets. Rats, subjected to transient 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), received intraperitoneal vehicle or salidroside ± intracerebroventricular HSC70 inhibitor VER155008 or TrkB inhibitor ANA-12 for up to 7 days. MRI, behavioural tests, immunofluorescent staining and western blotting measured effects of salidroside. Reverse virtual docking and enzymatic assays assessed interaction of salidroside with purified recombinant HSC70. Salidroside dose-dependently decreased cerebral infarct volumes and neurological deficits, with maximal effects by 50 mg/kg/day. This dose also improved performance in beam balance and Morris water maze tests. Salidroside significantly increased BrdU+/nestin+, BrdU+/DCX+, BrdU+/NeuN+, BrdU-/NeuN+ and BDNF+ cells in the peri-infarct cortex, with less effect in striatum and no significant effect in the subventricular zone. Salidroside was predicted to bind with HSC70. Salidroside dose-dependently increased HSC70 ATPase and HSC70-dependent luciferase activities, but it did not activate HSP70. HSC70 immunoreactivity concentrated in the peri-infarct cortex and was unchanged by salidroside. However, VER155008 prevented salidroside-dependent increases of neurogenesis, BrdU-/NeuN+ cells and BDNF+ cells in peri-infarct cortex. Salidroside also increased BDNF protein and p-TrkB/TrkB ratio in ischemic brain, changes prevented by VER155008 and ANA-12, respectively. Additionally, ANA-12 blocked salidroside-dependent neurogenesis and increased BrdU-/NeuN+ cells in the peri-infarct cortex. Salidroside directly activates HSC70, thereby stimulating neurogenesis and neuroprotection via BDNF/TrkB signalling after MCAO. Salidroside and similar activators of HSC70 might provide clinical therapies for ischemic stroke.

PREDICTING FALLS IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Falls are detrimental to older adults causing injury and mortality. Although clinical assessments of balance deficits exist, it is not well understood how well they predict falls. Longitudinal analysis utilized data from 688 men and women aged 60-97 enrolled in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging with index and subsequent visits approximately 1.7 years apart. Inclusion criteria included objective balance assessment at index visit and answering the question “Have you fallen in the past 12 months?” at both visits. Predictors of interest included thigh muscle strength, progressive static balance test performance, narrow walk, and sway reference with eyes closed/feet together. Tests were parameterized using validated methods. Adjusted logistic regression was modeled to estimate the association between objective measures of balance and fall risk. Adjustment variables included age, sex, race, height, and weight. Results reported those who failed the eyes closed/feet together position had 3.6 (95% CI 1.03, 12.81) times the odds of future falls compared with those who passed. Those who failed the semi-tandem, tandem, and single leg stance, had respectively 3.1 (1.44, 6.75), 3.6 (1.59, 8.06) and 4.8 (1.93, 12.09) times greater odds of history of falls compared with those who did not fail. Progressive standing balance performance did not predict future falls. The eyes closed/feet together test is easily administered, requires no equipment, and takes less than 30 seconds to complete. Failure of eyes closed/feet together may predict future falls, which is clinically relevant as this may suggest shifting the momentum towards proactively preventing an initial fall.

Impact of balance on the energetic cost of walking and gait speed.

