Purpose: The aim of this work was to evaluate postural stability on the balance platform averagely 2 years following meniscal repair. Methods: This is a retrospective, case-control comparative analysis of patients who underwent surgical repair for the isolated longitudinal traumatic meniscal tear versus matched healthy controls. The study group consisted of 30 patients (mean age 29.93 years; averagely 2.3 years after surgery) and the control group – of 30 people. Following physical examination and completion of the IKDC, and the Lysholm questionnaires, the evaluation of the postural stability using two single-leg stabilometry tests was performed. In the static test, the analyzed variables included deviations from the horizontal, vertical axes and the length of the balance path travelled. In the dynamic test, the length of the path travelled and the time to complete task were recorded. Between-limb and between-groups comparison of collected stabilometry tests were performed. Additionally, the IKDC and the Lysholm questionnaires scores were compared between the study and heathy groups. Results: No abnormalities were found on clinical examination in the study group nor any differences between the operated and contralateral knee (p > 0.05). In stabilometry: (1) in the study group, the operated extremity scored worse than the contralateral limb (length of path traveled in: A) static test x = 56.7 cm SD = 37.91 cm vs. x = 21.6 cm SD = 9.06 cm; p = 0.002 and B) dynamic test x = 82.57 cm, SD = 50.43 cm vs. x = 53.32 cm, SD = 13.82 cm; p = 0.003); (2) In the control group, no leg-related differences were noted (p > 0.05); (3) Between-group comparison revealed that the study group scored worse than the control group (length of path traveled in: A) static test x = 56.7 cm, SD = 37.91 cm vs. x = 17.23 cm, SD = 3.39 cm; p = 0.001 and B) dynamic test x = 82.57 cm, SD = 50.43 cm vs. x = 32.13 cm, SD = 9.41 cm; p < 0.001). Study group scored worse on IKDC scores (p < 0.001) but not on Lysholm score ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: Postural stability deficit persists despite a successful meniscal repair.
Purpouse: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a single session of head-mounted display virtual reality on postural stability in elderly women. Methods: Forty-seven female subjects underwent a 20-minute virtual reality session. The mean age of the subjects was 70.12 years. As an immersive source, we used a relaxing virtual reality game with a head-mounted display device. The postural stability test was conducted using a Nintendo Wii force plate. Participants completed a set of three 30-s trials in which they took a quiet bipedal eyes-open stance while standing on a hard surface: before the virtual reality session, immediately after the virtual reality session, and 2 minutes after the virtual reality session. Centre of pressure parameters were analysed in the sagittal and frontal planes. Results: Analysing the results obtained immediately after the virtual reality session, significant differences were observed in almost all examined parameters. In the sagittal plane, centre of pressure path velocity increased by 10% (p < 0.01) and path standard deviation by 15% (p < 0.05). In the frontal plane, centre of pressure path velocity increased by 14% (p < 0.01). After 2 minutes, all examined parameters showed no significant difference compared to before the virtual reality session. Conclusions: Immediately after the virtual reality session, there was an increase in almost all examined parameters. However, after 2 minutes, all examined parameters had returned to baseline. Therefore, to reduce fall risk after a virtual reality session, it is recommended that the subject spend at least 2 minutes in a sitting position.
