scholarly journals Dual-tasking effects on static and dynamic postural balance performance: a comparison between endurance and team sport athletes

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9765
Author(s):  
Fabio Sarto ◽  
Giorgia Cona ◽  
Francesco Chiossi ◽  
Antonio Paoli ◽  
Patrizia Bisiacchi ◽  
...  

In sports, postural balance control has been demonstrated to be one of the limiting factors of performance and a necessary component to achieve any sport technique. Team players (TP) must process and react to multiple external stimuli while executing at the same time the skills of the game. By contrast, endurance athletes (END) must perform the same gesture repetitively without a concurrent coordination of continuous stimuli-related actions. However, END are used to facilitate their physical performance by adopting cognitive strategies while performing their sport gesture. Therefore, we aimed to investigate static and dynamic balance performance in these two types of athletes, both in single and dual-task conditions. Nineteen END and sixteen TP underwent a static and a dynamic balance assessment on a dynamometric platform and an instrumented oscillating board, respectively. Among TP static but not dynamic postural balance performance was negatively affected by dual-tasking considering the area of the confidence ellipse (p < 0.001; d = 0.52) and the sway path mean speed (p < 0.001; d = 0.93). Conversely, END unaltered static balance performance but showed an overall improvement in the dynamic one when dual-tasking occurred. The limited human processing capacity accounted the worsening of the cognitive performance in both TP (p < 0.05; d = 0.22) and END (p < 0.001; d = 0.37). Although TP are more used coping dual tasking, the better performance of END could be accounted for by the employment of the external attentive focus (i.e. counting backward aloud) that called into play a strategy close to those adopted during training and competitions. These surprising results should be considered when driving and developing new trainings for team players in dual-tasking conditions.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Rizzato ◽  
Antonio Paoli ◽  
Marta Andretta ◽  
Francesca Vidorin ◽  
Giuseppe Marcolin

The aim of this study was to investigate if the combination of static and dynamic postural balance assessments gives more accurate indications on balance performance among healthy older adults. We also aimed at studying the effect of a dual-task condition on static and dynamic postural balance control. Fifty-seven healthy older adults (age = 73.2 ± 5.0 year, height = 1.66 ± 0.08 m, and body mass = 72.8 ± 13.8 kg) completed the study. Static and dynamic balance were assessed both in single-task and dual-task conditions through a force plate and an oscillating platform. The dominant handgrip strength was also measured with a dynamometer. Pearson’s correlation revealed non-statistically significant correlations between static and dynamic balance performance. The dual-task worsened the balance performance more in the dynamic (+147.8%) than in the static (+25.10%, +43.45%, and +72.93% for ellipse area, sway path, and AP oscillations, respectively) condition (p &lt; 0.001). A weak correlation was found between dynamic balance performance and handgrip strength both in the single (p &lt; 0.05; r = −0.264) and dual (p &lt; 0.05; r = −0.302) task condition. The absence of correlations between static and dynamic balance performance suggests including both static and dynamic balance tests in the assessment of postural balance alterations among older adults. Since cognitive-interference tasks exacerbated the degradation of the postural control performance, dual-task condition should also be considered in the postural balance assessment.


Author(s):  
Hamid Allahverdipour ◽  
Iman Dianat ◽  
Galavizh Mameh ◽  
Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi

