Delayed neuromuscular fatigue recovery unveils reduced fatigue tolerance in elderly following maximal intermittent exercise.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of aging on neuromuscular fatigue and recovery. Ten young (23.08 ± 1.43 years) and older (61.19 ± 1.80 years) males performed an intermittent maximal isometric exercise with the knee extensors followed by 27 min of recovery. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), total work (W'), voluntary activation (VA), potentiated resting twitch (Ptw), and electromyography (EMG) were recorded and then analyzed. Peripheral and central fatigue following exercise were lower in old compared to young (- 29.99% vs. - 42.68% and - 14.55 vs. - 20.02%; P < 0.05, respectively). Despite old performing 50% less work, RMS/Mmax reduction was similar between old and young (- 26.46% vs. - 29.93%; P > 0.05, respectively). During the recovery period, our results showed that recovery of the MVC was impaired for old (14.93% for old vs. 30.66% for young) and still incomplete until 27 min.VA increased significantly compared to post exercise after 1 min only for young (P = 0.001), potentially affecting the recovery pattern of MVC during the early phase due to their significant correlation (r2 = 0.58, P = 0.01). Peripheral fatigue recovery was also lower for old (11.18% vs. 18.72%; P < 0.001), and both groups failed to recover their baseline value (both P < 0.005). The lower peripheral and central fatigue observed in elderly following exercise appears for the first instance as a fatigue resistance. However, the delayed neuromuscular recovery reveals instead a reduced fatigue tolerance reflecting age-related alteration within contractile properties and/or within central nervous system.

Postural Balance in Boys With Intellectual Disabilities Who Participate in Soccer Training.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the postural balance in children with intellectual disabilities who participate in soccer training compared with their sedentary peers. METHOD: Two groups of boys with intellectual disabilities aged 8-10 years participated in this study: a soccer group (n = 12) and a sedentary group (n = 12). Postural balance was assessed using a force platform under 4 different conditions: open eyes, and closed eyes, on firm and foam surfaces. The Timed Up and Go Test, 10-m Walking Test, and Four-Square Step Test were also conducted. RESULTS: The soccer group had significantly lower (P < .05) center of pressure values compared with the sedentary group, on both firm and foam surfaces, but only under the open eyes condition. They were significantly faster (P < .05) in the Timed Up and Go Test, 10-m Walking Test, and Four-Square Step Test compared with their sedentary peers. However, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups on the sit-to-stand and turn-to-sit phases of the Timed Up and Go Test. CONCLUSION: Soccer participation may have a positive effect on postural balance in boys with intellectual disabilities. These findings may have implications for the development of exercise programs to improve postural balance and reduce the risk of falls in this population.

Effect of 12-Week-Zumba Training on Postural Balance, Lower Limb Strength, Mood and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women.

We aimed to investigate 12-week-Zumba training effects on physical and psychological parameters, and quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women. Forty-two postmenopausal women were randomly allocated to a control group or a Zumba group (ZG). Postural balance, lower limb strength, mood level, and QoL were assessed before and after the 12-week-Zumba training. The ZG showed significantly better balance performances under all conditions such as on firm and foam surfaces with opened and closed eyes as well as improvements in limb strength, mood and QoL compared to their baselines. Thereby, 12-week-Zumba training was effective in improving postural balance, limb strength, mood and, QoL in postmenopausal women.

Effect of Combined Training With Balance, Strength, and Plyometrics on Physical Performance in Male Sprint Athletes With Intellectual Disabilities.

Individuals with intellectual disabilities often face unique challenges in physical capabilities, making traditional training methods less effective for their specific needs. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combining balance, plyometric, and strength (CBPS) training with sprint training on physical performance in male athletes with intellectual disabilities. Twenty-seven participants were randomly assigned to either a CBPS group or a control group that only maintained their regular sprint training. Participants underwent pre- and posttraining tests, including measures of balance, jumping, agility, and sprinting ability. The results showed that the CBPS group demonstrated significant improvements (p < .05) in one-leg stance, crossover-hop jump, squat jump, countermovement jump, and 10- and 30-m sprint at posttraining compared with pretraining. CBPS training combined with sprinting significantly improves physical performance in male athletes with intellectual disabilities, suggesting implications for tailored training programs to enhance their physical fitness and overall health.