Examine the relationship between balance test performance and the energetic cost of walking (ECW) and gait speed. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Men (48%) and women aged 60-96 years enrolled in the BLSA between 2007 and 2020 (n = 1132). Balance was assessed using narrow walk (NW) and progressive standing balance tests (SB). ECW measured during 2.5-min usual paced walk while participants wore a portable indirect calorimeter. Gait speed assessed over 6-m. Each test parameterized using validated methods. Statistical analysis to compare balance measures to ECW, and gait speed used generalized logistic regression models and adjustments for age, sex, race, height, weight, and comorbidities. Cross-sectionally, mean ECW was higher and gait speed slower in persons who failed the NW than those who passed (0.189 vs. 0.164 mL/kg/m, p < 0.0001 and 0.96 vs. 1.15 m/s, p < 0.0001, respectively). Mean ECW was increasingly higher and gait speed slower over three progressively challenging SB tests (0.207 vs. 0.171 vs. 0.164 mL/kg/m, p < 0.0001 and 0.95 vs. 1.05 vs. 1.15 m/s, p < 0.0001). Over an average 2.4 years, those who declined in SB and NW had a higher ECW and slower gait speed than persons who maintained performance (SB: 0.18 vs. 0.160 mL/kg/m, p = 0.0003, and 1.00 vs. 1.13 m/s, p = <0.001; NW: 0.175 vs. 0.160 mL/kg/m, p = 0.002, and 1.04 vs. 1.14 m/s, p = 0.001). Persons who improved had lower ECW and faster gait speed than those who failed at both visits (SB: 0.169 vs. 0.240 mL/kg/m, p = 0.0002, and 0.99 vs. 0.94 m/s, p = 0.67, NW: 0.163 vs. 0.195 mL/kg/m, p = 0.0005, and 1.10 vs. 0.92 m/s, p < 0.001). Instability contributes to higher ECW and slower gait speed which suggests that rehabilitation efforts to improve balance may help maintain function further into older adulthood and delay mobility limitation.

Effect and feasibility of the combination of branched chain amino acid and exercise therapy on muscle mass and echo intensity of muscle in orthopedic patients in a convalescent rehabilitation hospital: A crossover trial.

This study examined the feasibility of nutritional support combined with exercise intervention for restoring muscle and physical functions in convalescent orthopedic patients. We used a crossover design in which nutritional support combined with exercise intervention was administered daily during the early (1 month) and late (1 month) cycles with a 1-week washout period. The exercise intervention was performed twice daily for 2 months in the early and late groups. The exercise intervention consisted of one set of muscle strength, stretching, and physical activity exercises for 20 min each. Nutritional interventions were administered immediately after the exercise. A 3.4 g of branched-chain amino acid supplements (BCAAs) or 1.2 g of starch was ingested. We measured the skeletal muscle mass and isometric muscle strength of the limbs and performed balance tests. After the crossover, the BCAA and Placebo groups were compared. The ratio of improvement in the echo intensity of the rectus femoris (RF) was significantly higher in the BCAA group. A comparison of the order of nutritional intervention showed a significant effect on the RF echo intensity in both groups only when BCAAs were administered. This study's results suggest that the proposed combined intervention improves muscle quality and mass in convalescent orthopedic patients.

Exploring the relationship of static and dynamic balance with muscle mechanical properties of the lower limbs in healthy young adults.

There is emerging evidence that mechanical properties of in vivo muscle tissues are associated with postural sway during quiet standing. However, it is unknown if the observed relationship between mechanical properties with static balance parameters generalise to dynamic balance. Thus, we determined the relationship between static and dynamic balance parameters with muscle mechanical properties of the ankle plantar flexors [lateral gastrocnemius (GL)] and knee extensors [vastus lateralis (VL)] in vivo. Twenty-six participants (men = 16, women = 10; age = 23.3 ± 4.4years) were assessed for static balance [centre of pressure (COP) movements during quiet standing], dynamic balance (reach distances for the Y-balance test) and mechanical properties (stiffness and tone) of the GL and VL measured in the standing and lying position. Significant (p < .05) small to moderate inverse correlations were observed between the mean COP velocity during quiet standing with stiffness (r = -.40 to -.58, p = .002 to .042) and tone (r = -0.42 to -0.56, p = 0.003 to 0.036) of the GL and VL (lying and standing). Tone and stiffness explained 16%-33% of the variance in the mean COP velocity. Stiffness and tone of the VL measured in the lying (supine) condition were also inversely significantly correlated with Y balance test performance (r = -0.39 to -0.46, p = 0.018 to 0.049). These findings highlight that individuals with low muscle stiffness and tone exhibit faster COP movements during quiet standing, indicative of reduced postural control but also reveal that low VL stiffness and tone are associated with greater reach distances in a lower extremity reaching task, indicative of greater neuromuscular performance.

