Balance Test Performance Research Articles

Greater Star Excursion Balance Test Performance in Thai Khon Masked Dancers Versus Nondancers.

The Khon masked dance drama is an authentic Thai classical performance that has been handed down for centuries. The performance has many unique choreographic patterns that are typical of the Southeast Asian performing arts. The Thai Khon masked dance consists of a combination of balance control and limb movement in different rhythms. The grace and beauty of Khon performances are dependent on the precision of the limb movement's curve, angle, and specific position. The connection between balance control and body movements during performance is crucial. The purpose of this study was to compare postural control between Thai Khon masked dancers and nondancers and explore bilateral asymmetry in postural control during single leg standing between the dominant and non -dominant legs using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Thai Khon masked dancers (n = 25) and nondancers (n = 25) were asked to identify their dominant leg and perform the SEBT using both legs. The reaching distances in different directions from the SEBT were converted to a normalized distance for comparison. A mixed model ANOVA and t-test were applied to determine the differences between directions in both the dominant and non-dominant legs. The interaction between dancer and nondancer groups was also verified .The results showed that dancers performed better on SEBT than nondancers in all directions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Thai Khon masked dancers demonstrated a superior ability to maintain dynamic postural control during the SEBT. When considering all directions together, the dominant side was not a factor that affected postural control during the SEBT. This study adds further supporting evidence that Khon masked dance training improves dynamic balance control and can possibly be applied as a recreational exercise to promote balance performance .

Differences in the manifestation of balance according to BMI levels for women students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports

Abstract Background: Static and dynamic balance are factors of major importance in the manifestation of human motor skills at a higher level. Purpose: The determination of vari-ations in the performance of balance tests for young women students at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports (48 cases in the 1st year of bachelor's degree), divided and analyzed 3 BMI levels (underweight / 7 cases, normal weight / 34 cases and overweight / 7 cases) and comparing these results with other similar research. Material and method: The testing of the group was scheduled at the Research Center for Human Performance, be-longing to the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports in Galați, in the month of April of the 2018-2019 academic year. For the assessment of balance, 7 tests were used, of which 4 associated with dynamic postural stability (Walk and turn field sobriety test/errors, Func-tional reach test/cm, Fukuda test/degrees of rotation, Bass test/ points) and 3 measuring static stability (Flamingo test/falls, One leg standing with eyes closed/sec, Stork test/sec). Nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney U) were applied to compare differences between batches. Results: The average values of underweight and normal-weight women are better than those of overweight women for the entire set of assessment tests. The underweight group has the best results for the Standing balance test, Functional reach test, Flamingo test, Walk and turn field sobriety test, Fukuda test, and the normal weight women for Stork test, respectively Bass test. We found a lack of significant thresholds when comparing the results between the 3 groups (P&gt; 0.05) for Stork test, Standing balance test and Functional reach test, so the working hypothesis formulated is only partially confirmed. The only significant difference between underweight and normal weight (P &lt;0.05) is found in the Flamingo test, with better values for underweight. Significant difference thresholds for Flamingo test and Fukuda test are recorded between the underweight and overweight groups (Z values have associated thresholds P&lt;0.05). The most significant differences are found between the normal weight and overweight groups (P &lt;0.05), respectively for the Bass test, Fukuda test and Walk and turn field sobriety test. Conclusion: Constant physical activity (as a feature of the analyzed group) reduces the chances of significant differences in all balance tests between BMI levels. Keywords: female students; university specialization; static and dynamic postural control; physical activity

Reverse innovation in western healthcare: a randomised crossover trial comparing the ReMotion prosthetic knee with the current standard of care

IntroductionHealthcare expenses are reaching unaffordable levels worldwide and reverse innovation could play a role in decreasing these expenses and improving healthcare accessibility. The ReMotion Knee, a prosthetic knee primarily developed...

Effects of integrative neuromuscular training intervention on physical performance in elite female table tennis players: A randomized controlled trial.