Impact of neuromuscular training including balance, strength and plyometric exercises on static and dynamic balance in high-level male runners with mild intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the impact of neuromuscular training (NMT) on static and dynamic postural balance (PB) among high-level male runners with intellectual disability. METHOD: Twenty-seven runners were randomly assigned to a NMT group and a control group who maintained their conventional training. Static and dynamic PB were assessed using the centre of pressure (CoP) excursions (in bipedal and unipedal stances under open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE) conditions) and the star excursion balance test (SEBT), respectively, at pre-training and post-training. RESULTS: The NMT group showed significantly (p < 0.05) decreased CoP values and increased SEBT scores at post-training compared to pre-training. The switch from OE to CE did not affect static PB in the bipedal stance, only in the NMT group. CONCLUSIONS: The NMT was effective in improving static and dynamic PB in runners with intellectual disability. The NMT could reduce visual dependency.

Do Motor-Cognitive and Motor-Motor Dual-Task Training Differently Affect Dual-Task Interference in Individuals With Intellectual Disability?

This study explored the effect of different dual-task (DT) training programs on DT interference in adults with intellectual disability. Center-of-pressure (CoP) mean velocity in single-task (ST) and cognitive-DT conditions and the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT) during ST, cognitive-DT, and motor-DT conditions were assessed before and after intervention in a cognitive-motor training group, a motor-motor training group, and a control group. Before training, CoP mean velocity and TUGT time increased (p < .001) in DT compared with the ST condition. After training, the CoP mean velocity values remained unchanged (p = .07) in DT compared with the ST condition among the cognitive-motor training group. Furthermore, compared with the ST condition, no increase (p = 1) was reported in the TUGT time during the cognitive-DT condition for the cognitive-motor training group and during the motor-DT for the motor-motor training group (p = .12). The effect of DT training on DT interference depends on the training modality.

The relationship between postural control and cognitive functioning following Zumba dancing in middle-aged women: A randomized clinical trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of 12-week Zumba dancing on postural control and cognitive parameters and the correlations between these parameters in middle-aged women. Thirty-eight women, aged between 50 and 60 years, were randomly allocated to a Zumba group (ZG) or control group. Postural control and cognitive functions [working memory (WM) and reaction time (RT)] were assessed before and after 12 weeks of a Zumba dancing program using a stabilometric force platform, Corsi Block-Tapping Task and Simple RT tests, respectively. The results indicate that ZG showed significantly (p<.01) better balance performances when standing on a stable surface in both visual conditions [firm surface with eyes opened (EO) (20,9%) and eyes closed (EC) (12.3%)]. However, when standing on an unstable surface in both visual conditions (foam surface with EO/EC), the ZG showed no significant improvement in postural control. It seems that the benefits of Zumba on postural control depend on the sensory condition. Besides, 12-week Zumba dancing was not sufficient to significantly enhance cognitive performances (RT/WM) performances. These cognitive performances were related to postural control in challenging conditions and can be considered an effective tool for monitoring postural performances following an intervention program. Clinicians should, therefore, focus on interventions that boost cognitive functions in middle-aged women to achieve optimal postural control, mainly in challenging conditions, in order to prevent the risk and fear of falls as well as the incidence of falling.