An 11-week school-based “health education through football” programme improves musculoskeletal variables in 10–12-yr-old Danish school children

PurposeTo investigate the effects of the “11 for Health” programme on musculoskeletal fitness. MethodsA total of 108 Danish children aged 10–12 years participated in the study, with 61 children in the intervention group (IG, 25 girls and 36 boys) and 47 children in the control group (CG, 21 girls and 26 boys). Measurements were conducted before and after an 11-week intervention consisting of twice-weekly 45-min football training sessions for IG or continuation of normal Physical Education program for CG. Whole-body dual X-ray absorptiometry was conducted for evaluation of leg and total bone mineral density as well as bone, muscle and fat mass. Standing Long Jump and Stork balance tests were employed to assess musculoskeletal fitness and postural balance. ResultsDuring the 11-week study period, leg bone mineral density as well as leg lean body mass increased more (p < 0.05) in the intervention group (IG) compared to the control group (CG) (0.021 ± 0.019 vs 0.014 ± 0.018 g/cm2 and 0.51 ± 0.46 vs 0.32 ± 0.35 kg, respectively). Moreover, body fat percentage decreased more in IG than in CG (−0.6 ± 0.1 vs 0.1 ± 0.1 %-points, p < 0.05). No significant between-group differences were found in bone mineral content. Stork balance test performance increased more in IG than in CG (0.5 ± 2.6 vs −1.5 ± 4.4 s, p < 0.05), whereas no between-group differences were found in jump performance. ConclusionsThe school-based football programme, 11 for Health, with twice-weekly 45-min training sessions over 11 weeks improves various, but not all evaluated parameters related to musculoskeletal fitness in 10–12-yr-old Danish school children.

Altered Ankle Muscle Activation at 2-Year Post Achilles Tendon Repair: An Age, Gender, and Activity Level-Matched Comparison With Healthy Subjects.

The study purpose was to compare the ankle muscle activation and dynamic ankle joint stability of subjects who underwent endoscopy-assisted Achilles tendon repair (ATR; at ≥ 2y postsurgery) with age, gender, and activity level-matched healthy control group subjects. Prospective, cross-sectional study. All functional tests were performed on the involved ankle of the ATR group, and at the matched side of healthy age, gender, and activity-level control group subjects. Fifteen men in each group were evaluated for medial and lateral gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus muscle activation during modified star excursion balance test and heel-rise test performance. The weight-bearing lunge test (ankle dorsiflexion) and heel-rise test distance (ankle plantar flexion) also determined weight-bearing, active ankle mobility magnitudes. The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score provided patient-reported outcome perceptions specific to Achilles tendon rupture and comprehensive foot and ankle symptoms and function, respectively. Medial (P = .005) and lateral (P = .012) gastrocnemius displayed greater activation amplitudes in the ATR group during the star excursion balance test, and peroneus longus displayed greater activation amplitudes during the heel-rise test (P = .006). The star excursion balance test reach distance was comparable between groups. Active weight-bearing ankle plantar flexion (heel-rise test) and dorsiflexion (weight-bearing lunge test) mobility magnitudes were lower in the ATR group. Subjects who underwent endoscopy-assisted percutaneous ATR had reduced active weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion mobility magnitudes and greater gastrocnemius and peroneus longus neuromuscular activation when performing the same tasks as healthy control group subjects. As surgical approaches evolve to less invasive, soft tissue preserving methods with less tissue morbidity and faster healing, rehabilitation approaches may likewise need to evolve. Level III.

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

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

Does tandem balance test predict cognitive impairment among older adults? Findings from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, 2017-18.

Ageing entails a decline in physical and functional abilities including a reduced body balance due to complex integration and coordination of sensory acuity, motor control, neural and cognitive functions. This study aimed to examine the association between tandem balance test and cognitive impairment among older Indian adults. The study also examined the gender differentials in the associations with an interaction analysis. Data for this study were drawn from the recent release of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (2017-18). The total sample size for the present study included 26,539 older adults age 60years and above. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were used to present the preliminary results. Two sample proportion test was used to evaluate the significance for gender differences. Further, multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent association of balance test performance and cognitive impairment among older adults. Nearly 16% of male and 26% of female older adults could not finish full tandem test in this study. There were significant gender differences in cognitive impairment among older adults (male-6.5% and female-18.9%). The likelihood of cognitive impairment was significantly higher among older adults who could not finish the full tandem test compared to those who finished the tandem test [AOR: 1.22; CI: 1.09-1.36]. The interaction model revealed that older females who could not finish the full tandem test were 2.11 times significantly more likely to be cognitively impaired in reference to older males who finished the full tandem test [AOR: 2.11; CI: 1.81,2.45]. Similarly, older females who finished the full tandem test were 2.42 times significantly more likely to be cognitively impaired in reference to older males who finished the full tandem test [AOR: 2.42; CI: 2.02,2.88]. The findings of the study suggest that healthcare professionals working with older adults should consider the results of a balance test to screen for their risk of cognitive impairment. Results fromthe relationship between failing to finish the tandem test and cognitive impairment may be helpful for identifying older men and women who are at higher risk of experiencing mobility decline and their progression to dementia.

