scholarly journals Does the Fatigue Index Induced in Athlete’s Affect Static Balance?

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Recep Soslu
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
The Body ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Fatigue Index ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Continuous Feedback ◽  
Base Of Support

Balance is the process of maintaining the body center of gravity vertically over the base of support and relies on rapid, continuous feedback and integration of afferent information coming from three sensory components, that is somatosensory, visual, and vestibular systems, resulting in smooth and coordinated neuromuscular actions. To investigate the effects of fatigue index on the static balance of sportsmen. A total of 51 male elite sportsmen from 4 different sports branches (Football players: 19, Volleyball players: 13, Skiers: 10 and Athletes: 9) participated in the study. The Wingate anaerobic power and capacity test was applied to induce fatigue. The Technobody isokinetic balance meter (Pro-Kin. CSMI) was used to measure pre- and post-fatigue static balance. There was a significant interaction between dependent (pre and post test balance) and independent (test statue and sport branches) variables were observed (F(63,1031.14) = 1.59, η2 = .07, p ˂ .05). Main effect results showed that pre-fatigue balance values were significantly different than post-fatigue balance values in all groups (F(1.14, 213.91) = 177.99, η2 = .49, p ˂ .05).Moreover, significant differences were identified between pre- and post-fatigue test results in sport branches (F(3.188) = 4.12, ƞ2 = .06, p < .05) and test statue (eyes open and closed) (F(3.188) = 3.32, ƞ2 = .05, p < .05). Bonferonni follow-up test indicated that there was a significant increase from footballers’ average static balance to the athletes’ average static balance (p ˂ .05). In test statue, pre fatigue eyes closed values were significantly different than post fatigue eyes opened values (p ˂ .05). Static balance training should be included in the training to be performed, fatigue static balance training should be performed in team and individual sports and the content of the training should be reorganized in line with the results obtained.

scholarly journals The measurable parameters of balance trainings in case of young healthy adults: Improved balance confidence or better postural stability? A pilot study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Posa ◽  
D. Farkasinszky ◽  
T. Margithazi ◽  
E. Nagy
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Postural Sway ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Healthy Female ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Support Surfaces ◽  
Base Of Support

AbstractPurposeThe objective of this pilot study was to compare the effects of two parallel balance trainings on postural sway and balance confidence. The study was performed in different contexts with stable vs. unstable base of support and balance confidence was measured with a scale modified for young adults with higher functional level.Materials/methodsTwenty healthy female physiotherapist students volunteered for the study and took part in a six-week balance training intervention. They were randomly assigned to two groups training on different support surfaces. Postural sway was recorded under various conditions: on different surfaces (firm, foam) and with different visual conditions (eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC)). Modified Activities-specific Balance Confidence (mABC) scale was self-evaluated.ResultsBoth types of training caused a significant improvement in the mABC scores. The sway path increased after the training in the less challenging balance situations. We found a tendency of decreasing sway path only in the more challenging balance situations, that is standing on foam mounted on force plate with EC.ConclusionsConsidering the improved balance confidence in the case of both groups, we suggest that an increase in sway path after balance training may be the behavioural sign of the higher confidence in the less challenging balance situations.

scholarly journals Examination of the effects of swimming exercises and thera-band workouts on dynamic and static balance in children between 7-12 years of age7-12 yaş arası çocuklarda yüzme egzersizi ve thera-band çalışmalarının dinamik ve statik dengeye etkisinin incelenmesi

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 1443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilal Kılınç ◽  
Mehmet Günay ◽  
Şeyhmus Kaplan ◽  
Akan Bayrakdar
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
English Summary ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Experimental Group