The number of primary hip arthroplasties is growing every year. One of the most common long complications is the aseptic loosening of the prosthesis leading to serious complications in patients life, pain and following surgeries. In the literature, there is a lack of studies regarding balance impairment in this group of patients, which is why there was a need to conduct the study in order to find possible falling risk factors and simple functional, diagnostic test. The aim of the study was to assess functional state and static balance disorders in patients admitted to orthopaedic department due to loosened hip prosthesis prior to its replacement or removal. Methods: The study population were 30 patients (15 women and 15 men) admitted to Orthopaedic Department for diagnosis and treatment of loosened hip prosthesis. Patients’ mean age was 71.67 ± 9.21, body height 169.20 ± 8.75 cm, body weight 77.83 ± 12.96 kg. The clinical control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects age-, body height- and weight-matched, without degenerative disorders of lower extremities. Function was assessed with Harris Hip score. The static balance test was conducted in the mornings, in quiet separate room on bi-modular stabilometric platform CQStab2P, registering the movement of centre of foot pressure (COP). Results: Measurements with eyes open and closed showed significant differences in limb loads – the load to the healthy limb was several times greater. Results of tests on the platform with eyes closed showed significantly worse balance in patients group. Their total statokinesiogram path was longer, and their COP sways number was greater. Similarly to the test with eyes open, the load of the healthy limb was much greater. Conclusion: Hip replacement loosening results in significant worsening of balance parameters. Balance assessment could be an additional useful diagnostic tool for hip replacement loosening available for physiotherapists.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the novel posturographic procedure and to investigate the relationships between parameters of this procedure and clinical tests. We hypothesised the proposed step initiation procedure to be reliable method of balance and motor disability assessment, especially in patients with neurological deficits. Also, we assumed high significant correlation between parameters of step initiation procedures and clinical tests. Methods: The 35 subjects with idiopathic PD and 35 agedmatched healthy controls participated in this study. The gait initiation was measured using two force platforms. The procedure consisted of three phases: (1) quiet standing on a first platform (2) crossing on the second platform, (3) quiet standing on a second platform. Testing was carried out in four conditions: unperturbed trial, obstacle crossing, step-up and step-down. Results: In the proposed gait initiation procedure, the vCOP, raCOP and rmsCOP showed an excellent reliability (ICC > 0.80). For transit phase, reliability of all variables in all conditions also was excellent (ICC = 0.8–0.9). There were only a few associations between Tinetti scores and posturographic variables in controls, but in PD patients the significant correlations were found between the proposed measures and the UPDRS, Tinetti, FRT, TUG and with the BBS. Conclusions: The proposed gait initiation procedure is reliable and very suitable for the assessment of patients with Parkinson’s disease. It can be used as an objective assessment of the clinical condition and dynamic balance, and help in the designing and programming of the appropriate rehabilitation and treatment.
The aim of this study was to analyse absolute and relative reliability of a number of postural static stability measures obtained from a GYKO inertial sensor system in young adults. Methods: The study examined 29 healthy non-athlete young adults. A test was performed for 30 s while standing on one foot, without moving, with eyes open and arms relaxed along the sides of the body. The examinations were performed twice, with a one-week interval. Relative reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI), whereas the absolute reliability was evaluated based on the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC). Results: The results of this study showed moderate to good relative reliability scores for all the postural stability measures, with ICC values ranging from 0.62 to 0.70. For most of the analysed variables, SEM% ranged from ca. 10 to 14%. Relatively high SEM% values were obtained only for two variables (Area, Convex Hull Area). Conclusions: The low costs of GYKO inertial sensor systems, the fast and easy installation, the mobility and high reliability of the measurement of postural stability show that it can be effective alternative to stabilographic platforms.
The purpose of this work was to assess the differences of the values of body posture indices, measured with the Moire’s method, between girls and boys aged 13 and the relationships of these values with the results of the Y-Balance Test. Methods: The study involved a group of healthy volunteers attending junior high schools in Cracow. The group consisted of 20 girls and 35 boys. Basic somatic parameters were measured within this work: body height and weight. Body posture was assessed according to the general methodology of the Moire’s technique and 14 body posture indices were obtained as a result: 6 in the sagittal plane, 1 in the axial plane and 7 in the coronal plane. Postural stability was assessed with the Y-Balance Test (YBT). Results: The studied girls and boys had practically the same body posture – statistical differences were found only in 3 out of 14 assessed indices measured with the Moire’s technique. Scoliosis was found in as many as 51% of the subjects, however, mean values of deviations from the C7-S1 line were not large. Conclusions: In the group of girls, the set of blades (below – above) was statistically significantly correlated with the global YBT result for the right inferior extremity, and in the group of boys – the set of the waist triangles (below – above) was statistically significantly correlated with the global YBT results for the right and left inferior extremities.
Identification of factors that affect postural stability may help to improve diagnostic accuracy and enhance the quality of treatment and rehabilitation. This study sought to assess the relationship between postural stability parameters and anthropometric factors of persons with hearing impairment (HI). Methods: The study included 128 individuals – 42 subjects with HI and 86 without HI (healthy controls). Research methodology included an interview and a medical examination, anthropometric measurements and stabilometric tests on platforms with stable and unstable surfaces. Results: In the group of female study participants with HI, significant correlations were only noted between body height and the Fall Risk Index (FRI). In the group of male subjects with HI, the study revealed significant correlations between FRI and body mass, BMI, % MM (muscle mass percentage) and % FAT (fat percentage). Moreover, moderate correlation was found between COP path with eyes open and body mass, while high correlation was observed between COP path with eyes open and BMI, % MM and % FAT. No significant correlation was noted between FRI and body height in men with HI. Conclusions: The examination of correlations between postural stability and body build of persons with HI did not confirm the effects of body height on postural stability in the examined group of individuals with HI, but revealed a greater influence of somatic parameters (body mass, BMI, % MM, % FAT) on postural stability in hearing-impaired men.