Objective The aim of this study is to examine the effects of cognitive and physical loads on dynamic and static balance performance of healthy older adults under single-, dual-, and multi-task conditions. Background Previous studies on postural control in older adults have generally used dual-task methodology, whereas less attention has been paid to multi-task performance, despite its importance in many daily and occupational activities. Method The effects of single versus combined (dual-task and multi-task) cognitive (to speak out the name of the weekdays in a reverse order) and physical (with three levels including handling weights of 1, 2, and 3 kg in each hand) loads on dynamic and static balance performance of 42 older adults (21 males and 21 females) aged ≥60 years were examined. Dynamic and static balance measures were evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and stabilometer (sway index) tests, respectively. Results The TUG speed of female participants was generally slower than that of male participants. Age had no effect on balance performance measures. Under dual-task conditions, cognitive load decreased the dynamic balance performance, while the physical task levels had no effect. The dual-task conditions had no impact on the static balance performance. The effects of cognitive and physical loads on dynamic balance performance varied under dual- and multi-task conditions. Conclusion The findings highlight differences between dual- and multi-task protocols and add to the understanding of balance performance in older adults under cognitive and physical loads. Application The present study highlights differences between dual- and multi-task methodologies that need to be considered in future studies of balance and control in older adults.


2012 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arezoo Eshraghi ◽  
Nader Maroufi ◽  
Mohammad Ali Sanjari ◽  
Hassan Saeedi ◽  
Mohammad Reza Keyhani ◽  
...  

Background: Biomechanical factors, such as spinal deformities can result in balance control disorders. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of bracing on static and dynamic balance control of hyperkyphotic female adolescents. Study Design: Clinical trial. Methods: A force platform was employed to record center of pressure (COP) parameters. Ten adolescents undergoing Milwaukee brace for hyperkyphosis and 14 normal subjects participated in the study. The COP data were collected with and without brace immediately on first day and after 120 days of continuous brace wear. Results: No significant difference was found in dynamic and static balance tests with and without brace on the first day ( P > 0.05). After 120 days, the values of COP displacement in functional reach to the right and left for the hyperkyphotic adolescents when performing without brace enhanced significantly compared to the first day. The forward reach distance was not significantly different between the normal and hyperkyphotic subjects ( P = 0.361); however, hyperkyphotic participants had significantly smaller reach distance in the functional reach to the right (21.88 vs. 25.56cm) and left (17.04 vs. 21.25cm). Conclusion: It might be concluded that bracing had a possible effect on improvement of dynamic balance performance, because the subjects could reach the target in dynamic reach tests with higher displacement in sagittal plane without losing their balance control. Clinical relevance Little is known about the biomechanical aspects of brace wear in individuals with hyperkyphosis. This study investigated balance differences between the healthy and hyperkyphotic individuals, and outcomes of Milwaukee brace wear. It might provide some new insight into the conservative treatment of hyperkyphosis for clinicians and researchers.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriella H Small ◽  
Lydia G Brough ◽  
Richard Neptune

Abstract BackgroundFor an individual to walk, they must maintain control of their dynamic balance. However, situations that present an increased cognitive load may impair an individual’s ability to control their balance. While dual-task studies have analyzed walking-while-talking conditions, few studies have focused specifically on the influence of cognitive load on balance control. The purpose of this study was to assess how individuals prioritize their cognitive resources and control dynamic balance during dual-task conditions of varying difficulty. MethodsYoung healthy adults (n = 15) performed two single-task conditions (spelling while standing and walking with no cognitive load) and three dual-task conditions (walking with increasing cognitive load: attentive listening, spelling short words backwards and spelling long words backwards). Repeated measures analysis of variances were used to assess differences in balance outcome measures and cognitive performance. ResultsCognitive performance did not change between the single- and dual-task conditions as measured by percent error and response rate ( p = 0.3). Balance control, assessed as the range of whole-body angular momentum, did not change between the no load and listening conditions, but decreased during the short and long spelling conditions ( p < 0.001). ConclusionsThese results showed that balance control decreases during dual-task treadmill walking with increased cognitive loads, but that cognitive performance does not change. The decrease in balance control suggests that participants prioritized cognitive performance over balance control during these dual-task walking conditions. This work offers additional insight into the automaticity of walking and task-prioritization in healthy individuals and provides the basis for future studies to determine differences in neurologically impaired populations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 512-521
Author(s):  
Hongmei Chen ◽  
Zhen Hu ◽  
Yujuan Chai ◽  
Enxiang Tao ◽  
Kai Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Dynamic balance is associated with fall risk. The aim of this study is to explore the effects of galvanic vestibular stimulation with very low intensity direct current (dcGVS) on dynamic balance. Methodology We used a rocker force platform for assessing the dynamic balance performance. Center-of-pressure (COP) coordinates were acquired and decomposed to rambling (RA) and trembling (TR). We measured sway parameters, including length, average speed, and average range, affected by dcGVS at 0.01 mA with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Results We assessed 33 young healthy subjects and found that all sway parameters were shorter in the EO condition, indicating a better dynamic balance performance. dcGVS significantly improved the dynamic balance performance both in EO and EC conditions. All the sway parameters in COP in EO were significantly shorter than those in EC, indicating a better dynamic balance performance in EO. In EO, RA had greater improvement rates than TR. In EC, only average speed had a greater improvement rate in RA, whereas length and average range had greater improvement rates in TR. These results indicate a different modulation model between EO and EC. Conclusion These findings indicate that very low intensity dcGVS improved the sway parameters of dynamic balance in young healthy subjects. Moreover, our results suggest different dynamic balance control models between having EO and EC. The mechanisms of these phenomena caused by very low intensity dcGVS require further investigation.


