balance

The risk of tripping or falling is one of the common problems among the elderly؛ Cognitive behavioral interventions have been widely used and have shown effectiveness in improving cognitive and motor performance in different populations. The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness on cognitive empowerment and Balance of the elderly with history of falling. In a semi-experimental trial, 16 elderly people with a history of falling (mean age 72±6 years) from Qom city in 1402 were selected in an accessible and purposeful manner and were randomly assigned to two groups of mindfulness exercises (8people) and control (8 people). In this research, Di Petrillo, Kaufman, Glass, and Arenkov (2009) mindfulness intervention protocol was taught in six sessions for 1 to 1.5 hours during three weeks.In order to check the data of cognitive empowerment, Spritzer's psychological empowerment scale (1995) was used and to check the balance function, the stork static balance tests of Johnson and Nelson, 1991 and the dynamic balance tests of Podcialdo and Richardson, 1991 were used. The data were analyzed using covariance analysis at the P<0.05. The results showed that mindfulness exercises improved non-significant static and dynamic balance and non-significant improvement of cognitive empowerment in elderly people with a history of falling (p<0.05). It seems that three weeks of mindfulness exercises can bring cognitive and motor benefits for elderly people with a history of falls, however, longer periods of this intervention may be more effective

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Fall-Proof exercises with different intensities and frequencies on the balance of older adults. In this study, elderly participants aged 66 to 77 years were divided into five experimental groups of ten individuals each, with varying intensities and frequencies (high and low), and one control group. Participants engaged in a research design consisting of a pre-test, eight weeks of Fall-Proof exercises, and a post-test. The experimental groups participated in Fall-Proof exercises for eight weeks (three sessions per week, each lasting 45 minutes) with either high or low frequency, starting immediately after the pre-test. The control group continued with their daily activities following the pre-test. The Fall-Proof Activity and Health Questionnaire was used to collect information on general health status, lifestyle, and physical activity patterns of the elderly participants. The Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale was used to identify balance problems. The Shapiro-Wilk test was employed to assess the normality of the data, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for data analysis, with a significance level of 0.05. The research findings indicated that Fall-Proof exercises with both high and low intensities and frequencies improved the balance of older adults. Additionally, it was observed that there was a significant difference only between the balance improvements in elderly participants undergoing high-intensity and frequency Fall-Proof exercises compared to those in the low-intensity and frequency group. It can be inferred that this exercise program with varying intensities and frequencies is an effective method for improving balance, which consequently reduces the risk of falls in the elderly population. Furthermore, implementing this exercise program as a preventive and therapeutic measure may likely reduce physical, financial, psychological, and emotional pressures on the families of older adults to some extent, thereby affecting their quality of life.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise, virtual reality and dual tasks exercise on motor function and depression in depressed MS patients. 48 women MS patient with a mean age of 42/13± 8/21 participated in this study and were randomly divided into three experimental groups and one control group. The aerobic exercise group practiced aerobics for eight weeks, two sessions per week. The virtual reality group in the virtual environment and the dual tasks group were intervened simultaneously using aerobic training and virtual reality. The control group also continued their daily activities. Beck Depression Inventory, Functional Achievement Balance Test and 10 m Walking in pre- and post-test were used. The results of paired t-test showed that gait, balance and depression improved significantly in pre-test to post-test exercise groups (P≥0.05). Covariance test was used to compare walking, balance and depression in the research groups and the results showed that there was a significant difference between the post-test scores and balance in the research groups (P≥0.05). The results of Bonferroni post hoc test also showed that there was a significant difference in the variables of gait, balance and depression between the combined exercise group with the aerobic and control groups (P≥0.05). Finally, the results confirm that dual tasks more than aerobic exercise and virtual reality lead to improved balance, gait and depression in depressed MS women, and this type of exercise can be a good intervention to improve motor function and depression in these people.

Taekwondo is an Olympic combat sport that demands skills such as jumping and quick directional changes. Core stability exercises may be an effective method to enhance the performance of taekwondo athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to examine the effects of six weeks of core stability exercises on improving balance and performance in male taekwondo practitioners.

This quasi-experimental field study involved 30 male taekwondo athletes aged 10-15 from Mashhad city. Participants were selected based on judgment sampling and randomly divided into two groups of 15 each. The single-hop test and triple-hop test were used to assess performance, while the Y balance test evaluated balance. Pre-tests were conducted to measure the research variables before implementing a six-week core stability exercise program for the experimental group. After the training period, post-tests were administered using the same procedures as the pre-tests.