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of integrative neuromuscular training (INT) on physical performance in elite female table tennis players.MethodsTwenty-four Chinese elite female table tennis players were randomized into either INT (n = 12) group or control group (CON; n = 12). INT group performed four INT sessions every week for 8 weeks, while CON group performed traditional physical fitness training. One repetition maximal (1RM), vertical jump, Y balance test and 30-meter sprinting performance were tested before and after intervention.ResultsNo between groups differences were detected for any tests before intervention. Significant group by time (before or after intervention) interaction effects were observed in 1RM, vertical jump, bilateral lower limb reaching distance at posteromedial and posterolateral directions, and right leg at the anterior direction for the Y balance test (all p < 0.05), but not for the left leg at the anterior direction or the 30-meter sprinting performance (both p > 0.05). Post-hoc analysis for measurements with significant interactions revealed that all significant changes were at the ING group (all p < 0.05), while no changes for the CON group were observed (all p > 0.05).ConclusionEight weeks INT significantly improved strength, power and balance in Chinese elite female table tennis players. Adopting INT in table tennis players may improve their physical performance and lead to better sports performance.

Effect of smooth eye tracking in different patterns on results of the modified Clinical Balance Sensory Integration Test in healthy young adults

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine whether eye tracking of a point moving in different directions influences balance test performance in young healthy subjects. Methods: The study enrolled 45 healthy young adults aged 19–26. Balance assessment was carried out according to the modified Clinical Balance Sensory Integration Test protocol using the Biodex Balance System with an additional 63” screen to present the eye-tracking task. Each participant repeated measurements in standing on a stable and foam surface in six test conditions: two without eye tracking with eyes open and eyes closed, and four with eye tracking: with vertical, horizontal, star, and circle moving point. Each trial lasted 30 sec. Results: Regression analysis for the Sway Index showed that there was no impact of eye tracking on test results (p = 0.4326), although detailed analysis showed a significant impact of tracking a point moving in a circle in standing on a foam surface (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: The presented results show that eye-tracking does not influence the results of the balance test with exception of eye-tracking of the circle movement in standing on a foam surface. It suggests that eye movements may affect the test results when performing more difficult balance tests.

The Effect of Sex, Sport Participation, and Concussion History on Baseline Concussion Balance Test Performance in Division-I Collegiate Athletes

Explore the effect of baseline characteristics such as sex, sport, and concussion history on the Concussion Balance Test (COBALT) performance in collegiate athletes. The COBALT is a recently developed clinical balance assessment specifically for athletic populations following concussion. The task conditions of the COBALT are designed to challenge sensory integration and reweighting processing underlying postural control. It has been documented that balance performance is influenced by factors such as sex and sport in collegiate athletes. One-hundred twenty seven collegiate athletes (77 male, 50 female; age: 19.81 ± 1.39; height: 68.77 ± 5.57 in; mass: 80.98 ± 26.15 kg), who participated in Division-I football, soccer, or cheerleading were included. Participants completed the 4 baseline conditions (Condition 3, 4, 7, 8) of the COBALT. Condition 3 (C3) included a side-to-side headshake with eyes closed. For Condition 4 (C4) the participant stood with hands clasped, elbows extended, and thumbs up while rotating their trunk side-to-side, visually focusing on their thumbs. Conditions 7 (C7) and 8 (C8) repeated C3 and C4 on a foam surface. Two 20-second trials of each condition were completed on a forceplate and the mean angular sway velocity (°/s) were calculated and number of errors were counted. ANOVAs and ANCOVAs were used to assess the potential effects on COBALT performance. There were no significant differences in postural sway for any COBALT condition based on sex (p > 0.05). Females demonstrated more errors than males on C7 (p < 0.001). Cheerleaders had more balance errors compared to football athletes for C3 and C7 (p < 0.05) and soccer athletes for C7 (p < 0.05). Concussion history did not have an effect on COBALT performance (p > 0.05). Understanding factors that may influence COBALT performance at baseline may enhance concussion evaluation in collegiate athletes with suspected balance deficits following concussion. While concussion history had no effect, sex and sports participation may influence performance and should be considered when interpreting COBALT results post-concussion.