2013 ◽  
Vol 103 (6) ◽  
pp. 516-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna L. Hatton ◽  
Keith Rome ◽  
John Dixon ◽  
Denis J. Martin ◽  
Patrick O. McKeon

Footwear interventions, including shoe insoles and foot orthoses, have the capacity to enhance balance control and gait in older people. This review assessed the evidence for the effect of footwear interventions on static and dynamic balance performance and gait in older populations and explored proposed theories for underlying sensorimotor and mechanical mechanisms. We searched the Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL (the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and AMED databases and conducted hand searches. Of 115 relevant articles screened, 14 met the predefined inclusion criteria. Articles were grouped into one of three categories based on balance task (static balance performance during quiet standing, dynamic balance performance during walking, and dynamic balance performance during perturbed standing or functional tasks) and were scored for methodological quality using the Downs and Black Quality Index tool. Footwear interventions seem to alter underlying strategies controlling static and dynamic movement patterns through a combination of sensorimotor and mechanical mechanisms in older people, including those with chronic sensory and musculoskeletal conditions. Evidence shows a consistent trend toward footwear interventions markedly improving lateral stability measures, which are predictors of falls in the elderly. In-depth investigation of neurophysiologic responses to footwear interventions is necessary to help confirm any sensorimotor adaptations. The long-term effects of footwear interventions on balance, gait, and the prevention of falls in older people require further investigation. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 103(6): 516–533, 2013)


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 223-228
Author(s):  
B.A. Ateş

Background and Study Aim: Balance control has been regarded as a crucial factor in sports and indicated as an important element to be examined for the risks of injury. But it is unknown whether the dynamic balance changes according to the player positions in professional soccer players. To determine whether there were differences in the dynamic balance performance of the different positions of Turkish professional soccer players from within one squad. Material and Methods: Twenty-four professional soccer players were divided into 4 groups by the coach, including goalkeepers (n = 3), midfielders (n = 6), defenders (n = 7) and forwards (n = 8). Prior the competition season, anthropometric characteristics of players were measured. Then, players were tested Y Balance Test (YBT) for the anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL) reach distances and limb lengths bilaterally. Results: The goalkeepers were heavier compared with the midfielders. Furthermore, the BMI of the goalkeepers were higher than midfielders and defenders (p< 0.05). There were no significant differences in the ANT, PM, PL, and COMP score between the groups (p> 0.05). The values for reach asymmetry were lower than four centimeters among groups in the all reach direction with regards to reach asymmetries, except normalized posterolateral direction. Conclusions: The results of this study have shown that the YBT performance scores do not differ between the groups. Future studies are required to create specific norms related to dynamic balance performance and establish risk cut-off score for professional soccer players.


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