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of swimming exercises and theraband workouts on dynamic and static balance in children aged 7-12 years. The study was conducted with 20 subjects aged 7-12 who were interested in swimming for at least 2 years and engaged in swimming training on a regular basis for 5 days per week. Informed consent was obtained from the parents and trainers of the participants about their voluntary participation. Participants were randomly divided into 2 groups. Swimming and theraband workouts were made to the 1. group (n=10), only swimming exercises were made to the 2. group (n=10). In this study, anthropometric measurements and static and dynamic balance measurements were taken. The study was carried out in the Van Olympic Swimming Pool. The analysis of the data in-group and intergroup measurements were performed. There was statistically significant improvement between the variables in the theraband exercise group. Developments were thought to be influenced by the specificity of the movements. The experimental group showed a statistically significant in the eyes open front-to-back swing %28,85, eyes closed front-to-back swing %6,66, the average speed of eyes open front-to-back swing %20,12, the eyes open front-to-back swing body balance %15,83, eyes open left to right swing %14,66, eyes open left to right swing speed %22,30, anterior experimental group %1,91 and posterolateral experimental group %4,54. The difference between the posterolateral and anterior post-test groups was observed. Test*group interaction was observed at the speed of  eyes open front-to-back and left to right swings. This interaction was due to intra-group developments in the experimental group. As a result, theraband studies examined under the name of swimming and core exercise in children athletes were thought to play an important role in the development of static and dynamic balance. Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file.ÖzetBu çalışma 7-12 yaş arası çocuklarda yüzme egzersizi ve tereband çalışmalarının dinamik ve statik dengeye etkisini incelemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışma en az 2 yıl yüzme branşı ile ilgilenen ve haftada 5 gün düzenli olarak yüzme antrenmanı yapan yaşları 7-12 arasında olan 20 denek ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Katılımcıların velilerinden ve antrenörlerinden gönüllü katılımları ile ilgili aydınlanmış onamları alınmıştır. Katılımcılar rastgele yöntemle 2 gruba ayrılmışlardır. 1. gruba (n=10) yüzme ve tereband çalışmaları, 2. gruba (n=10) sadece yüzme egzersizleri yaptırılmıştır. Çalışmada antropometrik ölçümler ile statik ve dinamik denge ölçümleri alınmıştır. Çalışma Van Olimpik yüzme havuzunda uygulanmıştır. Verilerin analizinde grupiçi ve gruplararası ölçümler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Tereband egzersiz grubunda değişkenler arasında istatistiki olarak anlamlı gelişme görülmüştür. Gelişmelerin hareketlerin spesikfikliğinden etkilendiği düşünülmektedir. Deney grubunun göz açık öne arkaya salınım %28,85, göz kapalı öne arkaya salınım %6,66, göz açık öne arkaya salınım ortalama hızı %20,12, göz açık öne arkaya salınım gövde dengesi %15,83,  göz açık sağa sola salınım %14,66, göz açık sağa sola salınım hızı %22,30, Anterior %1,91 ve Posterolateral deney grubunda %4,54 oranında istatistiki olarak anlamlı bir artış göstermiştir. Posterolateral ve anteriorda son test gruplar arası farklılık gözlemlenmiştir.  Göz açık öne arkaya salınım ve göz açık sağa sola salınım hızında test*grup etkileşimi gözlenirken, bu etkileşim deney grubundaki grup içi gelişimlerden kaynaklanmaktadır. Sonuç olarak, çocuk sporcularda yüzme ve core egzersiz adı altında incelenen tereband çalışmalarının statik ve dinamik denge geliştirme de önemli rol oynadığı düşünülmektedir.

scholarly journals The Ability of Gymnastics Motoric Perceptual Based on Local Culture for Early Childhood in Aceh Province

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 749-762
Author(s):  
Muhammad Riski Kurniawan ◽  
Syamsulrizal Syamsulrizal ◽  
Razali Razali ◽  
Israwati Israwati
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
The Body ◽  
Local Culture ◽  
Homogeneity Test ◽  
Tennis Ball ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Aceh Province ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Perceptual Ability ◽  
The Impact

Local culture-based gymnastics is a combination of Seudati dance with Saman dances movements as well as cheerful healthy exercises that are already in kindergarten. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the implementation of local culture-based exercise on the motorized perceptual ability of early childhood in Banda Aceh Kindergarten. This study uses a quantitative approach to the type of experimental research. Population and a sample of 30 students were selected by purposive sampling. Data collection techniques of motoric perceptual ability using tests: (1) Standing on the beam while touching the limbs as instructed by the teacher with eyes open, (2 ) Standing on the beam while touching the body as instructed by the teacher with eyes closed, (3) Jumping and landing in a line with two feet pressed together as instructed by the teacher with eyes open, (4) Jumping and landing in a line with two feet pressed together as instructed by the teacher with eyes closed , (5) Walking in balance, (6) Throwing a tennis ball into a basket with a distance of 2 meters. Before the data is analyzed, the research data is tested for the analysis requirements, namely the normality and homogeneity test. Then the data is analyzed using the t-test. Based on the results of data analysis obtained t count (18.455)> t table (2.045), thus it can be concluded that there is a significant influence between local culture-based exercise on the motoric perceptual ability of early childhood in Aceh kindergarten.      