Feasibility and Acceptability of the Technology-Based Fall Risk Assessments for Older Adults

Promising technologies, which are simple, portable, quick, non-invasive, and inexpensive, may open new horizons on fall risk assessments and provide important information for older adults. We used a mixed-methods approach to examine the feasibility and acceptability of technology-based fall risk assessments, including the BTrackS Balance System, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, and activity monitoring devices among older adults. Data were collected via a Qualtrics survey and interviews. The acceptability was measured by the Senior Technology Acceptance (STA) and semi-structured interviews with 15 participants. The STA consists of four domains with 14 items, and the semi-structured interview includes three main questions related to experiences about balance performance tests, body composition, and activity monitoring. One hundred twenty-four community-dwelling older adults completed the online survey, and 15 older adults participated in the interviews. The majority of participants were female, and 72% had no history of falls. Race and ethnicity were 17% Hispanic, 7% African Americans, and 3% Asian Americans. About 7% had COVID-19 positive, 31% reported fear of COVID, and 14.5% were afraid of losing their life to COVID. The word-of-mouth strategy and key person approach were used and had an incredible impact on the recruitment process. None of the participants had ever had their fall risk and fear of falling assessed before agreeing to participate in this study. The technology-based fall risk assessments were feasible and acceptable. About 78% of participants liked the idea of using technology to assess falls risk, and 79% agreed that using technology would enhance their effectiveness in daily activities.

Well-being, physical fitness and health profile of 10–12 years old boys in relation to leisure-time sports club activities: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study investigated the correlation between sports club activities and well-being and physical health parameters in 10–12 years old boys.DesignCross sectional.SettingDanish schools.Participants2293 boys took part in the study.Primary and secondary...

Side differences of upper quarter Y balance test performance in sub-elite young male and female handball players with different ages

BackgroundHandball is characterised by repetitive passing and shooting actions mainly performed with the throwing arm. This can lead to side differences (inter-limb asymmetry) in upper quarter mobility/stability between the throwing and non-throwing arm, which could even increase with advancing age (i.e., playing experience). However, side differences in upper quarter mobility/stability is associated with an increased musculoskeletal injury risk. Therefore, we assessed side differences in upper quarter mobility/stability in young handball players at different ages using a cross-sectional study design.MethodsUpper Quarter Y Balance test performance of the throwing and non-throwing arm was assessed in 190 sub-elite young female and male handball players (13–18 years). Per arm, relative maximal reach distances (% arm length) for all three directions (i.e., medial, inferolateral, superolateral) and the composite score (CS) were calculated and used for an age × side analysis of variance. Additionally, partial eta-squared (ηp2) was calculated as an effect size measure.ResultsIrrespective of measure, statistically significant main effects of age (except for the composite score) and side but no statistically significant age × side interaction effects were detected. Further, limb asymmetry in the inferolateral reach direction was above the injury-related cut-off value (i.e., ≥ 7.75% arm length) in 13- and 14-year-olds but not in the older players.ConclusionThe detection of limb asymmetry above the proposed injury-related cut-off value in younger players (13- and 14-year-olds) but not in older players (15- to 18-year-olds) may be indicative for an increased injury risk for the younger age group. Thus, prevention programs should be implemented in the handball training routine, especially for the younger ones.

Effect of Concomitant Meniscal Tear on Strength and Functional Performance in Young Athletes 6 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Hamstring Autograft.

