Stabilometric Platform Research Articles

Increased body sway in phobic patients exposed to images of spiders.

Objective:The aim of the present study was to analyze the body sway response in specific phobia (SP) patients and healthy controls while viewing neutral, phobic, and disgusting images.Methods:The participants’ heart rate (HR) and skin conductance were also recorded during the procedure. Nineteen patients with arachnophobia and 19 healthy volunteers matched by age, gender, and years of education underwent a postural control test on a stabilometric platform.Results:The platform recorded increased body sway in the SP group when exposed to spider images (SPI). The SP group presented increases in most parameters (SD, velocity, frequency, area, p ≤ 0.05) when viewing pictures of the SPI category. Psychometric measures of subjective anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI) and physiological states (HR; skin conductance responses; spontaneous fluctuations in skin conductance) showed increased anxiety (p ≤ 0.05) in the SP group compared to healthy volunteers. High anxiety levels were observed throughout the assessment, including the task of exposure to SPI (p ≤ 0.05). No significant effect or correlation was found between skin conductance and body sway measures (p > 0.05).Conclusions:The results of the postural control test suggest the occurrence of a defensive escape response in SP, in agreement with previous evidence.

Impact of Moderate Individually Tailored Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Fatigue on Functional, Cognitive, Emotional State, and Postural Stability.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease, with fatigue syndrome as one of the main symptoms. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that moderate physical activity (MPA) may have a beneficial effect on postural stability, balance, and clinical parameters. The research group consisted of 137 randomized patients hospitalized at the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz. Finally, 76 patients were qualified who were divided into two groups—high fatigue (HF) and low fatigue (LF). Participants were assessed twice: before and after a 4-week MPA program using: the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and stabilometric platform tests were performed. Results obtained after the 4-week MPA program showed a positive effect of the MPA with differences between LF and HF groups. The MPA was more effective in MS patients with LF in cognitive functions, functional status, and postural stability but among HF patients in an emotional state, especially in MS patients below 65 years, although in total, both groups benefited from the MPA.

The Laboratory Measuring and Computing System for Stabilometric Studies

The article is devoted to the development of the digital measuring and computing system for conducting stabilometric studies. The proposed system is based on an electromechanical stability platform. The block diagram of the developed system is presented. The selection of electronic components for the system is analyzed. The developed system is based on the ATmega328 microcontroller on the Arduino Uno R3 board. The HX711 board is used as an analog-to-digital converter. Strain gauges of 50 kg are used to measure the patients’ pressure forces. The overall design, technological, technical, and operational characteristics of the developed stabilometric platform are presented in the paper. The physical model of the developed system is shown. The operating algorithm is described, and the block diagram for calculation of the main stabilometric indicators (the length of the stabilogram, the modules and directions of the velocities, angular velocities, and dynamic stabilization factors) is presented. There are several examples demonstrating test operations of the developed system. Trial measurements and calculations have shown that the designed system fully meets the technical requirements for stabilometry equipment. The developed measuring and computing system allows registration and calculation of the spatial and temporal characteristics of patients’ motions.

Application of computer stabilometric technologies with biofeedback in patients with lumbosacral pain