Biomechanical Response to External Biofeedback During Functional Tasks in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle M. Torp ◽  
Abbey C. Thomas ◽  
Tricia Hubbard-Turner ◽  
Luke Donovan
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Visual Biofeedback ◽  
Time Integral ◽  
Pressure Time ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Functional Task

Context Altered biomechanics displayed by individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a possible cause of recurring injuries and posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Current interventions are unable to modify aberrant biomechanics, leading to research efforts to determine if real-time external biofeedback can result in changes. Objective To determine the real-time effects of visual and auditory biofeedback on functional-task biomechanics in individuals with CAI. Design Crossover study. Setting Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants Nineteen physically active adults with CAI (7 men, 12 women; age = 23.95 ± 5.52 years, height = 168.87 ± 6.94 cm, mass = 74.74 ± 15.41 kg). Intervention(s) Participants randomly performed single-limb static balance, step downs, lateral hops, and forward lunges during a baseline and 2 biofeedback conditions. Visual biofeedback was given through a crossline laser secured to the dorsum of the foot. Auditory biofeedback was given through a pressure sensor placed under the lateral foot and connected to a buzzer that elicited a noise when pressure exceeded the set threshold. Cues provided during the biofeedback conditions were used to promote proper biomechanics during each task. Main Outcome Measure(s) We measured the location of center-of-pressure (COP) data points during balance with eyes open and eyes closed for each condition. Plantar pressure in the lateral column of the foot during functional tasks was extracted. Secondary outcomes of interest were COP area and velocity, time to boundary during static balance, and additional plantar-pressure measures. Results Both biofeedback conditions reduced COP in the anterolateral quadrant while increasing COP in the posteromedial quadrant of the foot during eyes-open balance. Visual biofeedback increased lateral heel pressure and the lateral heel and midfoot pressure-time integral during hops. The auditory condition produced similar changes during the eyes-closed trials. Auditory biofeedback increased heel pressure during step downs and decreased the lateral forefoot pressure-time integral during lunges. Conclusions Real-time improvements in balance strategies were observed during both external biofeedback conditions. Visual and auditory biofeedback appeared to effectively moderate different functional-task biomechanics.

Evaluation of Standing Balance Performance in Indian Classical Dancers

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-23
Author(s):  
Juhi K. Bharnuke ◽  
Rajani P. Mullerpatan ◽  
Claire Hiller
Keyword(s):  
Dual Task ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Standing Balance ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Classical Dance ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Second Dual ◽  
Indian Classical Dance ◽  
Base Of Support

Indian classical dance involves a constant change of the base of support from stance to low jumps and spins along with intricate footwork. Graceful movement of the torso, shifting from side to side and turning around the axis of the spine, challenges balance. Yet, balance performance remains unexplored in Indian classical dancers. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the standing balance of 36 active female dancers (18 to 25 years of age) who had performed Indian classical dance for a minimum of 10 years with 36 healthy age-matched women not involved in regular physical activity. Balance was evaluated in static and dynamic conditions of single and dual-limb stance on a force plate using center-of-pressure trajectory and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Dancers demonstrated better balance on both instrumented and non-instrumented outcome variables: wide base of support with eyes open and with eyes closed; for 30-second single limb stance with eyes open and with eyes closed; for 13-second dual task in single limb stance; and for 22-second dual task in wide base of support. The SEBT revealed significantly better balance performance of dancers in the three directions tested: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. There was also a strength component of the study on which the dancers achieved significantly higher scores than controls for the three muscle groups tested (gastrocsoleus, gluteus medius, and quadriceps), which can be attributed to their training. These findings can be used to recommend classical dance training to achieve the dual purpose of deriving better balance and stronger bodies and maintaining the Indian dance heritage.

scholarly journals Static Balance of Visually Impaired Athletes in Open and Closed Skill Sports

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Bednarczuk ◽  
Ida Wiszomirska ◽  
Jolanta Marszałek ◽  
Izabela Rutkowska ◽  
Waldemar Skowroński
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Body Posture ◽  
Posture Control ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Motor Abilities ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Unstable Surface ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Left And Right

AbstractIntroduction. In elite sport, athletes are required to maintain appropriate body posture control despite a number of destabilising factors. The functions of body posture control are monitored by the central nervous system that constantly receives information from the vestibular and somatosensory systems as well as from the visual analyser. Visual impairment may contribute to a decrease in the level of motor abilities and skills; however, it does not prevent visually impaired individuals from taking up physical activity. Therefore, this study sought to assess the static balance of visually impaired goalball players and shooters. Material and methods. The study included 37 goalball players and 20 shooters. A force platform was used to assess static balance. The study participants performed tests: standing on both feet with eyes open (BFEO) and closed (BFEC) (30 s), single left- and right-leg stance with eyes open (SLEO and SREO) as well as single left- and right-leg stance with eyes closed (SLEC and SREC). Statistical analyses were carried out using the following parameters: centre of pressure (CoP) path length [cm], CoP velocity [m/s], and the surface area of the stabilogram [cm2]. Results. No significant differences were found between goalball players and shooters in static balance levels. However, such differences were observed after taking into account the number of athletes who were capable of performing particular tests. Conclusions. The findings indirectly confirm that there is a correlation between the type of physical activity and balance levels in visually impaired individuals. Further research ought to include tests performed on an unstable surface.