Background:The effect of concomitant meniscal tears, and their associated treatment, on strength and functional recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has not been adequately investigated in young populations.Hypothesis:Concomitant meniscal tears, treated with or without repair, would not adversely affect strength, balance, or functional hop test performance at 6 months postoperatively.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:The authors retrospectively analyzed return-to-sports (RTS) assessments prospectively collected 6 months after ACLR with hamstring autograft in 165 patients ≤25 years of age. Descriptive, surgical, and RTS testing data were analyzed, and subgroups were compared using analysis of covariance models designed to assess the effects of sex, meniscal tear, and meniscal repair on RTS performance.Results:Included were 115 female (70%) and 50 male (30%) patients with a mean age of 16.4 years (range, 12.3-25 years). Of these patients, 58% had concomitant meniscal tears (59% lateral, 27% medial, 14% lateral + medial), comprising 53% of the female and 70% of the male patients. The authors treated 61% of the tears with repair, with range of motion (ROM) and weightbearing limitations imposed within the first 6 weeks postoperatively, whereas 39% were treated with partial meniscectomy, rasping, or trephination (no ROM or weightbearing restrictions). The mean deficit in hamstring strength at 6 months postoperatively was significantly greater in the meniscal tear group than in those without a tear (32.3% vs 24.6%; P = .028). The meniscal repair group had greater hamstring strength deficits than the group with meniscectomy, rasping or trephination (34.3% vs 26.2%; P = .023). Performance on dynamic balance and functional hop tests was similar among all meniscus subgroups. There were no sex-based effects on any subgroup comparisons.Conclusion:At 6 months postoperatively, both young male and young female patients who underwent ACLR with hamstring autograft demonstrated significant hamstring strength deficits compared with their nonoperative leg. The presence of a meniscal tear and subsequent repair, or its related rehabilitation restrictions, appears to have adverse effects on the postoperative recovery of hamstring strength.

Recovery After ACL Reconstruction in Male Versus Female Adolescents: A Matched, Sex-Based Cohort Analysis of 543 Patients.

Background:Differences in postoperative recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) between men and women have been demonstrated in the adult population. Sex-based differences have been incompletely investigated in adolescents, which represent the subpopulation most affected by ACL injury.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to compare the 6-month postoperative functional recovery after ACLR between adolescent boys and girls. It was hypothesized that significant differences in postoperative strength, dynamic balance, and functional hop test performance would be seen between the sexes.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Included in this study were athletes aged 12 to 19 years with closed or closing growth plates who underwent ACLR with hamstring autograft between May 2014 and May 2018 at a single institution. All athletes had undergone strength and functional testing between 5 and 8 months postoperatively. Exclusion criteria were previous knee surgery (contralateral or ipsilateral knee), concomitant injury/surgery other than meniscal tear/repair, allograft supplementation, and incomplete medical records. The limb symmetry index (LSI) for strength (measured with handheld dynamometer), as well as dynamic Y-balance and functional hop test performance, was compared between groups. To account for differences in physical characteristics between the sexes, 1-way between-group multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data.Results:Overall, 543 patients (211 boys, 332 girls) were included. There was no significant difference in age, body mass index, incidence of concomitant meniscal pathology, use of regional anesthesia, or time to functional testing between cohorts. Female athletes demonstrated a statistically significantly greater deficit in quadriceps strength LSI compared with male athletes (boys, +3.4%; girls, –2.3%; P = .011). Both male and female athletes demonstrated 33% hamstring strength deficits, with no statistically significant sex-based differences in dynamic balance or functional hop testing.Conclusion:Female athletes demonstrated greater quadriceps strength deficits than male athletes at 6 months after ACLR with hamstring autograft. Severe hamstring strength deficits persisted in both male and female patients at this time point. The correlation of such deficits to risk of ACL retear warrants continued study in the adolescent population and may support a delay in return to sports, which has been suggested in the more recent literature.

