Short-term effects of kinesiology taping on static and dynamic balance in healthy subjects.

Background: As a therapeutic tool, kinesiology taping (KT) has become increasingly popular for musculoskeletal injuries utilized by physiotherapists. KT has been found to have effects on facilitating muscle strength by generating a concentric pull on the fascia. However, little is known about KT in the improvement of dynamic and static balance. This study aims to explore whether KT on the quadriceps muscle has any immediate effects on static and dynamic balance. Methodology: Twenty-seven healthy individuals (13 males and 14 females, aged 22 to 29) were recruited in a crossover study with two conditions: KT and no taping. KT was applied to the quadriceps muscle for the taping group, with the control receiving no taping. Pre- and post-test measurements were taken to give an indication of the effect of the tape on balance performance. Center of Pressure Excursion (COPE) and Time to Stabilization (TTS) when landing from a hop test and Y Balance test combined score (YBTCS) were used to assess a stabilizing balance activity and a dynamic balance. The pre- and post-intervention were collected, with differences explored using repeated measures ANOVA with time and condition (tape) factor analysis. Results: We found a significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) with a moderate to large effect size in YBTCS between KT and no taping, indicating enhanced balance performance in the KT group. However, no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) with small to moderate effect size was found in COPE or TTS between the two conditions during landing tests, suggesting similar balance capabilities in these specific measures. Conclusion: The use of KT shows no significant immediate effect on static balance in healthy individuals when applied to the quadriceps muscles; however, it demonstrates a positive immediate effect on dynamic balance.

Balance and motor skills differences between children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorder and neurotypically developing.

This study examined the differences between children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurotypically developing (NTD) in terms of balance, postural control, and motor skills. It also examined which motor skills are most affected and whether scores on different assessment tests in ASD children are correlated. A cross-sectional observational study with two research groups was conducted. Timed up and go test (TUG), short form of Bruininks-Oseretsky test of Motor Proficiency version 2 (SFBOT-2), and pediatric balance scale (PBS) were used. A total of 100 participants 50 with ASD and 50 with NTD engaged in the research. Statistically significant differences were obtained between control group and ASD group in TUG test and in SFBOT-2 standard score and total score (p-value = <0.01). A statistically significant difference (p-value = <0.01) was seen between ASD group's and control group's PBS scores. Poor correlation was noted between TUG and SFBOT-2, as well as between PBS and TUG. A moderate correlation was also found between SFBOT-2 and PBS. Children with ASD present difficulties in motor skills and in static and dynamic balance compared to children with NTD. Differences were observed in the motor skills of strength followed by manual dexterity, running speed and agility, fine motor precision, fine motor integration, and balance. The PBS item that showed the greatest difference between the ASD group and control group was maintaining monopodial support with hands on hips. Finally, poor to moderate correlations were obtained between the different tests with statistically significant differences.

Feasibility Study of a Prototype Wearable Inertial Measurement Unit for Elderly Postural Sway Assessment.

Background: Falls are a major public health problem among older adults since they are a primary cause of injuries, functional decline and mortality. Identifying individuals susceptible to falls enables early intervention and prevention strategies. Currently, wearable sensors have emerged as a promising tool for assessing balance and mobility due to their affordability, compact size, and established efficacy. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based postural sway metrics during quiet stance with four different bases of support and compare them among elderly individuals who are at risk of falling and those who are not. Methods: A triaxial IMU prototype was developed for evaluating postural sway during quiet stance, with various bases of support. Totally, 103 elderly participants with mean age of 68.5 ± 5.7 years were included. Sway metrics, including the root mean square (RMS) of magnitude, summation of range of signal (Range), summation of sway area (SA) and summation of distance (SD) were employed to detect sway perturbations. Results: All of the sway metrics revealed a significantly increasing magnitude of signal trajectory with a decreasing base of support. When comparing IMU sway metrics between groups of individuals at potential risk and non-risk of falls, statistically significant differences were observed in some variables, including RMS, Range, and SA during semi-tandem stance, and Range and SA during one-leg standing. Conclusions: The findings support earlier studies that demonstrated the objective nature of the IMU in assessing balance and predicting future risk of falls. Limited significant findings in this study may be due to the lower sampling rate of the IMU prototype (50 Hz) compared to commonly reported frequencies (100 Hz), as well as the inclusion of elderly ambulatory participants who were capable of being independent in their daily activities. The IMU is capable of providing comprehensive data, and detecting subtle changes, early signs of balance impairment and fall tendencies.