Swimming, better than tennis, develops sensorimotor adaptabilities involved in postural balance in 5-6-year-old children.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to evaluate the postural balance of young tennis players and young swimming practitioners in static and dynamic conditions. METHODS: Thirty-six children (5-6 years old) participated in 3 groups: 12 tennis players, 12 swimming practitioners and 12 controls. Static and dynamic [in medial lateral (ML) and anterior posterior (AP) planes] postural balance were assessed by the centre of pressure sways using a stabilometric force platform in the eyes opened (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions. RESULTS: In the EO condition, swimming practitioners and tennis players had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) centre of pressure mean velocity (CoPVm) compared to controls in both static and dynamic medial-lateral (D-ML) postures. In the D-ML posture, swimming practitioners showed lower CoPVm compared to tennis players. However, in the EC condition, only the swimming practitioners showed better static and D-ML postural balance (p < 0.05) compared to their counterparts. In the static posture, the Romberg index value was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in tennis players compared to the two other groups. CONCLUSION: Tennis players developed a higher reliance on vision to maintain balance, whereas swimming practitioners were more stable in challenging postural conditions. Clinicians should consider incorporating swimming training rather than tennis as an appropriate balance training in fall-prevention programs.

Dual-task affects postural balance performance in children with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: Dual-task designs have been used to study the degree of automatic and controlled processing involved in postural balance. The aim of the present study was to explore postural balance performance during dual-task condition in children with intellectual disability compared to those with typical development. METHODS: Fifteen children with intellectual disability aged from 7 to 12 years old and fifteen age-matched children with typical development participated in this study. Participants were asked to maintain static balance on a force platform during a baseline condition (single task) and while performing the Picture Recognition Memory Test (dual-task condition). RESULTS: The results showed that dual-task similarly affects postural performance of both typically developing children and those with intellectual disability (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Children with intellectual disability and children with typical development have difficulties in maintaining their balance when carrying out a concurrent cognitive task. Intellectual disability did not lead to a more strongly compromised balance performance in dual-task situation.

Jump and sprint force velocity profile of young soccer players differ according to playing position.

Our study aimed to compare explosive performance and underlying mechanical determinants explored through F-V profiles in jumping and sprinting among young soccer players based on their playing position. Ninety elite soccer players were categorized into the following positions: goalkeepers, central defenders, wide defenders, central midfielders, wide midfielders, and forwards. Two testing sessions were conducted to measure the 30-metre sprint time (T30) using an over-ground sprint test and jump height (Hmax) through the SJ test. Results demonstrated performance variations among positions. In sprinting, forwards showed greater T30 (4.5 ± 0.14 s) compared to other positions, with goalkeepers exhibiting the lowest T30 (4.86 ± 0.18 s). Forwards also displayed higher maximal theoretical velocity (8.8 ± 0.4 m.s-1) and power output (Pmax) (19.4 ± 2.6 W.kg-1) than other positions, while goalkeepers had the lowest Pmax (16.5 ± 2 W.kg-1). In jumping, forwards (33.2 ± 3.9 cm) and wide-midfielders (33.6 ± 3.8 cm) achieved higher Hmax compared to goalkeepers (29.2 ± 5 cm) and central-midfielders (29.2 ± 3.8 cm). Wide-midfielders (28.5 ± 4.8 W.kg-1) and forwards (27.1 ± 4.3 W.kg-1) surpassed goalkeepers (23 ± 2.8 W.kg-1) and central-midfielders (25.1 ± 3.8 W.kg-1) in Pmax. Our findings reveal substantial position-related disparities in F-V profiles among elite young soccer players, in sprinting and jumping emphasizing the need for position-specific training programmes to optimize player development and on-field performance from an early age.

Effects of 12 weeks of caffeine supplementation and Zumba training on postural balance and cognitive performances in middle-aged women.

The researchers aimed to examine the effect of 12-week supplementing (100 mg/day) caffeine with Zumba training on postural and cognitive performances in middle-aged women. Fifty-six middle-aged women who participated in this study, were randomized into; a caffeine-Zumba (CZG), Zumba (ZG) and control groups. In two-testing sessions, postural balance was evaluated using a stabilometric platform, and for cognitive performances, Simple Reaction Time and Corsi Block-Tapping Task tests were used. We found that ZG and CZG showed a significant improvement in postural balance on the firm surface condition (p < .05) in the post- compared to pretest session. Whereas, ZG showed no significant improvement in postural performance on the foam surface condition. Only CZG revealed significant enhancements (p < .05) in cognitive and postural, in the foam surface condition, performances. In conclusion, supplementing caffeine with 12-week Zumba training was effective in improving both cognitive and postural balance, even in challenging conditions, performances in middle-aged women.