Association of Laboratory and Field Balance Test

Balance can be defined as keeping the center of gravity of the body within the surface of the support and has crucial role in sport. However, there are insufficient knowledge regarding balance field testing. The main aim of this study was to determine association between Biodex laboratory balance test and Y balance field test. The participants in this study were 12 students (6 males, 6 females) of Faculty of Kinesiology in Split, Croatia. The set of variables includ- ed anthropometric measures (body height, body weight, body mass index), two laboratory balance tests conduct- ed on Biodex (Postural stability test, Limits of stability test) and field balance test (Y balance test). The correlations between observed variables were calculated by Pearson's product moment correlation. No significant correlations were found between Y balance test and both Postural stability test (r=-0.06 and 0.02 respectively for left and right leg) and Limits of stability test (r=-0.06 and 0.02). The results of this study indicate that Y balance test is not a precise measure of balance ability in well-trained individuals. Authors hypothesize that Y balance test performance is great- ly influenced by lower extremity strength and mobility. There is an obvious need for the construction and validation of new field tests to assess the level of balance in amateur and professional athletes.

Comparison of Lower and Upper Quarter Y Balance Test Performance in Adolescent Students with Borderline Intellectual Functioning Compared to Age- and Sex-Matched Controls.

The Lower (YBT-LQ) and Upper (YBT-UQ) Quarter Y Balance Test are well established assessment tools for the examination of dynamic balance and shoulder mobility/stability, respectively. However, investigations on YBT-LQ/UQ performance in students with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) (i.e., intelligence quotient of 70–84 etc.) are lacking. Thus, the aim of the study was to compare YBT-LQ/UQ performance in students with and without BIF. Thirty students with BIF (age: 13.7 ± 1.2 years) and 30 age-/sex-matched students without BIF (age: 13.7 ± 1.3 years) performed the YBT-LQ and/or YBT-UQ. Normalized maximal reach distances (% leg/arm length) per reach direction and the composite score were used as outcome measures. A univariate analysis of variance was conducted to test for significant group differences. Irrespective of limb and reach direction, students with BIF compared to those without BIF showed significantly worse YBT-LQ (p ≤ 0.001–0.031; Cohen’s d = 0.57–1.26) and YBT-UQ (p ≤ 0.001–0.015; Cohen’s d = 0.68–1.52) performance with moderate to large effect sizes. Due to the poorer performance levels of students with BIF, specifically tailored interventions should be developed that have the potential to improve their dynamic balance and shoulder mobility/stability.

The acute effect of two massage techniques on functional capability and balance in recreationally trained older adult women: A cross-over study

With aging comes a reduction in neuromuscular and neuromotor function. Different strategies have been used to mitigate these functional losses. Certain manual therapy techniques and interventions have been explored with regard to their ability to improve functional capability and balance in an older adult population. The purpose of this study was to analyze the acute effects of two massage techniques on functional capability and balance performance in recreationally trained older adult women. Twenty-eight older adult women (66.74 ± 4.61 years) completed three interventions: a) stick massage followed by functional capability and balance performance tests (MMS), b) manual massage followed by functional capability and balance performance tests (MM), c) no MMS or MM (control condition (CC)) – only performed the functional capability and balance performance tests. Functional capability was assessed by four tests that are part of the Senior Fitness Test: the 6-min walk (W6), the chair sit-and-reach (CSR), the 8-foot up-and-go (8FUG), and the 30s-chair stand (30s-CS). Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between MM and MMS compared to CC among 30s-CS, W6, CSR, and 8FUG. BBS showed a significant difference between MM and CC (p = 0.041). Both MM and MMS demonstrated significant acute improvements in the functional capability of recreationally trained elderly women and may be included in an exercise program.