Relationship between static and dynamic balance in 4-to-5-year-old preschoolers: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Balance is crucial for physical development in preschool children. Exploring the relationship between different types of balance can help understand early physical development in children. Currently, research is mostly focused on the relationship between different types of balance in the adult population and lacks exploration of the preschool population. The aim of this study explored the relationship between static and dynamic balance in preschool children aged 4 to 5 years. METHODS: A total of 128 preschool children between the ages of 4 to 5 years were selected. The following tests were conducted as they wore inertial sensors detecting their centers of mass (COM): T1, standing with eyes open; T2, standing with eyes closed; T3, standing with eyes open on foam; T4, standing with eyes closed on foam; and T5, walking on the balance beam. Static balance was measured by the angular velocity modulus (ω-T1-ω-T4) of the shaking COM, as well as the pitch angle (θ-T1-θ-T4) and roll angle (φ-T1-φ-T4) indicators in T1-T4 testing. Dynamic balance was measured by the time (t) and angular velocity modulus (ω-T5), as well as the pitch angle (θ-T5) and roll angle (φ-T5) indicators in the T5 test. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to test the correlation between static and dynamic balance indicators. RESULTS: There is no correlation between ω-T1-ω-T4 and t (P > 0.05), while ω-T1-ω-T4 and ω-T5 (r = 0.19-0.27, P < 0.05) and ω-T1-ω-T4 and θ-T5, φ-T5 (r = 0.18-0.33, P < 0.05) were weakly correlated. There is no correlation between θ-T1-θ-T4, φ-T1-φ-T4 and t (P > 0.05), while θ-T1-θ-T4, φ-T1-φ-T4, and θ-T5, φ-T5 were weakly correlated (r = 0.01-0.28, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between static and dynamic balance in preschool children aged 4-5 years is weak. Static and dynamic balance in children needs to be intervened separately for the development of children.

How virtual reality is impacting balance: An examination of postural stability.

BACKGROUND: The interest in virtual reality (VR) applications has been on the rise in recent years. However, the impact of VR on postural stability remains unclear. RESEARCH QUESTION: The study has two primary objectives: first, to compare postural stability in a 3D-immersed virtual reality environment (VE) and a real environment (RE), and second, to investigate the effect of positive and negative visual feedback, which are subconditions of VE on postural stability. METHODS: The observational study recruited 20 healthy adults (10 male, 10 female, 22.8 ± 1.8 years) who underwent postural stability assessments in both RE and VE. In VE, participants received visual stimuli in three different ways: without visual feedback, with positive and negative visual feedback that they would consider themselves to be directed towards postural stability outcomes. The RE included two conditions: eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Postural stability was evaluated with sway velocity, sway area, and perimeter variables obtained from a force platform. RESULTS: All postural stability variables were significantly lower in the RE than in the VE (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the VE and EC in terms of sway velocity and sway area (p > 0.05). The visual feedback in the VE did not affect participants' postural stability (p > 0.05). VE may cause an increase in postural sway variables compared to RE and postural requirements may be higher in VE compared to RE. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first and only study examining the effect of different visual feedback on postural stability in VE.

Lower limb lymphedema disrupts both static and dynamic balance.