The aim of the study was to assess static balance after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), using gracialis tendons graft (GR) or semi-tendinosus (ST), compared to patients treated with the Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS). The study was performed within 36 to 48 months after the surgery. Methods: The study included 96 patients. The LARS group consisted of 44 patients, control group operated with ST/GR tendons included 52 patients. The stabilometric platform Alpha was used to assess the static balance. Two 30-second trials in the double-leg stance position with eyes opened and closed were performed. The distribution of loads in a free standing was also assessed. Results: In the test with open eyes the subjects from the LARS group had a significantly longer center of pressure (COP) path, a higher mean velocity, a greater mean COP sway in foot in the lateral direction and a larger path area occupied by the COP graph. During the tests with eyes closed, a significant difference occurred in the mean displacement of COP in lateral direction – greater in the LARS group. In addition, all parameters deteriorated during the tests with eyes closed in both groups. Conclusions: In static balance assessed with eyes closed, more proprioceptive deficits may appear in the LARS group.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether a single bout of core stability exercises improves body balance immediately after the bout of exercise and during a retention test. Methods: The study involved 16 women (age 22–25 years, body weight 60.5 ± 5.2 kg, height 166 ± 5.4 cm). Postural stability was assessed in the mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) planes separately on a force plate (Kistler 9286 AA) during quiet standing on a soft support surface with the eyes closed. Subjects were measured 4 times: just before (T0), 1 minutes after (T1 m), 30 minutes after (T30 m), and 24 hours after the workout (T24 h). Postural balance was evaluated by five parameters based on the center of pressure (COP) signal: variability (VAR), mean velocity (VEL), sample entropy (ENT), frequency (FRE), and fractal dimension (FRA). Results: We observed a decrease in VAR and VEL in the ML plane at T30 m and T24 h, compared to T0. The COP entropy significantly increased in the ML plane at T24 h, compared to T0. Conclusions: A single bout of core stability exercises improved the control of the mediolateral body balance. This effect was evident within 30 minutes after exercise, and remained for at least 24 hours. In addition, 24 hours after exercise we observed an increased automaticity in the strategy to maintain a stable upright stance.
The testing of dynamic balance involves tests that assess the muscle control of spatial changes of the position of the centre of gravity over the base of support. The purpose of this work was to determine the structure of the Y-balance test and its accuracy based on the measurements of strength performance of the muscles acting on the knee joint, as well as the flexibility and balance in boys aged 14 years. Methods: The study included 43 schoolboys regularly participating in physical education lessons. The examination of postural stability was conducted with the use of the Y-balance test. The measurements of muscle strength and of resistance to fatigue of the extensors and flexors of knee joints in isometric contraction were performed on a measurement stand in a standard position with the use of tensometric sensors. The measurement of mobility range of the lower extremity joints was performed according to the SFTR. The examination of balance was performed with the use of the modified ‘Flamingo balance test’. Results: The factor structure of the Y-balance test results for the left and right lower extremities is similar and includes five principal independent factors that characterise the structure of analysed variables. They explain 76% and 74% of communality in total for the left and the right extremity, respectively. Conclusions: The extracted factor structure points to a hybrid structure of the Y-balance test and shows its accuracy in the measurements of the lower limb joint mobility and strength performance of knee joint extensors.
The present study aimed at investigating the control of upright quiet standing in pregnant women throughout pregnancy, and whether low-back pain exerts influence on this motor task. Methods: Myoelectric signals from postural muscles and stabilometric data were collected from 15 non-pregnant and 15 pregnant women during upright quiet standing. Electromyogram envelopes and center of pressure metrics were evaluated in the control group, as well as in pregnant women in their first and third trimester of pregnancy. A correlation analysis was performed between the measured variables and a low-back pain disability index. Results: Pregnant women exhibited a decreased maximum voluntary isometric activity for all postural muscles evaluated. Additionally, the activity of lumbar muscles during the postural task was significantly higher in the pregnant women in comparison to the non-pregnant controls. The soleus muscle maintained its activity at the same level as the gestation progressed. Higher postural oscillations were observed in the anteroposterior direction while mediolateral sway was reduced in the third trimester of pregnancy. No correlation was detected between the lowback pain disability index and neuromechanical variables. Conclusion: This study provides additional data regarding the functioning and adaptations of the postural control system during pregnancy. Also, we provide further evidence that postural control during quiet standing cannot be used to predict the occurrence of low-back pain. We hypothesize that the modifications in the neural drive to the muscles, as well as in postural sway may be related to changes in the biomechanics and hormonal levels experienced by the pregnant women.