Introduction. Low back pain is one of the most common sufferings of modern humans. In developed countries, such manifestations are a serious medical and economic problem. Lumbosacral pain in many cases is caused by the occurrence of somatic dysfunction of the bones of the pelvis and sacrum. The main methods of treatment are prescribing drug therapy and non-drug treatment. Today, osteopathic techniques are highly effective for the diagnosis and correction of somatic dysfunctions of the pelvic region. Such treatment in patients with pain in the lower back helps to reduce pain and restore the functional state of patients. Equally important are computer technologies with biofeedback (BFB) with the possibility of effective correction of proprioceptive innervation and muscle-tonic syndromes. The stabilometric platform allows you to register the parameters of the static-dynamic function of support and balance maintenance. The resulting changes in the position of the sacrum and pelvic bones create a distortion of proprioceptive somatosensory afferentation, postural tonic reflexes of the axial skeleton and limbs are blocked, the sequence of activation of the motor units of the locomotor apparatus is disrupted, the mechanisms for maintaining support and walking change. The aim — to study the effectiveness of using a stabiloplatform with biofeedback in the diagnostic mode of coordinating and static-dynamic disorders in patients with somatic dysfunctions of the pelvic and sacral bones in a training mode in combination with osteopathic correction for pain in the lumbosacral region. Materials and methods. In a prospective controlled study in patients with lumbosacral pain with somatic dysfunctions of the pelvic bones, the results of treatment were analyzed in 66 patients aged 23–56 years. Diagnosis of dysfunctions of the iliac bones was carried out according to the generally accepted rules of osteopathic examination — osteopathic examination and determination of the position of bone landmarks. The observed patients were divided into groups and subgroups depending on the type of dysfunction. The main group consisted of patients with clinical and osteopathic signs of somatic dysfunctions of the pubic bone and ilium. The patients were followed up for 14 days. The observation and treatment program included: osteopathic correction of diagnosed somatic dysfunction and stabilometric examination (3 control points) with a training regimen (3 sessions). Stabilometric testing was carried out at the stage of diagnosis and selection of patients for inclusion in the study. Re-examination was carried out 14 days after the moment of treatment. The clinical effect was compared with the results of stabilometric tests. In addition, the intensity of the pain syndrome and the severity of muscle-tonic reactions were analyzed. According to the results of the test regime, the stability in the «eyes open» and «eyes closed» modes was assessed. Results. A decrease in the intensity of pain is achieved, normalization of the balance in axial parameters with an improvement in the function of coordination of movements is noted. The Romberg coefficient decreases most significantly in somatic dysfunctions of the iliac bones in the position of anterior rotation without a significant difference in lateralization: on the right, a decrease from 570 ± 12% to 295 ± 23% and on the left from 550 ± 22 to 260 ± 25% (p <0.05). Conclusion. In the event of somatic dysfunctions of the pelvic bones with lumbosacralgia, the combined use of osteopathic correction and physiotherapy exercises on a stabiloplatform in a training mode with biofeedback has a significant effect. The training regimen promotes pain regression in acute and chronic pain. The best results have been achieved in patients with dysfunction in the anterior rotation of the ilium. Stabilometric testing in the diagnostic mode allows you to obtain objective data on the nature of imbalance and imbalance. The training regime ensures the achievement of a therapeutic result in 3 sessions and can be used in inpatient and outpatient conditions of medical institutions.

Features of postural control in children with severe forms of idiopathic scoliosis

Objective. The study of postural stability in children with severe degrees of idiopathic scoliosis and assessment of body balance disorders after surgical correction of spinal deformity.
 Material and methods. The study of 18 patients aged 1417 years with idiopathic scoliosis of the IIIIV degree with localization of the main arc according to Lenke I, III, V and VI was conducted. The vertical balance of the body was evaluated using a stabilometric platform MBN "Biomechanica" (LLC "MBN", Moscow) before and 910 days after the surgical correction of spinal deformity using transpedicular spinal systems. The results were compared with a stabilometric survey of 18 healthy children.
 Results. In patients with idiopathic scoliosis before surgery, a decrease in the stability of the vertical balance of the body, manifested by pronounced deviations from the nominal values of the stabilometric parameters, was revealed. The correlation analysis showed a pathologically strong relationship between the length L, the area S and the amplitude of fluctuations of the pressure center A in patients statokinesiograms compared to the group of healthy children.
 In the immediate postoperative period, the postural control system disorders are aggravated in patients.
 Conclusions. In children with severe idiopathic scoliosis, violations of the postural control system were revealed, which led to the formation of a suboptimal motor stereotype due to dysfunction of sensorimotor integration.

Displacement of Centre of Pressure during Rehabilitation Exercise in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients.

Background. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is included into the category of pathologies that could affect postural control. Rarely AIS shows symptoms but often compromises the normal positioning of the head, trunk and, more generally, of the limbs in the space. We used a stabilometric platform to evaluate the motor control outcomes during a self-elongation in girls with AIS. Methods. In 10 girls with AIS, we evaluated the center of pressure (COP) modifications on a baropodometric platform in a standing position and after a self-elongation correction. Results. All the outcomes (except the eccentricity) showed an increasement during the self-elongation exercise even if the significant differences were not found. Conclusion. SE correction contributes to ameliorate the COP symmetry with a better repercussion on the balance management. This highlights the importance of repetitions during all activities of daily life.

Body Balance and Physiotherapy in the Aquatic Environment and at a Gym.