The findings indicated that completing six weeks of core stability training significantly improved dynamic balance in the medial-posterior direction (P=0.021) and overall performance (P=0.002) in the experimental group compared to the control group.

Core stability exercises can help reduce injuries and enhance athletic performance. This study aimed to investigate the impact of six weeks of core stability exercises on the balance and performance of young male taekwondo athletes. The results suggest that core stability exercises effectively improve both balance and performance in taekwondo practitioners, leading to enhanced athletic performance.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of a period of walking training with Auditory Sensory feedback on static and dynamic balance in the elderly. The statistical sample of this study included 36 healthy elderly men, which were selected by purposive sampling method and who were randomly divided into three groups (experimental with external sensory feedback, walking control group without sensory feedback and control group without training). For the measurement of static and dynamic balance were used in the pre and post test of fixed static equilibrium test and functional stability threshold test and for evaluations co-contraction muscle and its effect on balance, the pattern of electrical activity of the muscles of the lower extremities (horseshoe, anterior tibia, internal extensor, external extensor and biceps) was examined using electromyography. The experimental group practiced for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week and 20 minutes of walking practice with auditory sensory feedback and walking control group followed simple gait training at the same time. Data analysis was performed using ANCOVA and nonparametric Bootstrap models at the significance level of 0.05. The results showed training with the external sensory feedback not statistically significant, despite improvement in muscle contraction and balance performance of the experimental group (P

Core stability training plays an important role in performance of youth volleyball players and is defined as a critical factor regarding prevention of the physical abilities and important characteristics of the volleyball players such as balance and jump performance. In this research, the effect of a Progressive Core Stability Program regarding Health Protection on maintenance of Balance and Jump Performance of Junior Volleyball Players during Coronavirus Pandemic has been investigated. After the second quarantine period in Iran, two jump tests (Serjent jump test and Three-step jump test) and static balance test (Romberg) were taken from each player. The players then performed a 12-week core stability training program in compliance with health protocols. Following that, post-test evaluation was recorded. There is a significant difference in all research variables (Sarjent jump test, Three-step jump test and Romberg equilibrium test) between pretest and post-test in junior volleyball players after 12 weeks of progressive core stability training with health protocols. Coaches, specialists in sports sciences and trainers can use progressive core stability exercises to maintain vital functions in volleyball players and emphasize their performance during quarantine.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of neuromuscular training on balance, motor function, and knee and ankle proprioception in female taekwondo athletes aged 15 to 18 years.

In this study, 30 taekwondo athletes aged 15 to 18 were selected and randomly divided into two groups: control and experimental. To assess the training program's efficacy, tests related to static and dynamic balance were conducted using the stork and wow tests, while functional movements were evaluated with the screening test (FMS).

The results of this study demonstrated a significant improvement in static balance following the implementation of the exercise program (p < 0.05).

In summary, the findings of this study indicate the efficacy of neuromuscular exercises in enhancing both static and dynamic balance, motor function, knee and ankle proprioception in female taekwondo athletes. Consequently, the adoption of this training program is recommended for coaches and athletes in this sport to mitigate injury risk and enhance sports performance.

Circadian rhythms play a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions of the human body and can impact the ability tasks. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of time of day on static and dynamic balance using the cognitive task approach. We recruited 24 elderly men who performed both static and dynamic balance tests with and without cognitive dual tasks. Our statistical analysis, using a significance level of 0.05, revealed significant differences in the parameters of the 95% confidence ellipse, length of path, and average velocity of the center of pressure when performing the dual task compared to normal walking. However, these variables did not significantly differ at different times of the day. Interestingly, our results showed that the center of pressure fluctuations in closed eyes and different times of the day did not have a significant difference. Overall, our findings suggest that healthy elderly individuals are at similar risk of falling during different hours of the day. Nonetheless, the simultaneous execution of dual cognitive tasks leads to balance disruption in both eyes-arm closed positions.

Today, training on various training surfaces is one of the most important concerns of coaches for improving sports performance, which has rarely been considered in sport teams. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of six-week of specific volleyball training on ground surfaces (concrete, floor and sand) on some selected factors of physical fitness in volleyball male players.