Time Course Effects of Different Intensities of Running Exercise on Cognitive and Motor Performances in Individuals With Intellectual Disability.

This study explored the acute effects of different running intensities on cognitive and motor performances in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). An ID group (age, M = 15.25 years, SD = 2.76) and a control group without ID (age, M = 15.11 years, SD = 1.54) performed visual simple and choice reaction times, auditory simple reaction time, and finger tapping tests before and after running at low or moderate intensity (30% and 60% of heart rate reserve [HRR], respectively). Visual simple reaction time values decreased (p < .001) after both intensities at all time points with higher (p = .007) extend after the 60% HRR intensity for both groups. After both intensities, the VCRT decreased (p < .001) in the ID group at all time points compared with preexercise (Pre-EX) while, in the control group, these values decreased (p < .001) only immediately (IM-EX) and after 10 min (Post-10) of exercise cessation. Compared withs Pre-EX, in the ID group, the auditory simple reaction time values decreased (p < .001) at all time points after the 30% HHR intensity whereas, after the 60% HRR, these values decreased only at IM-EX (p < .001), Post-10 (p = .001) and Post-20 (p < .001). In the control group, auditory simple reaction time values decreased (p = .002) only after the 30% HRR intensity at IM-EX. The finger tapping test increased at IM-EX (p < .001) and at Post-20 (p = .001) compared to Pre-EX in both groups only after the 30% HHR intensity and for the dominant hand. The effect of physical exercise on cognitive performances in individuals with ID seems to depend on the cognitive test type as well as the exercise intensity.

Acute effects of aerobic versus resistance exercises on cognitive function in individuals with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the acute effects of aerobic (AE) and resistance (RE) exercise on reaction time (RT) and working memory (WM) in individuals with intellectual disability. METHODS: RT tests and Corsi test for WM were performed before and after three intervention sessions: AE, RE, or control session consisting on watching video. RESULTS: The RT values decreased significantly (p < .001) after both of AE and RE with higher extend after the RE but did not vary following the control session. Corsi scores increased significantly (p < .001) after AE but not after RE or control session. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the effects of acute exercise on cognitive function in individuals with intellectual disability depend on the exercise mode as well as the nature of the cognitive task. The RE seems to be more recommended for RT enhancement whereas only the aerobic one could improve WM in these individuals.

Reliability of Y Balance Test in Runners With Intellectual Disability.

CONTEXT: The Y Balance Test (YBT) is a simple, reliable, cost-effective screening test. It is used to evaluate dynamic balance as well as to determine the potential risk of injury of the lower limbs. The reliability of YBT has been widely reported in the general population. However, there are no studies evaluating the reliability of YBT use in athletes with intellectual disability (ID). The aim of the study was to examine the reliability of the YBT in runners with ID. DESIGN: A reliability study. METHODS: Twelve male runners (short-distance running) with ID (age 25.1 [4.50] y, height 169.1 [4.2] cm, weight 69.5 [5.5] kg, and intelligence quotient 60.8 [2.4]). The YBT was used to measure participants' dynamic balance in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach directions. The analysis used the normalized values to the relative length of the lower limbs. A 1-way (trial) repeated-measures (5) analysis of variance for each direction was used. Intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change were computed to assess the reliability of the YBT between trials. RESULTS: After 6 practice trials, 3 out of 5 consecutive ones achieved results stabilization for all directions and both legs (P < .05). The intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change values for all trials ranged from .76 to .87, 5% to <7%, and 11% to <15%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The YBT is a highly reliable tool to measure the dynamic balance of male runners with ID. Therefore, it is recommended to perform 6 practice trials and 3 measurements in these runners.

