scholarly journals Comparison of Static Balance and the Role of Vision in Elite Athletes

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raouf Hammami ◽  
David G Behm ◽  
Mokhtar Chtara ◽  
Aymen Ben Othman ◽  
Anis Chaouachi

AbstractWhen prescribing balance exercises to athletes in different sports, it may be important to recognize performance variations. Indeed, how athletes from different sports perform on balance tests is not well understood. The goal of the present study was to compare static balance and the role of vision among elite sprinters, jumpers and rugby players. The modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance (mCTSIB) was used to assess the velocity of the center-of-pressure (CoP) on a force platform during a 30 s bipedal quiet standing posture in 4 conditions: firm surface with opened and closed eyes, foam surface with opened and closed eyes. Three-factor ANOVA indicated a significant main effect for groups (F=21.69, df=2, p<0.001, η2 = 0.34). Significant main effect of vision (F=43.20, df=1, p<0.001, η2 = 0.34) and surface (F=193.41, df=1, p<0.001, η2 = 0.70) as well as an interaction between vision (eyes open, eyes closed) and surface (firm and foam) (F=21.79, df=1, p=0.001) were reported in all groups. The subsequent Bonferroni-Dunn post hoc test indicated that rugby players displayed better static balance than sprinters and jumpers (p=0.001). The comparison of sprinters and jumpers did not reveal significant differences (p>0.05). The nature of the sport practiced and the absence of visual control are linked to modify static balance in elite athletes. Coaches and strength and conditioning professionals are recommended to use a variety of exercises to improve balance, including both exercises with opened and closed eyes on progressively challenging surfaces in order to make decisions about tasks and sensory availability during assessment and training.

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zohreh Meshkati ◽  
Mehdi Namazizadeh ◽  
Mahyar Salavati ◽  
Masood Mazaheri

Context:Although reliability is a population-specific property, few studies have investigated the measurement error associated with force-platform parameters in athletic populations.Objective:To investigate the skill-related differences between athletes and nonathletes in reliability of center-of-pressure (COP) summary measures under eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) conditions.Design:Test–retest reliability study.Setting:COP was recorded during double-leg quiet standing on a Kistler force platform before and after a fatiguing treadmill exercise, with EO and EC.Participants:31 male participants including 15 athletes practiced in karate and 16 nonathletes.Main Outcome Measures:Standard deviation (SD) of amplitude, phase-plane portrait, SD of velocity, mean total velocity, and area were calculated from 30-s COP data. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement, and coefficient of variation (CV) were used as estimates of reliability and precision.Results:Higher ICCs were found for COP measures in the athlete (compared with the nonathlete) group, postfatigued (compared with prefatigued) condition, and EC (compared with EO) tests. CVs smaller than 15% were obtained for most of the COP measures. SD of velocity in the anteroposterior direction showed the highest reliability in most conditions.Conclusions:Tests with EC and to a lesser extent tests performed in the athlete group and in the postfatigued condition showed better reliability.


Sports ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 89
Author(s):  
Albina Andreeva ◽  
Andrey Melnikov ◽  
Dmitry Skvortsov ◽  
Kadriya Akhmerova ◽  
Alexander Vavaev ◽  
...  

The effects of different factors—such as age, sex, performance level, and athletic shoe features—on postural balance in athletes remain unclear. The main objective of our study is to identify the features of postural stability in athletes of different age, sex, performance level, and using different types of athletic shoes. This study assessed postural stability in athletes (n = 936, 6–47 years) in a normal bipedal stance with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Postural stability was evaluated based on the center of pressure (COP), sway area (AS), and velocity (VCP) while standing on a stabiloplatform. Children (6–12 years) and teen athletes (13–17 years) showed reduced AS-EO (p < 0.01) and VCP-EO (p < 0.01) compared to control (n = 225, 7–30 years). In male and female athletes aged 18+, only VCP-EC was lower versus control. In females (13–17 and 18+), VCP-EO and EC were lower than in males (p < 0.05). Only in the Shooting group, the athletes’ performance levels had an effect on VCP-EO (p = 0.020). Long use of rigid athletic shoes with stiff ankle support was associated with reduced posture stability. Postural stability in athletes was mostly influenced by the athlete‘s age, and, to a lesser extent, by their sex, performance level, and athlete shoe features.