The goal of this study was to quantify the effect of experience and handrail presence on trunk muscle activities, rotational spinal stiffness and postural stability of construction workers. We evaluated spinal stability, and objective and subjective postural stability in 4 expert and 4 novice construction workers who were performing a manual task in a standing position on a scaffold, with and without a safety handrail. Center of pressure was computed using measurements taken with insole pressure transducers. Muscle activity was monitored usingsurface electrodes placed on 8 trunk muscles that predicted active trunk rotational stiffness. Standard deviations of the center of pressure, back muscle activity and spinal stiffness were greater in novices and in the absence of a handrail. We infer that the risk of a fall due to postural and spinal instability may be greater with a lower level of experience and in the absence of a safety handrail.
The osteoarthritis of the hip dominant symptom is pain that leads to disability and to postural and gait disorders. The aim of this study was to analyze postural stability and its impact on disability and pain. The study population consisted of 60 patients and control group of 30. Group 1 (n = 30) included patients with unilateral coxarthrosis, aged 56.2 (±12.3) years, BMI 25.17 (±2.87) kg/m2. There were 16 men (53.3%). The mean age of patients in group 2 (n = 30) with bilateral coxarthrosis was 62.3 (±12.1) years; the mean BMI was 24.87 (±2.06) kg/m2. There were 15 men in this group (50%). The patients were evaluated using the WOMAC, the Harris Hip Score, VAS and the Biodex Balance System. Both study groups had stability index results different than the control group. There was a significant correlation between the stability indexes and BMI. VAS correlated with the M-L plane variance. In group 2, there were significant differences related to disability for the disability scales for all measured parameters. Balance disorder is a basic parameter found in coxathrosis. There is a statistically significant correlation between balance disorders and BMI, VAS and functional scales.
The study examined the utility of stabilometric dimensions and explored whether the changes in sitting postures were manifested in functional measures of postural control. Eleven women participated in the study, which used 11 chair sitting postures: arms on laps or arms right angled; armrest at a height of 17, 20 and 23 cm; with or without backrest; slouch or straight back; legs right angled at knees or crossed legs. The backrest and armrest shifted 16.3% of body weight from a seat pan. The characteristics of stabilometric dimensions evaluated the influence of seat components and sitting behaviour on postural balance. The study attempted to evaluate stability and its application in human–seat interface design.
Umiejętność utrzymywania równowagi spełnia ważne funkcje, nie tylko w życiu codziennym człowieka, ale również, odgrywa ważną rolę w wielu dyscyplinach sportowych. Jest to zdolność, która wymaga odpowiednich ćwiczeń, aby mogła jak najlepiej wpływać na wyniki osiągane w sporcie. Niestety niewiele osób uprawiających amatorsko Dart wie jak odpowiednio kontrolować równowagę, aby rzut w tarczę był jak najbliższy celu. Celem pracy jest przedstawienie podstawowych pojęć, koncepcji oraz metody umożliwiające analizę wpływu stabilności ciała na celność rzutu.
EN
The ability to maintain balance fulfills important functions not only in everyday life of man, but also plays an important role in many sport disciplines. It is an ability that requires appropriate exercises to influence on the success achieved in sport. Unfortunately, few people doing amateur Dart know how to properly control the balance to make throw the shield close to the target. The paper presents the basic concepts, approaches and methods of analyzing the influence of the stability of the body on throwing accuracy.
In this study, we evaluated the effect of simple sounds having different frequency on postural stability in quiet stance. Twenty-six healthy young adults (17 female and 9 male) were investigated, with an average age 19,0 ± 0,3 years. Experimental protocol included three 50s quiet standing trials, barefoot, in relaxed position, on an instrumented force plate. During the first trial the subjects were standing in silence, while during the second and third trial they were exposed to sounds with the frequency of 110 and 1000 Hz, respectively. The sounds were simple square waves at a level of 85 dB having 3 s single pulse duration and 2 s intervals. In each trial the center-of-pressure (COP) time series were recorded at a sampling rate of 20 Hz in both: the anterio-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) planes, and fed into the computer for subsequent analysis. It is conclusion that this finding lends support to different strategies observed during the exposure of our subjects to sounds having two different frequency contents, namely, normal postural strategy in the 110 Hz sound trial and automatic postural strategy in the 1 kHz sound trial.
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