Stiffness Control of Balance in Quiet Standing

1998 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 1211-1221 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Winter ◽  
Aftab E. Patla ◽  
Francois Prince ◽  
Milad Ishac ◽  
Krystyna Gielo-Perczak
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Quiet Standing ◽  
Error Signal ◽  
Reactive Control ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Stiffness Model ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Stiffness Control ◽  
Corrective Response

Winter, David A., Aftab E. Patla, Francois Prince, Milad Ishac, and Krystyna Gielo-Perczak. Stiffness control of balance in quiet standing. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 1211–1221, 1998. Our goal was to provide some insights into how the CNS controls and maintains an upright standing posture, which is an integral part of activities of daily living. Although researchers have used simple performance measures of maintenance of this posture quite effectively in clinical decision making, the mechanisms and control principles involved have not been clear. We propose a relatively simple control scheme for regulation of upright posture that provides almost instantaneous corrective response and reduces the operating demands on the CNS. The analytic model is derived and experimentally validated. A stiffness model was developed for quiet standing. The model assumes that muscles act as springs to cause the center-of-pressure (COP) to move in phase with the center-of-mass (COM) as the body sways about some desired position. In the sagittal plane this stiffness control exists at the ankle plantarflexors, in the frontal plane by the hip abductors/adductors. On the basis of observations that the COP-COM error signal continuously oscillates, it is evident that the inverted pendulum model is severely underdamped, approaching the undamped condition. The spectrum of this error signal is seen to match that of a tuned mass, spring, damper system, and a curve fit of this “tuned circuit” yields ωn the undamped natural frequency of the system. The effective stiffness of the system, K e , is then estimated from K e = Iω2 n, and the damping B is estimated from B = BW × I, where BW is the bandwidth of the tuned response (in rad/s), and I is the moment of inertia of the body about the ankle joint. Ten adult subjects were assessed while standing quietly at three stance widths: 50% hip-to-hip distance, 100 and 150%. Subjects stood for 2 min in each position with eyes open; the 100% stance width was repeated with eyes closed. In all trials and in both planes, the COP oscillated virtually in phase (within 6 ms) with COM, which was predicted by a simple 0th order spring model. Sway amplitude decreased as stance width increased, and K e increased with stance width. A stiffness model would predict sway to vary as K −0.5 e . The experimental results were close to this prediction: sway was proportional to K −0.55 e . Reactive control of balance was not evident for several reasons. The visual system does not appear to contribute because no significant difference between eyes open and eyes closed results was found at 100% stance width. Vestibular (otolith) and joint proprioceptive reactive control were discounted because the necessary head accelerations, joint displacements, and velocities were well below reported thresholds. Besides, any reactive control would predict that COP would considerably lag (150–250 ms) behind the COM. Because the average COP was only 4 ms delayed behind the COM, reactive control was not evident; this small delay was accounted for by the damping in the tuned mechanical system.

scholarly journals Static Balance in Patients with Vestibular Impairments: A Preliminary Study

Scientifica ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Talebi ◽  
Mohammad Taghi Karimi ◽  
Seyed Hamid Reza Abtahi ◽  
Niloofar Fereshtenejad
Keyword(s):  
Path Length ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Age Limits ◽  
The Difference

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.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stability Exercises on Balance and Walking Function in the Elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-288
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hani Mansori ◽  
◽  
Yousef Moghadas Tabrizi ◽  
Kamal Mohammadkhani ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Gait Function