Scientifica ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Talebi ◽  
Mohammad Taghi Karimi ◽  
Seyed Hamid Reza Abtahi ◽  
Niloofar Fereshtenejad

Aims. Vestibular system is indicated as one of the most important sensors responsible for static and dynamic postural control. In this study, we evaluated static balance in patients with unilateral vestibular impairments.Materials and Methods. We compared static balance control using Kistler force plate platform between 10 patients with unilateral vestibular impairments and 20 normal counterparts in the same sex ratio and age limits (50±7). We evaluated excursion and velocity of center of pressure (COP) and path length in anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) planes with eyes open and with eyes closed.Results. There was no significant difference between COP excursions in ML and AP planes between both groups with eyes open and eyes closed (pvalue > 0.05). In contrast, the difference between velocity and path length of COP in the mentioned planes was significant between both groups with eyes open and eyes closed (pvalue < 0.05).Conclusions. The present study showed the static instability and balance of patients with vestibular impairments indicated by the abnormal characteristics of body balance.


2007 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitka Jančová ◽  
Vlasta Tošnerová

Posture in a still stance has been quantified by changes in the center of pressure (COP), in both anterior-posterior (A/P) and medial-lateral (M/L) directions and measured on a single force platform (Bertec PRO VEC 5.0). The purpose of this study was to estimate the variance in error and the intrasession test-retest reliability, and to determine which measures shall be taken for further measurements, especially with adults age 65 and older. We used two types of approximation for the reliability coefficient. Firstly, we used the equation according to Blahuš (2) and secondly we used the Pearson’s correlation coefficient for test-retest measurements. The findings allow us to say, among other things, that the tests of quiet standing Double Narrow Stance Eyes Open (DNSEO) and Double Narrow Stance Eyes Closed (DNSEC) are parallel, in the sense of parallel testing.


2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (10) ◽  
pp. 1489-1498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte M. Hunt ◽  
Gail Widener ◽  
Diane D. Allen

Background People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have diminished postural control, and center of pressure (COP) displacement varies more in this population than in healthy controls. Balance-based torso-weighting (BBTW) can improve clinical balance and mobility in people with MS, and exploration using both linear and nonlinear measures of COP may help determine whether BBTW optimizes movement variability. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of BBTW on people with MS and healthy controls during quiet standing. Design This was a quasi-experimental study comparing COP variability between groups, between eye closure conditions, and between weighting conditions in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. Methods Twenty participants with MS and 18 healthy controls stood on a forceplate in 4 conditions: eyes open and closed and with and without BBTW. Linear measures of COP displacement included range and root mean square (RMS). Nonlinear measures included approximate entropy (ApEn) and Lyapunov exponent (LyE). Three-way repeated-measures analyses of variance compared measures across groups and conditions. The association between weighting response and baseline nonlinear variables was examined. When significant associations were found, MS subgroups were created and compared. Results The MS and control groups had significantly different range, RMS, and ApEn values. The eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions had significantly different range and RMS values. Change with weighting correlated with LyE (r=−.70) and ApEn (r=−.59). Two MS subgroups, with low and high baseline LyE values, responded to BBTW in opposite directions, with a significant main effect for weighting condition for the LyE variable in the medial-lateral direction. Limitations The small samples and no identification of impairments related to LyE at baseline were limitations of the study. Conclusions The LyE may help differentiate subgroups who respond differently to BBTW. In both subgroups, LyE values moved toward the average of healthy controls, suggesting that BBTW may help optimize movement variability in people with MS.


Author(s):  
Atiya A. Shaikh ◽  
Rutuja D. Joshi

Background: Background and need of study- Influence of gender on balance is still controversial. Previous researchers have done studies using traditional methods. These methods may fail to detect subtle changes in balance difference. A tool like posturography which is highly specific may help to for accurate assessment and hence precise conclusion. Aim was to compare balance scores of male and female elderly using modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (CTSIB).Methods: There were 56 healthy elderly ambulating without an assistive device and free from any neurological and orthopedic problems were assessed for their balance abilities using mCTSIB of balance master(standing on firm surface with eyes open, with eyes closed, standing on foam surface with eyes open and with eyes closed). Sway velocity was assessed using Unpaired t test.Results: There was a no significant difference in scores of modified CTSIB between male and female elderly ( p value>0.005).Conclusions: Gender has no effect on static balance abilities between male and female elderly while performing modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance.