Thirty-six male volleyball players (average age, 16.11±0.82 years) were purposefully selected and randomly divided into three training groups including training on concrete, floor, and sand surfaces. The repeated effort performance test (jump and real-time, time and ideal jump) with four repetitions and rest between repetitions at players’ movement speed between 4 to 8 seconds was used. All tests were performed before and after the training programs. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s tests were used at the significance level of p≤0.05.

Anaerobic power, explosive power (Jumping record) and time reduction in the repeated performance test significantly increased in the both sand and flooring groups compared to the concrete group. Moreover, agility and dynamic balance in the sand and flooring group had a significant decrease and increase, respectively, as compared to the concrete group. Additionally, dynamic balance showed more increased in the sand group than in the floor group.

Specific volleyball exercises on sand compared to other surfaces by increasing training overload caused neuro-muscular adaptations and finally improved sports performance and physical fitness of volleyball players. Accordingly, coaches can use sand surfaces to maximize the benefits of training and prevent injury and pain to players.

Falling is one of the serious issues of old age that occurs due to many factors. This research aimed to compare static and dynamic balance, walking speed, spinal curvature, and central stability of elderly people with and without a history of falling.

The current research was a causal-comparative research. 60 elderly women aged between 60 and 70 from Tabriz voluntarily participated in the research. The participants were assigned into two groups with and without a history of falling. The fall history of the participants was measured by the Fall Efficacy Scale. The static and dynamic balance were evaluated by Sharpened-Romberg and Timed Up and Go tests, respectively. Walking speed was measured with a 10-meter walk test, core stability was measured with McGill endurance tests, and spinal curvature was measured with a flexible ruler. Independent t-test was used to compare the mean variables in two groups.

The results showed a significant difference between the static and dynamic balance indices, lumbar spine curvature, walking speed, and core stability in the elderly with and without a history of falling. However, there was no significant difference between the curvature index of the lumbar spine in the elderly with and without a history of falling.

According to the research results, it seems necessary to develop and improve the indices of balance, walking speed, and core stability in people with a history of falling.

Menopause is the beginning of a new era in a woman's life. This period, like all other stages of life, has positive and negative aspects. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Pilates exercises on serum BDNF level, balance, and quality of life in menopausal and non-menopausal women.

The current study was a quasi-experimental research with a pre-test and post-test design that included two experimental and two control groups. The sample consisted of 60 menopausal and non-menopausal women (age 45.77±1.77 years) who were voluntarily selected and randomly assigned into four groups of 15 people. Fasting blood was drawn from all the participants 48 hours before the start of training and after the end of the training period. Then both experimental groups performed Pilates exercises for 12 weeks, three sessions per week and each session lasted 60 minutes. Also, the participants similarly performed the Y dynamic balance test and completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaire in pre-test and post-test.

The results of Mixed ANOVA showed a significant difference between the pre-test and the post-test of menopausal and non-menopausal women in relevant variables, so it can be said that probably 91%, 76%, and 94% of the changes in serum BDNF levels, balance and quality of life of menopausal and non-menopausal women are influenced by Pilates exercises. However, no significant effect was observed in the relevant variables of control groups (P≤0.05).

Pilates exercises can be an effective strategy to improve serum BDNF levels, balance, and quality of life in menopausal and non-menopausal women.

The purpose of the study was to development and validation of a Perceived Balance Scale for older adults. Two samples each consist of 300 subjects participated in the research. Data collected with Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC), Fall Self-Efficacy-International (FSE-I) form. The data were analyzed with exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and principal components with varimax rotation, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with structural equations modeling, Pearson correlation coefficient, and t-student test, and with SPSS-16 and LESREL softwares. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in extraction two factors “Simple Tasks” and “Hard Tasks”, explaining 76.92% and 5.66% of variances, respectively. Results of first rank of CFA indicated that measurement model of Perceived Balance Scale for Older Adults was relatively fit and all measures and parameters were significant. CFI, IFI, and TLI measures were above 0.95, indicating these measures were excellent. There were significant correlations between Perceived Balance Scale for Older Adults and ABC (r=0.91, P≤0.0001) and FES-I (r= -0.83, P≤0.0001), confirming convergent validity of the new scale. Results of t-student test indicated that perceived balance mean score of subjects without fall history in past year than with fall history counterparts was higher significantly. Interclass correlation coefficient confirmed test-retest reliability (P≤0.01). Internal consistency for total score with Cronbach,s Alpha was 0.88. These results confirm validity and reliability of “Perceived Balance Scale for Older Adults”.