Objectives: Walking and balance control are determining factors in the independence of the elderly because they are the main components of daily physical activity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stability (DNS) training on balance and gait function in the elderly. Methods: This study had a pre-test/post-test design. It was a quasi-experimental study performed on 30 older men aged 60-70 years in Qom Province, Iran, in 2021. The elderly was randomly divided into experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The Experimental Group (EG) participated in three 45-min sessions of dynamic neuromuscular stability training every week for 6 weeks, and the Control Group (CG) continued their normal daily routine. Berg balance scale (dynamic balance), modified stork stand (static balance), and temporal and spatial gait parameters were used to collect information before and after applying the training protocol. The obtained data were analyzed using ANCOVA statistical method and the paired t test. Results: There were significant differences between pre-test and post-test in EG regarding the variables of dynamic balance, static balance (P=0.001), and gait function, but in the CG, no significant difference was observed for these variables (P>0.05). Also, there was a significant difference between the mean scores obtained in the balance and gait tests between the two groups (P<0.05), and EG performed better in the post-test. Discussion: DNS training due to the great variety of movement in different parts of the body and the effect on improving strength, flexibility, range of motion, and physical fitness can also improve balance and gait function in the elderly. According to the present study results, one of the best ways to reduce the costs and physical, psychological, and social problems caused by aging is to use DNS training for the elderly.

scholarly journals DIFFERENCES IN HIP MUSCLE STRENGTH AND STATIC BALANCE IN PATIENTS WITH TRANSFEMORAL AMPUTATIONS CLASSIFIED AT DIFFERENT K-LEVELS: A PRELIMINARY CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2022 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie John ◽  
Katja Orlowski ◽  
Kai-Uwe Mrkor ◽  
Jürgen Edelmann-Nusser ◽  
Kerstin Witte
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Residual Limb ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hip Strength ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Hip Muscle ◽  
Eyes Open

BACKGROUND: Following amputation, patients with lower limb amputations (LLA) are classified into different functional mobility levels (K-levels) ranging from K0 (lowest) to K4 (highest). However, K-level classification is often based on subjective criteria. Objective measures that are able to differentiate between K-levels can help to enhance the objectivity of K-level classification. OBJECTIVE(S): The goal of this preliminary cross-sectional study was to investigate whether differences in hip muscle strength and balance parameters exist among patients with transfemoral amputations (TFA) assigned to different K-levels. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-two participants with unilateral TFA were recruited for this study, with four participants assigned to K1 or K2, six assigned to K3 and twelve assigned to K4. Maximum isometric hip strength of the residual limb was assessed in hip flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction using a custom-made diagnostic device. Static balance was investigated in the bipedal stance on a force plate in eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate differences between K-level groups. FINDINGS: Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences in the parameters between the three K-level groups (p>0.05). Descriptive analysis showed that all hip strength parameters differed among K-level groups showing an increase in maximum hip torque from K1/2-classified participants to those classified as K4. Group differences were also present in all balance parameters. Increased sway was observed in the K1/2 group compared to the K4 group, especially for the EC condition. CONCLUSION: Although not statistically significant, the magnitude of the differences indicates a distinction between K-level groups. These results suggest that residual limb strength and balance parameters may have the potential to be used as objective measures to assist K-level assignment for patients with TFA. This potential needs to be confirmed in future studies with a larger number of participants. Layman's Abstract Patients with lower limb amputation (LLA) are classified into different mobility levels, so-called K-levels, which are ranging from K0 (lowest) to K4 (highest). K-level classification is relevant for the patients as it determines the type of prosthetic components available. However, K-level can vary greatly based on the clinician or orthopedic technician individual assessment. Objective data from physical performance tests can help to improve K-level classification. Therefore, muscle strength tests of the amputation stump as well as balance tests were performed in this study to determine whether these parameters have the potential to support K-level classification. Twenty-two participants with a thigh amputation participated in the study (four K1/2-, six K3- and twelve K4-participants). Hip muscle strength on the amputation side was assessed as well as static balance in the double leg stance with eyes open and eyes closed. Analysis of the data showed that all hip strength parameters differed between the K-level groups, with maximum strength increasing from the K1/2 group to the K4 group. Group differences were also seen in the balance parameters with greater body sway for the K1/2 group when compared to the K4 group, especially when participants had their eyes closed. These results show that muscle strength tests of the residual limb and static balance tests may serve as additional measures to improve K-level assignment for patients with LLA. This was only an initial study and further studies with a larger number of participants are required to confirm these results. Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/37456/28905 How To Cite: John S, Orlowski K, Mrkor K.U, Edelmann-Nusser J, Witte K. Differences in hip muscle strength and static balance in patients with transfemoral amputations classified at different K-levels: A preliminary cross-sectional study. Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal. 2022; Volume 5, Issue 1, No.5. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v5i1.37456 Corresponding Author: Stefanie John,Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Humanities, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.E-Mail: [email protected] ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6722-7195

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