Effects of Oral Levodopa on Balance in People with Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease.

Balance impairment is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). As opposed to the effects of appendicular motor symptoms, the effects of Levodopa on balance impairment in idiopathic PD are less clear. To review the literature on the effects of oral Levodopa on clinical balance test performance, posturography, step initiation, and responses to perturbation in people with idiopathic PD (PwPD). A systematic search of three scientific databases (Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science) was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. For the pilot meta-analysis, standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using an inverse variance random effects model. Data not suitable for implementation in the meta-analysis (missing means or standard deviations, and non-independent outcomes) were analyzed narratively. A total of 2772 unique studies were retrieved, of which 18 met the eligibility criteria and were analyzed, including data of 710 idiopathic PwPD. Levodopa had a significant positive effect on the Berg Balance Scale, the Push and Release test, and jerk and frequency parameters during posturography. In contrast, some significant negative effects on velocity-based sway parameters were found during posturography and step initiation. However, Levodopa had no significant effect on most step initiation- and all perturbation parameters. The effects of Levodopa on balance in PwPD vary depending on the outcome parameters and patient inclusion criteria. A systematic approach with well-defined outcome parameters, and prespecified, sensitive and reliable tests is needed in future studies to unravel the effects of oral Levodopa on balance.

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

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

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

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

SLEEP QUALITY AND CHRONOTYPE DIFFERENCES IN CORRELATION TO THE BALANCE CONTROL IN JUVENILE ELITE SPEED SKATERS

Sleep is one of the main tools of regeneration, thanks to which physical and psychological parameters are restored and thus balances the negative impact of stress on the human body. The aim of the study is to analyze sleep quality and chronotype differences in correlation to the balance control in juvenile elite speed skaters. For the research survey it was selected 20 speed skaters (age average 17.6 years) from four elite Czech speed skating clubs. The following methods were used: content analysis, Life Rhythm and Sleep Questionnaire, University of Pittsburgh Questionnaire on Sleep Quality (PSQI), and a battery of functional balance tests. The measured data were analyzed by descriptive statistics using numerical and graphical methods, absolute and relative frequencies. The analysis of the results showed a positive correlation between the M-E score and the performance in the functional balance tests, and also showed a significant difference in the Bass test between men and women. Furthermore, it was found that men achieved a lower M-E score than women Deteriorated level of mental health was found in 10% of the examined speed skaters. The research survey thus showed that the global trend of today's society, which is a strong inclination to the evening typology, also applies to juvenile elite athletes, which is an undesirable phenomenon in terms of balance control and performance in speed skating. The results of the presented study may be useful for training focus of coaches or athletes.

Re-examining the relationship between measures of static and dynamic balance among young adults