Author(s):  
Aija Klavina ◽  
Zinta Galeja

This study was executed to explore correlation between postural alignment in standing measured through photogrammetry and static balance in children with visual, hearing, intellectual and physical disability. METHODS: Participants were 34 children (age 7-12 years) including 8 children with hearing, 8 with visual, 6 with physical, and 12 children with intellectual disabilities Postural alignment in standing was measured through photogrammetry. Static balance data were obtained in 15 s bipedal stance with eyes open and eyes closed, and also in 10 s unipedal stance. A force plate was used to collect data of Centre of Pressure amplitude in anterior-posterior, medio-lateral directions and velocity. Correlation was obtained using Spearman's Rank Correlation co-efficient in SPSS software (version 19.0). RESULTS: Moderate positive correlation (r = 0.338 to r = 425; p ≤ 0.05) was found between angle of head position and angle of frontal and sagittal ASIS and PSIS level. Also, moderate positive correlation was found between angles in shoulder level and angles of the head (r =  .365 to r = .453, p < .05). In assessing the static balance outcomes between the four groups, results presented significant differences in results during bipedal stance with eyes open. CONCLUSION: Degree of forward head posture correlates directly with hip and shoulder anatomical placement. Children with intellectual disability presented larger displacement of the center of pressure with more body sway observed during eyes open condition.