BACKGROUND: The impact of lower-limb-lymphedema on quality of life of patients regarding balance is unclear due to the scarcity of literature. The aim of this study was to determine the static and dynamic balance of patients with lower-limb-lymphedema in comparison with healthy subjects. METHODS: This case-control designed study included 30 lymphedema patients and 30 healthy individuals, of whom were 52 female and 8 male with a mean age of 50.63 ± 9.72 years. Static balance stability and anterior-posterior with lateral sway parameters on four conditions (eyes-opened-stable-ground, eyes-closed-stable-ground, eyes-opened-unstable-ground, eyes-closed-unstable-ground) and dynamic stability of all participants were evaluated. FINDINGS: The demographic variables were similar between the groups. Majority of the patients had lymphedema due to cancer surgery with a stage of 2. Dynamic stability was significantly disrupted in lymphedema group in comparison with controls (P = 0.049). Static balance parameters were impaired on all conditions except the eyes opened-stable ground in lymphedema patients (P = 0.048,P = 0.043,P = 0.017). The dynamic with static balance and lateral sway parameters were correlated with the duration of lymphedema(P = 0.046,P = 0.002,P = 0.005). Anterior-posterior sway on eyes-closed-unstable-ground condition was correlated with functional status (P = 0.02). Static balance on eyes-opened-unstable-ground condition and anterior-posterior sway parameters were correlated with physical activity level (P = 0.015,P = 0.016,P < 0.05). INTERPRETATION: Closing eyes and the deterioration of ground caused significant alteration of the static and dynamic balance both separately and together in patients with lower-limb-lymphedema compared to healthy subjects. Regarding the static and dynamic imbalance, we suggest the evaluation of balance and inclusion of balance exercises in routine lymphedema rehabilitation program, especially in the early period of disease.

Comparison of the Effects of Cognitive Dual-Task and Single-Task Balance Exercises on Static Balance among People with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery improves mechanical stability; however, functional stability remains impaired. Balance exercises can help improve functional stability. The effect of cognitive dual-task balance exercises has not been studied in people with ACL reconstruction surgery; therefore, this study aimed to compare the effect of cognitive dual-task and single-task balance exercises on the static balance indices in these individuals. Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial. After a period of conventional physiotherapy and applying inclusion criteria, 28 patients with ACL reconstruction surgery were randomly divided into two groups of cognitive dual-task and single-task balance exercises. Each group received the relevant exercises for four weeks, three times a week, with each session lasting 20 min. Center of pressure variables, including mean displacement in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions, total path length, mean velocity of displacement, root mean square of displacement and velocity, and the elliptical area, were measured using the FDM pressure platform before and after the interventions as the primary outcomes. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) scale was completed by the participants before and after the interventions. Results: The measured static balance variables and KOOS subscales had significant differences before and after intervention in both groups (P<0.05); however, no statistically significant difference was observed in these variables between the two groups. There was no significant correlation between KOOS subscales and measured static balance variables. Conclusion: Both cognitive dual-task and single-task balance exercises improved the indicators related to static balance and the level of functional disability of the knee. However, cognitive dual-task balance exercises had no superiority over single-task balance exercises in ACL-reconstructed individuals.

Effects of Real-Time Feedback Methods on Static Balance Training in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of real-time feedback methods on static balance training in stroke patients. There are two types of real-time feedback methods, as follows: one is Knowledge of Result (KR), and the other is Knowledge of Performance (KP). METHOD: Thirty stroke patients participated in this study and were randomly assigned to the KR group (n = 15) or the KP group (n = 15). All of the groups underwent real-time feedback training for four weeks (30 min per session, five sessions per week). The primary outcomes were sway length, sway velocity, and area 95%, which were assessed before and after the intervention. The secondary outcomes included the Berg Balance Scale, the Fugl Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity, the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Trunk Impairment Scale, and the Fall Efficacy Scale. A group × time interaction was assessed using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. RESULT: There was a significant increase over time in all outcomes (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed for a group × time interaction in sway length and area 95% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Real-time feedback training for static balance enhanced stroke patients' static balance abilities, clinical outcome assessments, and promoted self-efficacy against falls.

Acute Knee Crutch Use Provokes Changes to Postural Strategy.