Balance is essential to several activities of daily life, from the capacity to stand independently to the execution of complex sport movements. The extent to which balance can be improved has led researchers to consider whether underlying features of a general balance ability exists, and whether they can be used to predict performance on future balance tasks. Adjacent to this investigation is the debate between theorists who support a general motor ability (GMA) and those who advocate for motor specificity. The notion of task specificity has been supported within the literature, such as the highly cited study by Drowatzky and Zuccato (1967) that compared balance tasks, finding weak correlations between tasks assessed. The purpose of the current study was to replicate this classic study using a more mature, contemporary sample and investigate the relationship between six static and dynamic measures of balance among a young adult population to determine if there is continuing support for this notion. Standardized instructions and procedures were followed when completing the Stork Stand Test, Diver’s Stand Test, Bass Lengthwise Stick Test, Sideward Leap Test, Modified Bass Stepping Stone Test, and a Modified Balance Beam Test. Five hundred and seventy university students completed these six balance performance tests. A Spearman’s rank-order correlation test, assessing the relationship between the results, revealed significant weak to moderate correlations. These results contrasted with the original study that yielded weak correlations between balance tasks, with only one correlation reaching significance (Drowatzky &amp; Zuccato, 1967). While the nature of the tasks assessed made it difficult to draw conclusions with respect to the motor specificity hypothesis, they allowed further reflection on the complexity of balance, and on the specificity of practice hypothesis, thus calling to revisit the debate.

Deficits in Dynamic Balance and Hop Performance Following ACL Reconstruction Are Not Dependent on Meniscal Injury History.

Athletes often exhibit persistent deficits in dynamic balance and hop performance in their involved limb following ACL reconstruction. However, it is unclear how meniscal injury history affects inter-limb asymmetry. The purpose of this study was to compare inter-limb asymmetry in dynamic balance and hop performance in athletes with and without a history of concomitant meniscal injury. Cross-sectional study. Dynamic balance and hop test data were analyzed for 34 adolescent athletes who had undergone ACL reconstruction; 19 athletes had sustained an isolated ACL tear, while 15 had sustained an ACL tear along with a meniscus injury. Athletes who had sustained a meniscus injury were sub-divided into those who underwent a meniscal repair (n = 9) versus a partial meniscectomy (n = 6). Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y-Balance Test, while hop performance was assessed using the single and triple hop tests. Data were recorded at the time of return-to-sport testing (5-11 months post-surgery). For each variable, mixed-model analysis of variance, with a between-subjects factor of group (isolated ACL tear, meniscal repair, partial meniscectomy) and a within-subjects factor of limb (involved, uninvolved), was conducted. The groups exhibited similar degrees of inter-limb asymmetry in dynamic balance and hop test performance, as there was not a group-by-limb interaction effect for the Y-Balance Test distances (p ≥ 0.43) or hop test distances (p ≥ 0.96). However, there was a main effect of limb for the anterior and posteromedial Y-Balance Test distances and the single and triple hop test distances (p ≤ 0.004). For each variable, performance was worse for the involved limb, compared to the uninvolved limb. It appears that deficits in dynamic balance and hop performance among adolescent athletes who have undergone ACL reconstruction are not dependent on meniscal injury/surgery history. 3.

GENÇ FUTBOLCULARDA DİRENÇ BANDI EGZERSİZLERİNİN BAZI PERFORMANS PARAMETRELERİNE ETKİSİ

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of resistance band exercises on some performance parameters in young football players. Active and trained 16 male football players (age: 15.18 ± .40 years; height: 170.81 ± 7.21 cm; weight: 59.43 ± 8.61 kg; body mass index (BMI): 20.26 ± 1.60 kg/m2) voluntarily participated in this study. Subjects performed two different warmup protocols including jogging+dynamic stretching exercises and jogging+dynamic stretching+resistance band exercises on non-consecutive days. Following the warm-up protocols and then three minutes of passive recovery, subjects were tested on the balance test, reaction time test, vertical jump and anaerobic power test, Illinois agility test, 30-m sprint, and ball kicking speed. Data were checked for normality by using Shapiro-Wilk test. Comparison between groups was analyzed with paired sample t-test. Besides, Cohen’s d was utilized in calculation of effect size. Statistical analyses and interpretations of the data were accepted as p&amp;lt;0.05. In comparison of the balance, vertical jump, 30-m sprint, and Illinois agility tests results between two groups, resistance band exercises were found to have positive effects on performance in all tests. However, statistically significant differences were detected in balance, agility, and sprint tests (p&amp;lt;0.05). In conclusion, balance, vertical jump, 30-m sprint, and Illinois agility test performance parameters of football players improved following the resistance band exercises. Accordingly, it is recommended that coaches and athletes incorporate resistance band exercises into sport-specific warmup protocols, and resistance band exercises should be performed in pre-training warm up session for achieving high performance in football players.