Author(s):  
E.V. Tarasova ◽  
E.R. Rumyantseva

The ability to maintain static balance in badminton players may decrease due to prolonged asymmetric locomotor loads while training. The aim of this study was to assess the peculiarities of maintaining static balance in badminton players of various age and qualification groups. Materials and Methods. The study involved 88 badminton players, who had various sports experience and skills. Static balance was assessed with a stabilographic hardware-software complex “Stabilan 01-2” and the Romberg test (eyes open/eyes closed) during the preparatory and transitional periods of the annual training cycle. The authors assessed the following indicators: MO(x), mm; MO(y), mm. Statistical data processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel and STATISTICA 8.0 data analysis package. To compare the samples, we used the parametric Student’s t-test. Normality of distribution was checked with the Shapiro-Wilk test. Statistical data represented both arithmetic mean and standard error of the mean. The parameters were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. Results. Badminton players of all groups under consideration demonstrated an asymmetry of the vertical posture with center-of-pressure movement to the right in both tests (eyes open/eyes closed) (p<0.05). In badminton players, aged 8–12, the posture stereotype was characterized by a forward center-of-pressure movement (p<0.05), in adolescents, aged 13–16, and young people, aged 17–21, we observed backward center-of-pressure movement (p<0.05). Conclusion. Badminton players, aged 8–12, demonstrated a higher level of maintaining static balance with visual control. Adolescents and young people are able to maintain body balance with visual deprivation, which, apparently, indicates more perfect mechanisms of proprioceptive and tactile sensitivity. Keywords: badminton, asymmetric motor loads, static balance. Способность к сохранению статического равновесия тела у бадминтонистов может снижаться вследствие длительных асимметричных двигательных нагрузок в тренировочном процессе. Целью исследования явилась оценка особенностей сохранения статического равновесия у бадминтонистов различных возрастно-квалификационных групп. Материалы и методы. В исследовании приняло участие 88 бадминтонистов различного спортивного стажа и квалификации. Статическое равновесие тела оценивалось с помощью стабилографического аппаратно-программного комплекса «Стабилан 01-2» с использованием пробы Ромберга в тесте с открытыми и закрытыми глазами в подготовительный и переходный периоды годичного тренировочного цикла подготовки. Оценивались следующие показатели: MO(x), мм; MO(y), мм. Статистическая обработка данных проводилась с использованием программы Microsoft Excel и пакета анализа данных Statistica 8.0. Для сравнения выборок использовался параметрический t-критерий Стьюдента. Нормальность распределения проверялась с помощью критерия Шапиро–Уилка. Статистические данные представлены как среднее арифметическое и стандартная ошибка среднего. Исследуемые параметры считались статистически значимыми при p<0,05. Результаты. У бадминтонистов всех исследуемых групп отмечена асимметрия вертикальной позы с девиацией центра давления вправо как в тесте с открытыми, так и в тесте с закрытыми глазами (р<0,05). У бадминтонистов группы второго детства (8–12 лет) стереотип позы характеризовался смещением центра давления вперед (р<0,05), у испытуемых подросткового (13–16 лет) и юношеского (17–21 год) возрастов отмечена девиация центра давления назад (р<0,05). Выводы. Для бадминтонистов группы второго детства при зрительном контроле характерен более высокий уровень сохранения статического равновесия, тогда как спортсмены подросткового и юношеского возрастов и при депривации зрения способны удерживать равновесие тела, что, по-видимому, указывает на более совершенные механизмы проприоцептивной и тактильной чувствительности. Ключевые слова: бадминтон, асимметричные двигательные нагрузки, статическое равновесие.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia-Hua Liu ◽  
Ying Li ◽  
Hao-Ling Xu ◽  
Arif Sikandar ◽  
Wei-Hong Lin ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundPostural instability is one of the most disabling features of spinocerebellar ataxias type 3 (SCA3) and often leads to falls that reduce mobility and functional capacity. This study aimed to quantitatively analyse static and dynamic balance and proprioception function on postural control in patients with SCA3 using the Pro-kin system and optimise rehabilitation programmes for them.MethodsEight-one clinically diagnosed SCA3 patients (38 women, 43 men; aged 39.00 ± 9.66) and 62 healthy controls were studied and evaluated using the Pro-kin system (PK254P, Tecnobody S.r.l, Dalmine, Italy). The measurements included (1) a static balance test in two visual feedback conditions: eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC); (2) a dynamic balance test measuring limits of stability (LOS); and (3) a proprioception function test to obtain proprioceptive measurements on a multiaxial balance evaluator for both right and left lower limbs.ResultsCompared to controls, SCA3 patients showed significantly higher values of all static balance outcome variables with eyes open and eyes closed, implying postural instability. SCA3 patients showed significantly higher values in the standard deviation of body sway along the medio-lateral (ML) axis and in the velocity of body sway along the anterior-posterior (AP) axis. The overall scores and the scores for all eight LOS components were significantly lower in the SCA3 patients than in the controls. The mean values of AP index (API), ML index (MLI), Stability index (SI) and average trace error (ATE) were significantly greater in SCA3 patients compared to HC subjects, while API showed a trend toward higher values.ConclusionsSCA3 patients have a significant postural control disorder, and are likely to fall on the AP plane and prefer performing postural adjustments in the ML direction; a decreased proprioception function in the knee and ankle is also evident. Visual cues and proprioception should be emphasized in balance rehabilitation training. Attention should also be paid to improve muscle strength and range of motion.Trial registrationThe Chinese clinical test registration center. ChiCTR1800020133. Registered 15 december 2018 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=33950


Motor Control ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murielle Grangeon ◽  
Cindy Gauthier ◽  
Cyril Duclos ◽  
Jean-Francois Lemay ◽  
Dany Gagnon

The study aimed to (1) compare postural stability between sitting and standing in healthy individuals and (2) define center-of-pressure (COP) measures during sitting that could also explain standing stability. Fourteen healthy individuals randomly maintained (1) two short-sitting positions with eyes open or closed, with or without hand support, and (2) one standing position with eyes open with both upper limbs resting alongside the body. Thirty-six COP measures based on time and frequency series were computed. Greater COP displacement and velocity along with lower frequency measures were found for almost all directional components during standing compared with both sitting positions. The velocity, 95% confidence ellipse area, and centroidal frequency were found to be correlated between unsupported sitting and standing. Despite evidenced differences between sitting and standing, similarities in postural control were highlighted when sitting stability was the most challenging. These findings support further investigation between dynamic sitting and standing balance.


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