Effects of Eight Methods and Five Steps of Tai Chi Practice on Balance Control Among Older Adults

Motor Control ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 616-630
Author(s):  
Xiu Hu ◽  
Shaojun Lyu ◽  
Min Mao ◽  
Jianwei Zhang ◽  
Wei Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Sensitivity Threshold ◽  
Tactile Sensitivity ◽  
Mean Square ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Significant Group

The team developed the newly compiled eight methods and five steps of Tai Chi (EMFSTC), which includes introductory routines to Tai Chi characterized by simple structures. This study examined the effectiveness of EMFSTC practice on balance control. A total of 31 participants were randomly assigned to EMFSTC (n = 15, age = 66.4 ± 1.7 years, received 16-week EMFSTC practice) or control (n = 16, age = 66.7 ± 1.8 years, received no practice) groups. Significant group by training interactions were observed. After EMFSTC practice, balance control improved, as indicated by decreased root mean square and mean velocity of center of pressure, proprioception threshold during knee extension, and plantar tactile sensitivity threshold at the arch. EMFSCT can be an effective rehabilitation modality to improve balance control among older adults.

scholarly journals A novel model to quantify balance alterations in older adults based on the center of pressure (CoP) measurements with a cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256129
Author(s):  
Ángel Gabriel Estévez-Pedraza ◽  
Lorena Parra-Rodríguez ◽  
Rigoberto Martínez-Méndez ◽  
Otniel Portillo-Rodríguez ◽  
Zoraida Ronzón-Hernández
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background The timely detection of fall risk or balance impairment in older adults is transcendental because, based on a reliable diagnosis, clinical actions can be taken to prevent accidents. This study presents a statistical model to estimate the fall risk from the center of pressure (CoP) data. Methods This study is a cross-sectional analysis from a cohort of community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and over living in Mexico City. CoP balance assessments were conducted in 414 older adults (72.2% females) with a mean age of 70.23 ± 6.68, using a modified and previously validated Wii Balance Board (MWBB) platform. From this information, 78 CoP indexes were calculated and analyzed. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted in order to estimate the relationship between balance alteration and the CoP indexes and other covariables. Results The CoP velocity index in the Antero-Posterior direction with open eyes (MVELAPOE) had the best value of area under the curve (AUC) to identify a balance alteration (0.714), and in the adjusted model, AUC was increased to 0.827. Older adults with their mean velocity higher than 14.24 mm/s had more risk of presenting a balance alteration than those below this value (OR (Odd Ratio) = 2.94, p<0.001, 95% C.I.(Confidence Interval) 1.68–5.15). Individuals with increased age and BMI were more likely to present a balance alteration (OR 1.17, p<0.001, 95% C.I. 1.12–1.23; OR 1.17, p<0.001, 95% C.I. 1.10–1.25). Contrary to what is reported in the literature, sex was not associated with presenting a balance alteration (p = 0.441, 95% C.I. 0.70–2.27). Significance The proposed model had a discriminatory capacity higher than those estimated by similar means and resources to this research and was implemented in an embedded standalone system which is low-cost, portable, and easy-to-use, ideal for non-laboratory environments. The authors recommend using this technology to support and complement the clinical tools to attend to the serious public health problem represented by falls in older adults.

scholarly journals Foot Mechanics Define Directional Changes in Curved-Path Walking: New Methods to Assess the Motor Skill of Walking

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1043-1044
Author(s):  
Haley Hicks ◽  
Anthony McBroom ◽  
Patrick Roscher ◽  
Jessie VanSwearingen ◽  
Kristin Lowry
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Median Split ◽  
Curved Paths ◽  
Pearson Correlations ◽  
Interaction Center ◽  
Lateral Maximum

Abstract Although it is essential to navigating the world, curved path walking is a challenge to mediolateral balance control. The focus of previous curved-path walking research was in spatiotemporal characteristics. We quantified the foot-ground interaction, center of pressure (COP) characteristics during non-linear (eg curved-path) walking important to understand the functional mechanics of directional changes for curved paths. We hypothesized the foot mechanics differ between older adults with better versus poorer curved-path walking (Figure of 8 Walk Test, F8W). Twenty-five older adults (mean age 71.8 ± 8.9 years) completed the F8W on an instrumented walkway (Protokinetics, LLC.) The derived metrics of the foot mechanics included medial/lateral movement of the COP for inside and outside steps, maximum medial and lateral COP excursions, and total medial/lateral COP range. Pearson correlations were used to examine relations F8W (time and steps) and COP metrics; ANOVAs were used to examine differences in COP metrics between older adults grouped by median-split of F8W time. Longer F8W time and more steps were related to lesser total COP range and outside foot lateral maximum excursion (r range -0.415 to -0.706, p&lt;0.04). Older adults with stronger F8W performance compared to poorer F8W performance had larger outside foot total COP ranges (3.61cm vs 4.39cm, p=0.016) and greater lateral excursion (1.60cm vs 2.12cm, p=0,003). Foot-ground interactions offer new insights into control of curved path walking and methods for evaluating efficacy of interventions focused on improving walking skill in older adults.