The effect of acute dehydration on agility, quickness and balance performance in elite wrestlers

Background and Study Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute dehydration on agility, quickness and balance performance in elite wrestlers. Material and Methods. A total of 12 male elite wrestlers, who were student at Selçuk University Faculty of Sport Sciences, whose mean age was 21.58±1.44 years, the mean height of 176.67±5.87 cm, mean body weight of 74.25±17.79 kg, and the mean age of sports 8.92±1,44 years have participated the study voluntarily. After taking the height measurement of the wrestlers participating in the study, their masses were weighted before the training; and body mass index, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and total body fluid were taken with Tanita Bc 730 and agility, quickness (5 m) and balance performance tests were performed. Then, by limiting the fluid intake of the athletes, after losing weight by training, the same tests that were applied before the training applied to the athletes after the training. The study was conducted in accordance with the pre-test and post-test model. T test was used for agility performance measurement of the athletes and 5 m test was used for quickness performance. Dominant foot was determined for balance test and measurement was made via Biodex Balance System. Balance measurements were performed eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC), overall stability index (OSI). Results. In this study, body weight, body mass index, total body fluid, agility, quickness and balance with eyes open mean values were found to be statistically significant (p&lt;0.05), and muscle mass, body fat percentage, balance with eyes closed found not to be statistically significant (p&gt; 0.05). Conclusions. It is believed that acute dehydration negatively affects agility, quickness and balance performances in wrestlers.

The effect of scapular strengthening exercise using elastic band on balance and quality of life in the old people.

The old people are weakened and misaligned due to aging, and their balance and quality of life are reduced. We investigated that the effect of scapular strengthening exercise on balance and quality of life in the old people. A scapular strengthening exercise was applied to the experimental group, and the general conditioning exercise was applied to the control group for 40 min per session, 5 times a week, for a total of 4 weeks. As a result, the static balance and Y-balance test performance improved in the experimental group (P<0.05). The physical function and mental health, and general health of 36-item Short Form health survey improved in the experimental group (P<0.05). Therefore, the scapular strengthening exercise could be suggested as an intervention method that could improve the balance and quality of life of the old people.

Upper Quarter Y Balance test performance: Normative values for healthy youth aged 10 to 17 years.

BackgroundThe Upper Quarter Y Balance test (YBT-UQ) is a field test for measuring shoulder mobility/stability. However, there is a lack of information regarding age- and sex-specific reference values for classifying the YBT-UQ performance of children and adolescents.ObjectiveThe aim was to investigate YBT-UQ performance in youth and to provide age- and sex-specific normative values.MethodSix hundred and sixty-five persons (325 girls, 340 boys) aged between 10 and 17 years carried out the YBT-UQ test. Following this, maximum reach values, normalised in terms of arm length, were calculated for each arm (i.e., left and right) and reach direction (i.e., medial [MD], inferolateral [IL], superolateral [SL]), and the composite score (CS) per arm. Additionally, percentiles were displayed graphically and in tabular form, distinguished according to age and gender.ResultsIn boys, those aged 14–15 years showed a higher achievement (e.g., MD direction) compared with both younger (12–13-year-olds) and older (16–17-year-olds) persons. In girls, differences related to age could only be observed for the IL direction and the CS, where the youngest age group (10–11-year-olds) achieved better results than the older groups. Sex-specific differences to the girls’ advantage could be observed in 12–13-year-olds (i.e., SL and CS), and to the boys’ advantage in 14–15-year-olds (i.e., for all reach directions) and 16–17-year-olds (i.e., IL and SL direction and CS). Further, curvilinear developments were observed with regard to the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles, and were more strongly marked in boys than in girls.ConclusionsThe obtained age- and sex-specific normative values for the YBT-UQ can be used by teachers, coaches, and therapists to classify the level of shoulder mobility/stability among 10–17 year-old children and adolescents.