The increase in the average age of our society represents a growing medical and social problem, which requires concentration on the issue concerning balance disorders. The aquatic environment has a number of complex properties that have miscellaneous effects on the human body. In the light of the above, water is becoming an ideal environment to learn correct neuromuscular communication, and a properly prepared training session in water helps to practice balance and movement coordination. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of rehabilitation in the aquatic environment on patients' balance and compare the results obtained with patients who received rehabilitation at a gym. The study was carried out among patients hospitalised in the “Krzeszowice” Rehabilitation Centre. It encompassed 137 patients, randomly assigned to either the study group (the aquatic environment) or the control group (the gym). The preliminary examination included general medical history and a test on the stabilometric platform. The patients attended training sessions for 4 weeks, 5 times a week for 30 minutes. It was a single-blinded study wherein the authors did not know which group a given patient had been assigned to. Upon completion of a monthly therapy, the stabilometric test was carried out again. The study revealed that the patients from both groups experienced a significant improvement in balance. However, the improvement was slightly greater in those exercising in the pool. Physiotherapy in the aquatic environment makes a greater contribution to the improvement of body balance compared to physical exercises performed at a gym.

Relationship between Respiratory Muscle Function and Postural Stability in Male Soccer Players: A Case-Control Study.

The important role of postural stability in exercise performance has been determined by several authors. Despite this, few studies have analyzed the relationship between respiratory muscles’ strength and postural stability in athletes. For this reason, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between postural stability and respiratory muscles’ function in male soccer players. A case-control study was conducted over twenty-eight healthy men (18 soccer players; 10 non-athletes). Inspiratory muscle strength (MIP) and respiratory resistance (MVV) were obtained through a digital spirometer. Stability variables were obtained in standing position on a stabilometric platform and in open and closed eyes conditions. The area and length of the center of pressures and displacements in the X and Y range were analyzed. Pearson’s coefficient was used to measure the linear correlation between MIP, MVV and stabilometric variables. In the soccer players’ group, MIP and MIP % predictive were inversely correlated with length (r = −0.535 and r = −0.585; p < 0.05) and X range (r = −0.527 and r = −0.560; p < 0.05), whereas MVV was directly correlated with length (r = 0.606; p < 0.01) and Y range (r = 0.558; p < 0.05). Our results show that the greater the inspiratory muscle strength, the less displacement of the pressure center, while at higher respiratory rates there is greater displacement.

Does kinesiotaping can improve static stability of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament rupture? A randomized single-blind, placebo\u2010controlled trial

BackgroundThe aim of the study was the assessment of the early impact of the selected kinesiotaping technique on the static stability of the knee joint in patients with ACL rupture on the basis of stabilographic parameters.MethodsSixty-two patients with a complete ACL rupture (32 patients in experimental group and 30 patients in placebo group) took part in the randomized single-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The ligament technique of KT was taken into consideration. Application of a KT tape only on the injured knee was to stabilize the knee joint. Experimental group had application of KT on the injured knee and the placebo group had a KT placebo application (with no tension on KT). Intervention and stabilographic test in both groups was the same.Research tools included measurements of static stabilographic parameters on stabilometric platform CQStab2P®. Outcome measures were assessed before intervention and after KT application. The analysis included evaluation of outcome variables – total path length, (SP), statokinesiogram path length in the XY axes (SPML, SPAP), and mean velocities in the XY axes (MV, MVML, MVAP).ResultsThe results show a statistically significant shortening of the SP, SPAP and SPML variables only in experimental group. In the placebo group the results were not significant. The analysis also showed a significant improvement in all analyzed variables in the experimental group compared to the healthy side. In the placebo group, the results did not improve significantly after KT application compared to the healthy side.ConclusionsApplication of KT in patients after ACL rupture shortened the total path length and improved the value of parameters in the frontal and sagittal planes in experimental group, which may suggest the potentially greater improvement in these parameters. By improving the values of the analyzed variables, the KT application is able to compensate for the loss of static stability of the knee.Trial RegistrationThis study was registered retrospectively in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Registration number: ACTRN12616001407482.

Static postural balance between male athletes with intellectual disabilities and their sedentary peers: A comparative study.