Single-leg knee crutches are a relatively new, hands-free mobility assistive device with benefits over standard axillary crutches. Our main goal in this study was to evaluate balance ability in a healthy population upon first exposure to the knee crutch device. We had 20 healthy individuals (M age = 21.1; SD = 1.5 years) complete baseline static and dynamic balance tests on a force plate, followed by knee crutch fitting, a self-selected duration of ambulation practice, and another round of balance testing while wearing the knee crutch. We used the BTrackS Balance Test (BBT) to measure static balance, and the BTrackS Limits of Stability (BLOS) test to measure dynamic balance, and we created a custom lateral bias score from the BLOS results. On average, participants self-selected 3.1 minutes of ambulation practice. Wearing the knee crutch caused a near doubling of static balance path length and a large reduction in percentile ranking on the BBT. Dynamic balance area was more than halved (p < .001), with lateral bias scores during the BLOS, indicating that participants heavily favored their non-crutched leg (p < .001). Our results indicate that static and dynamic balance were significantly altered when wearing the knee crutch, and participants seemed to switch to a single leg stance strategy. Despite these balance changes, participants were quickly ready and willing to complete independent ambulation and balance testing procedures using the single-leg knee crutch.

Effects of lunges inserted in walking (eccentric walking) on lower limb muscle strength, physical and cognitive function of regular walkers.

INTRODUCTION: Walking is a popular exercise but does not increase lower limb muscle strength and balance. We hypothesized that muscle strength, physical and cognitive function would be improved by inserting lunges in conventional walking. METHODS: Eleven regular walkers (54-88 years) who had more than 5000 steps in exercise walking a day at least 5 days a week participated in this study. They walked as usual for the first 4 weeks and included lunges and descending stairs or slope walking (i.e., eccentric walking) for the next 8 weeks. The steps of eccentric walking were gradually increased from 100 to 1000 steps per week over 8 weeks. RESULTS: The average steps per day were 10,535 ± 3516 in the first 4 weeks, and 10,118 ± 3199 in the eccentric walking period without a significant difference. No significant changes in maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque of the knee extensors (MVC), 30-s chair stand (CS), 2-min step, balance assessed by center of pressure movement area with eyes close, sit and reach, a digit symbol substitution test (DSST) for cognitive function were observed in the first 4 weeks. However, significant (P < 0.05) improvements were evident in MVC (18.6 ± 15.7%), CS (24.2 ± 17.3%), balance ( - 45.3 ± 34.5%), and DSST (20.8 ± 16.7%) from weeks 4 to 12. Serum complement component 1q concentration decreased (P < 0.05) from weeks 4 to 12, although no changes in serum glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations were observed. CONCLUSION: These results supported the hypothesis, and suggest that eccentric walking provides effects that are not achieved by conventional walking.

Effect of Corrective Exercise on Static Balance, Food Consumption, and Body Composition in the Early Period After Bariatric Surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of corrective exercise program applied during the period of rapid weight loss following bariatric surgery on static balance, dietary intake, and body composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants who had undergone Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) surgery were divided into as Corrective Exercise Group (CEG), and Control Group (CG). CEG underwent a 12-week supervised corrective exercise program. Body composition and static balance of all participants were assessed before and after the study. Their physical activity levels and dietary intake were also evaluated. RESULTS: Following of the corrective exercise program, both groups exhibited significant reductions in body weight, BMI, fat mass, fat percentage, muscle mass, waist circumference-to-height ratio, and visceral adiposity values (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CEG showed increase in lean body mass percentage (p < 0.001). In measurements related to static balance, values for eyes-closed perimeter (p = 0.015), eyes-closed (p = 0.006), eyes-open (p = 0.028) ellipses area, average F-B speed, and eyes-open center of pressure in the X-axis (C.O.P.X.) sway distance significantly decreased in both groups (p = 0.025). However, the difference in eyes-open C.O.P.X. sway distance was found to be higher in the CG (mean difference = 8.67; p = 0.034). Postoperatively, there were significant decreases in energy, protein, fat, CHO (carbohydrate), CHO percentage, fiber, and iron values, while protein percentage (p < 0.001), vitamin D (p = 0.003), and B12 (p < 0.001) values increased. CONCLUSION: It has been observed that the corrective exercise program implemented in the early postoperative period following SG surgery had a positive impact on eyes-open static balance.