Effect of Visual Condition on Performance of Balance-Related Tasks in Elite Dance Students

Motor Control ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-407
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Coker ◽  
Terry Kaminski
Keyword(s):  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Light Conditions ◽  
Visual Condition ◽  
Low Light ◽  
Technical Requirements ◽  
Dance Movements ◽  
Center Of Pressure Velocity

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of visual condition (low light, full light, and full light with mirror) on balance control and technical form during two technical dance movements in a group of elite collegiate dance students. Dancers demonstrated higher center of pressure velocity indicating lower control while performing a static dance task (parallel relevé retiré) and a dynamic dance task (fondu relevé en croix) under low light conditions than either lighted condition. Measures of Western ballet technique (pelvic obliquity, knee extension, and ankle plantar flexion) showed no decrement under low light conditions. No effect of concurrent mirror feedback was found on either center of pressure velocity or technical requirements of the dance tasks.

scholarly journals Postural control in top-level female volleyball players

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Borzucka ◽  
Krzysztof Kręcisz ◽  
Zbigniew Rektor ◽  
Michał Kuczyński
Keyword(s):  
Postural Control ◽  
Postural Sway ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Sampling Rate ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Volleyball Players

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to compare the postural control of the Poland national women’s volleyball team players with a control group of non-training young women. It was hypothesized that volleyball players use a specific balance control strategy due to the high motor requirements of their team sport. Methods Static postural sway variables were measured in 31 athletes and 31 non-training women. Participants were standing on a force plate with eyes open, and their center of pressure signals were recorded for the 20s with the sampling rate of 20 Hz in the medial-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) planes. Results In both AP and ML planes, athletes had lower range and higher fractal dimension of the COP. They had also higher peak frequency than control group in the ML plane only. The remaining COP indices including variability, mean velocity and mean frequency did not display any intergroup differences. Conclusion It can be assumed that due to the high motor requirements of their sport discipline Polish female volleyball players have developed a unique posture control. On the court they have to distribute their sensory resources optimally between balance control and actions resulting from the specifics of the volleyball game. There are no clearly defined criteria for optimal postural strategies for elite athletes, but they rather vary depending on a given sport. The results of our research confirm this claim. Trial registration The tests were previously approved by the Bioethical Commission of the Chamber of Physicians in Opole. (Resolution No. 151/13.12.2007). This study adheres to the CONSORT guidelines.

Quantification of the Trade-Off Between Force Attenuation and Balance Impairment in the Design of Compliant Safety Floors

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 563-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal N. Glinka ◽  
Kim P. Cheema ◽  
Stephen N. Robinovitch ◽  
Andrew C. Laing
Keyword(s):  
Root Mean Square ◽  
Impact Force ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Mean Square ◽  
Quiet Stance ◽  
Rigid Surface ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Lateral Direction ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Risk Of Fall

Safety floors (also known ascompliant floors) may reduce the risk of fall-related injuries by attenuating impact force during falls, but are only practical if they do not negatively affect balance and mobility. In this study, we evaluated seven safety surfaces based on their ability to attenuate peak femoral neck force during simulated hip impacts, and their influence on center of pressure (COP) sway during quiet and tandem stance. Overall, we found that some safety floors can attenuate up to 33.7% of the peak femoral impact force without influencing balance. More specifically, during simulated hip impacts, force attenuation for the safety floors ranged from 18.4 (SD 4.3)% to 47.2 (3.1)%, with each floor significantly reducing peak force compared with a rigid surface. For quiet stance, only COP root mean square was affected by flooring (and increased for only two safety floors). During tandem stance, COP root mean square and mean velocity increased in the medial-lateral direction for three of the seven floors. Based on the substantial force attenuation with no concomitant effects on balance for some floors, these results support the development of clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of safety floors at reducing fall-related injuries in high-risk settings.

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