Previous reports showed that athletes without disabilities have better postural skills than their sedentary peers. This finding has not been elucidated in athletes with intellectual disabilities despite their decreased postural balance. This study aims to investigate static postural balance in track and field athletes with intellectual disabilities compared to their sedentary peers. Eighteen track and field athletes with intellectual disabilities (23.5±4.52years) and 18 sedentary peers (20.3±3.4years) participated in this study. A stabilometric platform was used to assess static postural balance in bipedal and unipedal stances with open (OE) and closed (CE) eyes. In OE, the result showed significantly better static postural balance (CoPVm : p<.001; CoParea : p<.001) in athletes compared to the sedentary ones in both stances. In CE, this difference was not observed in the unipedal stance. Track and field experience may improve static postural balance in athletes with intellectual disabilities, mainly when visual input is available.

Effect of targeted physiotherapy on the quality of life of patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology – a pilot study

Introduction: Epilepsy is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. According to the World Health Organization, it accounts for 1% of the global burden of disease worldwide. Pharmacotherapy remains the primary therapeutic tool in this disease. However, more and more emphasis is placed on approaching this group of patients in an interdisciplinary manner, taking their various needs into account: social, professional, economic or psychological. Attention is also paid to the positive impact of physical activity on the quality of life of patients with epilepsy. The patients with diagnosed epilepsy often complain of a feeling of instability not reflected in standard neurological examination. Early detection of postural control disorders is possible using an objective research tool which is the modified CTSIB test (Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance). Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of targeted physical therapy on the quality of life among patients with diagnosed epilepsy of unknown etiology using the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire. Materials and methods: The study included 11 professionally active adults with diagnosed generalized epilepsy of unknown etiology, treated at the Department or Outpatient Clinic of Neurology at John Paul II Specialist Hospital in Kraków. Finally, out of the 11 recruited patients (5 women and 6 men), 1 patient was excluded from the study due to a history of craniocerebral trauma. Patients were examined 3 times every month using EEG and the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire. Additionally, between the 2nd and the 3rd month of the pilot study, the study group underwent physical therapy focused on balance disorders using the Biodex SD stabilometric platform. Results: Overall, the quality of life index measured using the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire in the study group improved after the completion of targeted physical therapy. Conclusions: 1. Generalized epilepsy of unknown etiology results in a significant deterioration in the quality of life of patients, which may also be accompanied by disorders of postural control. 2 A targeted program of physiotherapy in the treatment of patients with generalized epilepsy of unknown etiology may has a positive effect on their quality of life. null

The Effects of Abdominal Hypopressive Training on Postural Control and Deep Trunk Muscle Activation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Abdominal Hypopressive Training (AHT) provides postural improvement, and enhances deep trunk muscle activation. However, until recently, there was a lack of scientific literature supporting these statements. The major purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of AHT on posture control and deep trunk muscle function. Methods: 125 female participants aged 18–60 were randomly allocated to the Experimental Group (EG), consisting of two sessions of 30 min per week for 8 weeks of AHT, or the Control Group (CG), who did not receive any treatment. Postural control was measured with a stabilometric platform to assess the static balance and the activation of deep trunk muscles (specifically the Transverse Abdominal muscle (TrA)), which was measured by real-time ultrasound imaging. Results: The groups were homogeneous at baseline. Statistical differences were identified between both groups after intervention in the Surface of the Center of Pressure (CoP) Open-Eyes (S-OE) (p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.60) and the Velocity of CoP under both conditions; Open-Eyes (V-OE) (p = 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.63) and Close-Eyes (V-CE) (p = 0.016, Cohen´s d = 0.016), with the EG achieving substantial improvements. Likewise, there were statistically significant differences between measurements over time for the EG on S-OE (p < 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.99); V-OE (p = 0.038, Cohen´s d = 0.27); V-CE (p = 0.006, Cohen´s d = 0.39), anteroposterior movements of CoP with Open-Eyes (RMSY-OE) (p = 0.038, Cohen´s d = 0.60) and activity of TrA under contraction conditions (p < 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.53). Conclusions: The application of eight weeks of AHT leads to positive outcomes in posture control, as well as an improvement in the deep trunk muscle contraction in the female population.