Correlations between Trunk Control and Balance in Children with Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

Impairments of postural responses are a salient feature of children with cerebral palsy (CP). While the systems approach describes balance in seven components, the relationship between trunk control and balance in children with CP has not been previously examined with all seven of these components. In this study, we aimed to identify correlations between trunk control and all seven systems approach balance components in children with bilateral spastic CP. Our participants were 30 children (M age = 11.83, SD = 2.32 years) with CP having a Gross Motor Function Classification System level ranging from I to III. We assessed trunk control with the Trunk Control Measurement Scale, including static and dynamic balance (selective voluntary control and reaching). Balance in standing was assessed using Kids-Mini-BESTest involving four domains: anticipatory, reactive, sensory orientation and stability in gait. We used Spearman's rank correlations to correlate trunk control and balance, and we obtained a moderate correlation between the trunk control measurement scale and the Kids-Mini-BESTest in children with both bilateral spastic CP (rs = .618, p < .001) and spastic diplegic CP (rs = .52, p = .02). Analysis of the correlations between separate domains of the Kids-Mini-BESTest and the trunk control measurement scale subscales revealed moderate correlations between the static sitting balance subscale and all four domains of the Kids-Mini-BESTest. The dynamic selective motor control subscale of the trunk control measurement scale moderately correlated with the anticipatory domain of the Kids-Mini-BESTest. The dynamic reaching subscale also correlated moderately with anticipatory and stability in gait domains. This correlation was statistically significant in the 13 to 17-year-old age group and was strong among females, whereas the correlation was moderate in males. Trunk control was moderately associated with balance considering all the systems theory components of balance in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

Analysis of the centre of pressure in bipedal stance among individuals with and without intellectual disabilities, individuals with Down syndrome and dancers with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) often present deficiencies in motor, balance and postural control. On the other hand, the practice of physical activity and dance usually reduces these deficiencies. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the control of the centre of pressure (COP) in people with Down syndrome (DS) or other causes of ID in relation to people without disabilities and to observe the influence of vision and the practice of dance. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyses the COP in a static standing position with open and closed eyes in four study groups. A total of 273 people were recruited (80 adults without ID, 46 adults with DS, 120 adults with other causes of ID and 27 dancers with DS). RESULTS: A greater area of oscillation and path of the COP was observed in the participants with ID compared with the participants without ID, especially in the sway area of the COP. The oscillation speed of the COP was also higher. When analysing the displacement of the COP, anteroposterior and mediolateral components, there were also differences, except when comparing the group of dancers with DS with respect to the group without ID. The visual condition only influenced the group of participants without disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study show that there is a less efficient static postural control in people with ID, as greater displacements were observed in the COP of the participants with ID. The differences in some specific variables that analyse the displacement of the COP were smaller when comparing the group of dancers with DS and the individuals without ID.

Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation with Balance Training in a Middle-Aged Population: Randomized Double-Blind Sham-Controlled Trial.

Introduction: The first signs of deteriorated balance impairment begin during middle age. Early intervention could delay the fall risk in older populations; hence, addressing balance deficits during this age is crucial. The authors aimed to determine the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with balance training (BT) on the improvement of static and dynamic balance in a middle-aged population, along with the participants' safety and satisfaction. Methods: Participants (n = 28) were randomized into two groups: active tDCS (active tDCS + BT) and sham tDCS (sham tDCS + BT). Both groups received the intervention thrice a week for 6 weeks. Dynamic and static balance were assessed by sway rate changes with eyes open and closed, and the functional reach test and a postintervention survey were conducted to assess participants' safety and satisfaction. Results: The active tDCS group showed significantly greater static and dynamic balance improvements in sway scores. The surveys demonstrated the safety of the program and satisfaction of 80% of the participants with the combined intervention. Conclusion: tDCS could be used in a middle-aged population as part of regular BT to improve balance and minimize the risk of balance deficits in older populations while ensuring patient safety and satisfaction. This study is a subanalysis of a larger clinical trial that included young adults as well (Clinical trial number: KCT0007414).

Investigating the Combined Effects of Fascial Distortion Model Manual Therapy and Balance-Strength Training in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability.