Saliva RNA biomarkers predict concussion duration and detect symptom recovery: a comparison with balance and cognitive testing

ObjectiveThe goals of this study were to assess the ability of salivary non-coding RNA (ncRNA) levels to predict post-concussion symptoms lasting ≥ 21 days, and to examine the ability of ncRNAs to identify recovery compared to cognition and balance.MethodsRNA sequencing was performed on 505 saliva samples obtained longitudinally from 112 individuals (8–24-years-old) with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Initial samples were obtained ≤ 14 days post-injury, and follow-up samples were obtained ≥ 21 days post-injury. Computerized balance and cognitive test performance were assessed at initial and follow-up time-points. Machine learning was used to define: (1) a model employing initial ncRNA levels to predict persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) ≥ 21 days post-injury; and (2) a model employing follow-up ncRNA levels to identify symptom recovery. Performance of the models was compared against a validated clinical prediction rule, and balance/cognitive test performance, respectively.ResultsAn algorithm using age and 16 ncRNAs predicted PPCS with greater accuracy than the validated clinical tool and demonstrated additive combined utility (area under the curve (AUC) 0.86; 95% CI 0.84–0.88). Initial balance and cognitive test performance did not differ between PPCS and non-PPCS groups (p > 0.05). Follow-up balance and cognitive test performance identified symptom recovery with similar accuracy to a model using 11 ncRNAs and age. A combined model (ncRNAs, balance, cognition) most accurately identified recovery (AUC 0.86; 95% CI 0.83–0.89).ConclusionsncRNA biomarkers show promise for tracking recovery from mTBI, and for predicting who will have prolonged symptoms. They could provide accurate expectations for recovery, stratify need for intervention, and guide safe return-to-activities.

Different visual manipulations have similar effects on quasi-static and dynamic balance responses of young and older people.

BackgroundStudies demonstrated that the older adults can be more susceptible to balance instability after acute visual manipulation. There are different manipulation approaches used to investigate the importance of visual inputs on balance, e.g., eyes closed and blackout glasses. However, there is evidence that eyes open versus eyes closed results in a different organization of human brain functional networks. It is, however, unclear how different visual manipulations affect balance, and whether such effects differ between young and elderly persons. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether different visual manipulation approaches affect quasi-static and dynamic balance responses differently, and to investigate whether balance responses of young and older adults are affected differently by these various visual conditions.MethodsThirty-six healthy participants (20 young and 16 older adults) performed balance tests (quasi-static and unexpected perturbations) under four visual conditions: Eyes Open, Eyes Closed, Blackout Glasses, and Dark Room. Center of pressure (CoP) and muscle activation (EMG) were quantified.ResultsAs expected, visual deprivation resulted in larger CoP excursions and higher muscle activations during balance tests for all participants. Surprisingly, the visual manipulation approach did not influence balance control in either group. Furthermore, quasi-static and dynamic balance control did not differ between young or older adults. The visual system plays an important role in balance control, however, similarly for both young and older adults. Different visual deprivation approaches did not influence balance results, meaning our results are comparable between participants of different ages. Further studies should investigate whether a critical illumination level may elicit different postural responses between young and older adults.

Does verbal encouragement change dynamic balance? The effect of verbal encouragement on Star Excursion Balance Test performance in chronic ankle Instability

BackgroundThe Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is commonly used for testing dynamic balance in chronic ankle instability (CAI) in both clinical and research settings. However, the effect of verbal encouragement (VE) on the SEBT performance is not known. ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of VE on maximum reach distance performance between CAI and healthy participants on the SEBT. MethodThirty-four college-aged adults, 17 with CAI and 17 healthy controls, performed the SEBT in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach directions. Independent variables (VE versus No-VE) and group (CAI versus healthy) were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine whether VE and group affected reach performance. ResultsThere was a significant group-by-condition interaction (p = 0.02) for the anterior as well as for the posteromedial reach (p = 0.04). There was no statistically significant interaction (p = 0.48) for the posterolateral reach. There were moderate to large effect sizes in the reach distances found in the No-VE condition between the CAI and healthy controls, but with VE, the range of effect sizes from No-VE to VE were diminished. ConclusionThere was a significant group by condition interaction for anterior and posteromedial reaches which shows that providing VE resulted in a greater increase in performance for participants with CAI compared to healthy controls. Psychological constraints need to be considered while performing and interpreting the results of the SEBT.