Wykorzystanie platformy stabilometrycznej w profilaktyce upadków osób starszych ze schorzeniami neurologicznymi oraz ortopedycznymi

Wykorzystanie platformy stabilometrycznej w profilaktyce upadków osób starszych ze schorzeniami neurologicznymi oraz ortopedycznymi

Assessment of the Impact of Training on the Stabilometric Platform Using the Biofeedback Method on Improving Balance and Functional Efficiency of Patients After a Stroke

Introduction: Postural balance disorders are one of the most common motor symptoms in patients after stroke, which affect the limitation of patients mobility and their ability to perform everyday activities. Balance disorders require comprehensive neurorehabilitation. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of exercises on the stabilometric platform using the biofeedback method on improving balance and functional performance in patients after stroke. Material and Methods: The study involved 75 patients after ischemic stroke aged from 35-80 years. Two groups were created: a study and control group. The study group consisted of patients in whom a comprehensive rehabilitation program was implemented, consisting of physical therapy, kinesitherapy, speech therapy and psychological consultation, complemented by the use of modern neurorehabilitation solutions, including a platform for balance training. The control group included patients in whom a comprehensive therapy program was implemented, but without training on a stabilometric platform. Functional assessment of patients was performed using selected scales and tests: Barthel Scale, Tinetti Test and Berg Balance Scale. Results: Patients after stroke, in whom a comprehensive physiotherapy program was implemented using the training on the Tecnobody stabilometric platform, obtained a statistically significant improvement in all parameters describing the ability to maintain balance. Also in the Tinetti Test in the gait evaluation section, Berg Balance Scale and Barthel Scale the improvement was statistically significant. Conclusions: The program used on the stabilometric platform had a significantly better impact on improving ability to maintain balance and everyday functioning of patients after stroke.

ВАРИАБЕЛЬНОСТЬ СЕРДЕЧНОГО РИТМА У ВЫКОКОКВАЛИФИЦИРОВАННЫХ СПОРТМЕНОВ-ОРИЕНТИРОВЩИКОВ ПРИ РЕШЕНИИ СЛОЖНЫХ ДВИГАТЕЛЬНЫХ ЗАДАЧ

Currently, the problem of improving the quality of the training process in both professional and novice athletes is a priority for experts in the medical and biological support of sports all over the world. For these purposes, various biofeedback procedures, including the method of solving specialized motor-cognitive tasks on the stabilometric platform [1], have been actively used in recent years as extra-training means to improve sports performance. At the same time, we should note that one of the most informative biological signals that allow to judge about the change in the functional state of the body of the tested athletes in the process of sports training is the dynamics of heart rate variability (HRV) [2]. HRV analysis is widely used as a non-invasive and reliable tool for assessment of vegetative control of human cardiovascular system [3]. Numerous literature sources confirm the prospect of using this method for the purposes of sports physiology [4] However, changes in HRV in highly qualified athletes when solving complex motor and cognitive tasks, as of today, still remain unstudied. The aim of the present study was to assess changes in heart rate variability in highly qualified orienteering athletes when solving complex coordination tasks on biocontrol of a virtual object using a stabilometric platform ST-150. Seven days training with biofeedback control on the stabilometric platform resulted in a significant increase of such HRV temporal indices as SDNN – by 8,9 % (p&lt;0,01), RMSSD – by 42,3 % (p&lt;0,05), pNN50 – by 77, 1 % (p&lt;0.05), CV – by 25.3 % (p&lt;0.01), as well as heart rate reduction by 10.5 % (p&lt;0.05), which indicates an increase in functional capabilities of the athletes’ bodies, strengthening vagus effects on cardiac rhythm. The results of geometrical analysis have shown that biofeedback according to reference reaction leads to reliable increase of values of index of mode of cardiointervals by 9,7 % and increase of variation range of histogram of cardiointervals by 21,4 % as well as decrease of values of mode amplitude by 19,2 % and tension index of regulatory systems of the body by 29,6 % (p&lt;0,05), which testifies to improvement of adaptation possibilities of the body of tested sportsmen under the influence of this type of biocontrol. Analysis of spectral components of heart rhythm in orientation athletes after 7-day training with biofeedback control has shown significant increase in TP by 36 %, LF – by 37,7 %, HF – by 88,2 % as well as decrease in LF/HF by 28,2 % (p&lt;0,05), which testify to increase in general variability of heart rhythm, activation of parasympathetic regulation circuit, increase in functional capabilities and reserves of tested athletes organism.