BACKGROUND: The Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) is a relatively new manual therapy approach in the field of musculoskeletal physical therapy, and its potential effectiveness in treating chronic ankle instability (CAI) remains unexplored. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial with 23 participants was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned to either the FDM + balance-strength training (BST) group (n = 8), receiving extra FDM sessions weekly in addition to two sessions of BST, or the BST group (n = 7). Healthy controls (n = 8) did not receive any treatment and participated only in pre- and post-test measurements. Objective measurements including Y-Balance Test Lower Quarter (YBT-LQ), Flamingo Balance Test (FBT), Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT), ankle joint range of motion (ROM), and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) were recorded at baseline and the end of the intervention. The results demonstrated significant differences between the FDM + BST and BST groups for supination ROM (p = 0.008) and similarly for WBLT (p = 0.041), FBT (p = 0.40), YBT-LQ (p = 0.023), and CAIT score (p = 0.008). Moreover, while both groups demonstrated significant improvement at the post-test compared with their pre-test for plantarflexion and pronation ROM, WBLT, and CAIT score, the FDM + BST group demonstrated significant improvements in supination ROM, FBT, and YBT-LQ. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the addition of FDM concepts to a BST may lead to enhanced improvements in ankle ROM, static and dynamic balance, and self-reported outcomes in individuals with CAI compared to BST.

Efficacy of sensory-based static balance training on the balance ability, aging attitude, and perceived stress of older adults in the community: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study explores the effect of sensory-based static balance training on the balance ability, aging attitude, and perceived stress of older adults in the community. It provides a practical basis for the in-depth implementation and revision of the community health management model. METHODS: A randomized controlled intervention study was conducted from 2022 to 2023. A total of 72 older adults were recruited and randomly divided into an intervention group (36 individuals) and a control group (36 individuals). Balance ability (measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery and One Leg Stand Test), aging attitudes, and perceived stress were assessed at baseline and at the 12-week and 24-week follow-ups. Repeated-measures ANOVA and generalized estimating equations were used to compare outcome measures. RESULTS: Sensory-based static balance training was beneficial for balance ability and aging attitude among participants in the intervention group. At the end of the intervention, participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in SPPB scores and OLST scores compared with the control group (FSPPB = 12.347, P = 0.001, Waldχ2OLST = 45.530, P < 0.001), as well as significant differences in aging attitudes (FAAQ = 18.549, P < 0.001). Multiple comparisons at different time points in the intervention group reveal a significant intervention effect (FSPPB = 29.211, Waldχ2OLST = 80.428, FAAQ = 45.981, all P < 0.05). However, the difference in perceived stress before and after the intervention was not significant (FCPSS = 2.876, P = 0.095). CONCLUSIONS: Sensory-based static balance training significantly improved balance ability and aging attitudes among older adults in the community. The effect on perceived stress among older adults in the community was not significant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in the Chinese Clinic on 04/06/2022. The registration number is ChiCTR2200060541.

The stepping test, and infrared depth sensor, provide reliable measures of balance in community-dwelling older adults.

[Purpose] The purpose was to examine relationships between variables characterizing the 20-second stepping test movement pattern, assessed with an infrared depth sensor (KinectTM), and measurements of dynamic and static balance. [Participants and Methods] A total of 27 independent-living, older adults (7 males and 20 females) participated in this study. For each participant, the stepping test total movement distance, movement displacement, knee movement distance, and step number were calculated from Kinect closed joint-point coordinate data. Dynamic and static balance were assessed using a NeuroCom Balance Master Platform system. [Results] The stepping test total movement distance had a moderate negative correlation with endpoint excursion (r=-0.469) and a moderate positive correlation with total movement distance, corrected for knee movement distance (r=0.557). Step numbers had a moderate negative correlation with stepping test total movement distance (r=-0.667) and total movement distance, corrected for knee movement distance (r=-0.531). Division into high and low-balance sub-groups (based on endpoint excursion or sway velocity scores) revealed that stepping test total movement distances and movement displacements were greater, and step numbers were fewer, in low balance groups. [Conclusion] The stepping test, combined with a KinectTM-assessed movement pattern provides a simple, objective, reliable means for assessing balance in community-dwelling, independent-living older adults.