Children with spastic cerebral palsy have many problems in terms of movement and balance. The crooked structure of children with spastic cerebral palsy disturbs their balance function. Due to the constant muscle tension in these people, a permanent spasm is seen in their flexor muscles. Together with other features of the disease, this leads to limited mobility for those affected. Recently, training in water and on land have become very popular in both sports and rehabilitation, especially for people with limited mobility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a functional training protocol combining water and land exercises on the balance and proprioception of the lower limbs of children with cerebral palsy and diplegia.

Thirty children with diplegia cerebral palsy were selected through available sampling and randomly divided into two equal groups of experimental (age, 9.33±1.63 years; height, 1.32±0.06 m; weight, 33.88±3.63 kg) and control group (age, 9.46±1.30 years; height, 1.30±0.05 m; weight, 32.04±3.52 kg). Subjects in the experimental group performed a training protocol on the ground including strength exercises, balance exercises and functional exercises and training protocol in water for 8 weeks and 4 sessions per week.  Before and after the training period static balance was evaluated by using the functional reaching test, the dynamic balance by using the time up and go test (TUG), and joint proprioceptive by measuring the angle of dorsiflexion. To statistically analyze the data, two-way repeated measures of ANOVA was used at a significant level of p≤0.05.

After 8 weeks of land and water combined training, there were significant improvements in the functional balance test (p<0.05) and ankle joint proprioception (p=0.001), as well as a significant reduction in time of TUG test(p=0.001). No significant within-group differences were observed in any of the variables in the control group (p˃ 0.05).

The results of the present study showed that performing combined strength, aquatic, functional and balance exercises improve balance, joint proprioception, movement and walking performance in children. In addition, combined water and land exercises can improve the balance and proprioception of children with cerebral palsy and diplegia, and as a result the movement problems and falls of these children could be reduced, which is important for improving the health and lifestyle of these children. Therefore, prescribing this exercise training modality is recommended to trainers and therapists.

The knee joint has been introduced as the most vulnerable part of the body in volleyball. the aim of this research is to the effect of 6 weeks of neuromuscular training on the landing-jumping pattern, balance, and knee proprioception of female volleyball players with high and low risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury.

forty female volleyball players were selected into two groups of high and low-risk ACL injury using the LESS test, and then each group was divided into two training and control groups. Dynamic and static balance, knee proprioception, and jump-landing patterns were evaluated. Neuromuscular exercises were performed for six weeks by the training group and then, the post-test was performed. dependent t-tests and covariance analysis were used to analyze the data.

The results of the research showed that neuromuscular exercises have a significant effect on static and dynamic balance, proprioception, and landing-jump mechanics, But the effect of this exercise on the research components among the experimental groups (except for the landing error component (p = 0.001)) was not significant.

neuromuscular exercises improve dynamic and static balance, proprioception, and landing-jumping mechanics in both high and low-injury risk groups, and the effect of these exercises on the landing-jump component in the group with high injury risk is greater than in the group with low injury risk. This difference can be attributed to the basic neuromuscular weakness in the group with high injury risk.

The purpose of this research was to compare the effects of core stability exercises, with and without the use of a virtual reality system, on pain, endurance and balance in athletes with non-specific chronic low back pain. Forty-five athletes with non-specific chronic low back pain were randomly divided into three groups: core stability exercise group (mean age 27.6±4.22,15 subjects), core stability exercise with virtual reality system group (mean age 27.46±5.61,15 subjects), and control group (mean age 29.06±3.97, 15 subjects). Both experimental groups performed core stability exercises for 6 weeks, three days per week. The virtual reality group used the Oculus QUEST 2 system during exercises. Pain, endurance and balance were measured before and after the intervention using the visual analog scale (VAS), the McGill test and the Biodex balance system, respectively. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni's post hoc test. The results showed that six weeks of core stability exercise with and without the use of a virtual reality system had a significant effect on the variables of pain, balance and endurance in both the core stability exercise group and the core stability exercise with virtual reality system group (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant difference between the two experimental groups in terms of these variables (p < 0.05). The results showed that core stability exercise combined with the virtual reality system was more effective than core stability exercise for increasing balance, endurance and reducing pain. Therefore, it is suggested to use core stability exercise with the virtual reality system for greater efficiency and effectiveness in improving these variables.