Efficiency of a comprehensive program with biological feedback on support reaction in the restoring period of stroke

To study the effect of a comprehensive neurorehabilitation program based on biofeedback on the support response in poststroke patients. The article presents the results of treatment of 59 patients after ischemic stroke. The program included training using a force joystick for the upper limb based on a static stabilometric platform with biofeedback according to the support reaction, training in the position of the patient standing on a stabilometric platform, exercise therapy. Patients in the control group received standard therapy. The use of the comprehensive program contributed to a statistically significantly better therapeutic effect, increased strength, and decreased spasticity in the paretic arm, decreased anxiety and depression, and improved cognitive functions compared with standard therapy in patients in the control group. We show the efficacy of comprehensive program based on biofeedback on the support response in the restoring period of stroke.

Balance and functional disorders in geriatric patients after total hip prosthesis removal.

One of the most difficult complications of total hip arthroplasty is an infection in the area of the implant with an incidence of 0.5% to 2.5% resulting in the most severe situation in prosthesis removal. The aim of the study was to assess postural stability and functional disorders in patients after hip prosthesis removal. A group of 15 patients after hip prosthesis removal was compared to a control group of 15 healthy persons who were age-matched without any symptoms of degenerative disorders in the lower spine and lower extremities. The static balance test was conducted on a bi-modular stabilometric platform, registering the movement of the centre of foot pressure. The functional state of the patients was assessed on the basis of the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Patients had poor functional result (HSS mean 62.29 ± 12.92 points). Obtained results of postural stability of patients showed huge difficulties maintaining stability and showed statistically significant differences in a majority of the analysed parameters. Several stability parameters showed significantly worse results in patients after hip prosthesis removal. Special attention should be paid and focused physiotherapy should be undertaken for patients with a stability disorder and functional status to prevent falls and improve functioning.

To evaluate whether there is a relationship between occlusion and body posture as delineated by a stabilometric platform: A systematic review

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate whether there is a relationship between occlusion and body posture evaluated using a stabilometric platform. Methods Observational studies that analyzed the relationship between dental occlusion (changes in mandibular position and/or dental malocclusion) and body posture evaluated with a stabilometric platform in patients older than 13 years without orthodontic or orthopedic intervention and systemically healthy were considered eligible for inclusion. PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases were searched to obtain articles published from September 2019 up to March 2020. Results Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria, of which 66.7% showed a relationship between dental occlusion and body posture, and 33.3% found no relationship. The marked heterogeneity between studies did not allow data to be combined for meta-analyses. Conclusion For the mandibular positions, the postural changes were mainly in the mediolateral direction, while in the malocclusions, they were in the anteroposterior direction.

Sustainable Intervention for Health Promotion and Postural Control Improvement: Effects of Home-Based Oculomotor Training

Currently, it is crucial to propose daily sustainable interventions that elicit healthy lifestyles and the promotion of favorable health outcomes beyond the usual medical prescriptions. Home confinement and pandemic limitations reduced physical activity and augmented sedentary behaviors that potentially also reflect on posture. Health-related quality of life includes an effective postural control which is affected by visual performance. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the effects of a single session of eye exercises and also of a home-based oculomotor training on postural control. Thirty active adults (mean age: 42.9 ± 14.4 years) were randomly assigned to three experimental conditions: subjects were evaluated on a stabilometric platform before (T0) and immediately after (T1) a training session consisting in clockwise ocular movements (C1), counterclockwise (C2) and mixed condition (C3). All subjects repeated, at home, the same ocular training and were re-evaluated after 5 weeks (T2). All measured variables tended to improve after 5-week home training, but significative differences were found, especially in acute measurement. C1 and C2 conditions showed better results than C3. Thus, a specific oculomotor training, a cost free and self-administered training, can represent a practical tool to improve postural control and health-related quality of life in active adults.

A descriptive study comparing the foot and ankle structure and dynamics in children with cerebral palsy and children without cerebral palsy

This study will conduct to investigate the effects of foot and ankle characteristics on balance and function in children with Cerebral Palsy and healthy children. A total of 37 children; 17 healthy subjects and 20 children who diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy will included in the study. All of the childrens’ foot postures will determine with the foot posture index, navicular drop test, navicular height and arc height ratio calculation. In addition to these procedures, static and dynamic pedobarographic analysis will performe. Postural sway will measure on the stabilometric platform. Balance and functional performance will measure by using; the pediatric balance scale, pediatric reach test and timed performance tests such as the tind up and go test, time up-down stair test, ten meter walking test will performe. The differences of these parameters between two groups and the relationship between foot posture parameters, balance and functional tests will investigate.