Effects of Swedish Massage at Different Times of the Day on Dynamic and Static Balance in Taekwondo Athletes.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of different durations of Swedish massage on the static and dynamic balance at different times of the day in taekwondo athletes. Twelve taekwondo athletes who had been practicing on a regular basis for more than 5 years participated in this study. Taekwondo athletes completed static and dynamic balance tests either after a no-massage protocol (NMP), a five-minute massage protocol (5MMP), a ten-minute massage protocol (10MMP), or a fifteen-minute massage protocol (15MMP) two times a day in the morning (08:00-12:00) and in the evening (16:00-20:00), on non-consecutive days. The findings of this study suggest that the duration of the massage has a discernible impact on dynamic balance, particularly with regard to the right foot. Taekwondo athletes who received a 10MMP or 15MMP displayed significantly improved dynamic balance compared to those in the NMP. Importantly, these improvements were independent of the time of day when the massages were administered. It underscores the potential benefits of incorporating short-duration Swedish massages into taekwondo athletes' pre-competition routines to enhance dynamic balance. These findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating short-duration Swedish massages into taekwondo athletes' pre-competition routines to enhance dynamic balance, a critical component of their performance, regardless of the time of day.

Influence of Concurrent Exercise Training on Ankle Muscle Activation during Static and Proactive Postural Control on Older Adults with Sarcopenic Obesity: A Multicenter, Randomized, and Controlled Trial.

Sarcopenic obesity (SO), characterized by age-related muscle loss and excess body fat, significantly impairs postural control. However, limited research has explored the effects of concurrent exercise training on neuromuscular strategies during postural control in older adults with SO. The study enrolled 50 older adults with SO, split into an intervention group (IG, n = 25, mean age = 76.1 ± 3.5 years; mean BMI = 34.4 ± 4.0 kg/m2) and a control group (CG, n = 25, mean age = 75.9 ± 5.4 years; mean BMI = 32.9 ± 2.3 kg/m2). Participants in the IG were engaged in 60-min Total Mobility Plus Program (TMP) sessions three times a week for four months, while the CG maintained their typical daily activities. Standardized evaluations were conducted both before and after the intervention. These assessments included the Romberg and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests, as well as the measurement of Center of Pressure (CoP) displacements parameters under various conditions. Additionally, ankle muscle activities were quantified during postural control evaluations and maximal voluntary contractions of plantar and dorsal flexors. Post-intervention results revealed a significant reduction of the standing time measured in the Romberg (-15.6%, p < 0.005) and TUG (-34.6%, p < 0.05) tests. Additionally, CoP area and velocity were notably reduced in various conditions (p < 0.05). Postural control improvements were associated with an increase of strength (p < 0.05) and decrease of ankle muscle activation (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the reversibility of neuromuscular system alterations associated with the synergistic effects of sarcopenia and obesity, emphasizing the trainability of postural control regulation within this population. By incorporating these insights into clinical practice and public health strategies, it seems possible to optimize the health and well-being of older adults with SO.

Clinical Static Balance Assessment: A Narrative Review of Traditional and IMU-Based Posturography in Older Adults and Individuals with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury.

Maintaining a stable upright posture is essential for performing activities of daily living, and impaired standing balance may impact an individual's quality of life. Therefore, accurate and sensitive methods for assessing static balance are crucial for identifying balance impairments, understanding the underlying mechanisms of the balance deficiencies, and developing targeted interventions to improve standing balance and prevent falls. This review paper first explores the methods to quantify standing balance. Then, it reviews traditional posturography and recent advancements in using wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) to assess static balance in two populations: older adults and those with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). The inclusion of these two groups is supported by their large representation among individuals with balance impairments. Also, each group exhibits distinct aspects in balance assessment due to diverse underlying causes associated with aging and neurological impairment. Given the high vulnerability of both demographics to balance impairments and falls, the significance of targeted interventions to improve standing balance and mitigate fall risk becomes apparent. Overall, this review highlights the importance of static balance assessment and the potential of emerging methods and technologies to improve our understanding of postural control in different populations.