Preliminary reference data on balance and associated influencing factors in healthy young adults: Preliminary data on balance in healthy young adults

Ana Patricia Martínez Riera; Néstor Pérez Mallada; María Jesús Martínez Beltrán

doi:10.33700/jhrs.5.2.238

Authors

Ana Patricia Martínez Riera a San Juan de Dios Foundation, 28015 Madrid, Spain bHealth Sciences Department, San Juan de Dios School of Nursing and Physical Therapy, Comillas Pontifical University, 28015 Madrid, Spain https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3851-5674
Néstor Pérez Mallada a San Juan de Dios Foundation, 28015 Madrid, Spain bHealth Sciences Department, San Juan de Dios School of Nursing and Physical Therapy, Comillas Pontifical University, 28015 Madrid, Spain cInstitute for Research in Technology (IIT), ICAI School of Engineering, Comillas Pontifical University, 28015 Madrid, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6287-035X (unauthenticated)
María Jesús Martínez Beltrán Comillas Pontifical University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3869-3626

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.5.2.238

Keywords:

balance, force platform, postural control, reference values

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to provide preliminary reference balance values for young adults and examine factors influencing balance, addressing the lack of research in this age group, using the Zebris FDM-S pressure platform.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 28 healthy adults aged 18 to 30 years. Balance-related measurements and weight distribution were assessed in bipodal and single-leg stances with eyes open and closed. Preliminary reference values were obtained through descriptive analysis, and comparisons were performed using non-parametric statistical tests, considering sex, dominance, and knee alignment
Results: Women demonstrated greater control during single-leg balance, lower-limb dominance does not affect balance performance during single-leg stance, whether with eyes open or closed. A non-neutral knee alignment (varus or valgus) appears to alter anterior–posterior weight distribution during bipodal stance with eyes closed. Knee alignment, whether varus or valgus, influenced the anterior-posterior weight distribution during bipodal stance. The preliminary reference data obtained may serve as an initial benchmark for injury prevention and post-injury evaluation, diagnosis. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution until they are confirmed in larger samples.
Conclusion: Women demonstrate greater stability during single-leg stance with eyes open. Lower-limb dominance does not appear to affect balance performance in single-leg stance. Varus and valgus alignment seem to alter anterior–posterior weight distribution during bipodal stance with eyes closed.

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