Speed Improves With Eccentric Hamstring Training in Athletes of Different Maturity Status.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of an eccentric hamstring strength training program (EHT) on sprint performance (10-, 20-, and 30-m sprint times) and change of direction speed (4 × 5-m shuttle run and T-Half test) in male European handball athletes at 2 maturity statuses (prepeak and postpeak height velocity [PHV]). METHODS: Forty-five participants (12.68 [1.58] y) were divided into pre-PHV and post-PHV and randomly allocated to a control or intervention group, which performed a guided 2 day per week 6-week EHT of 5 exercises. A mixed-model (within- and between-factor) analysis of variance was conducted. RESULTS: A significant effect (P < .05) of the interaction time × maturity × training was observed in the T-Half, 10, and 30 m tests. Both intervention groups significantly improved in all the tests, except in the 20 m sprint and the post-PHV in the 10 m sprint. Improvements ranged between 0.93% and 5.74% (effect size: 0.07-0.79). Both control groups yielded no improvements in almost all the tests. The improvements of both groups undergoing the intervention (pre-PHV and post-PHV) were not significantly different (only a tendency in the 10 m sprint). CONCLUSION: An EHT program combined with European-handball training improve change of direction and sprint performance in pre-PHV and post-PHV male players. Professionals training European handball and similar team-sport athletes should consider including EHT regardless of athlete's maturity.

The Effects of 6 Weeks Eccentric Training on Speed, Dynamic Balance, Muscle Strength, Power, and Lower Limb Asymmetry in Prepubescent Weightlifters.

ABSTRACT: Hammami, R, Duncan, MJ, Nebigh, A, Werfelli, H, and Rebai, H. The effects of 6 weeks eccentric training on speed, dynamic balance, muscle strength, power and lower limb asymmetry in prepubescent weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 955-962, 2022-This study examined whether 6 weeks of twice-weekly in-season hamstring eccentric training would enhance selected performance-related abilities in prepubescent male weightlifters. Twenty elite weightlifters (11.1 ± 0.8 years) were randomly split into an eccentric training intervention group (INT n = 10) or a control group (CON) that maintained their standard in-season regimen (n = 10). Pre-intervention and postintervention speed, dynamic balance, muscle strength, power, and lower limb (LL) asymmetry were assessed. Analysis of covariance controlling for maturation was used to determine any differences in the performance variables. There were no significant changes in muscle strength, dynamic balance, or LL asymmetry (all p < 0.05) because of the intervention. Both 10-m (p = 0.001) and 30-m (p = 0.007) sprint speed and agility (p = 0.049) improved to a greater extent in INT compared with the CON group. Similar results were evident for the standing long jump (p = 0.015) and 3 hop test (p = 0.004) where performance improved to a greater magnitude in INT compared with CON groups. This study suggests that eccentric training, undertaken twice weekly for 6-weeks results in positive changes in sprint speed, change of direction speed, and power performance, but not muscle strength, dynamic balance, or LL asymmetry in prepubertal weightlifters.

Physical, Biochemical, and Neuromuscular Responses to Repeated Sprint Exercise in Eumenorrheic Female Handball Players: Effect of Menstrual Cycle Phases.

ABSTRACT: Graja, A, Kacem, M, Hammouda, O, Borji, R, Bouzid, MA, Souissi, N, and Rebai, H. Physical, biochemical, and neuromuscular responses to repeated sprint exercise in eumenorrheic female handball players: effect of menstrual cycle phases. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2268-2276, 2022-Very few studies have been interested in the relationship between ovarian hormones and physiological function in female athletes. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of menstrual phases (MP) on physical, neuromuscular, and biochemical responses after repeated sprint exercise (RSE) in female handball players. Ten eumenorrheic athletes (22.5 ± 1.5 years, 1.70 ± 0.04 m) participated in 3 study visits (follicular phase [FP], luteal phase [LP], and premenstrual phase [PMP]). During each MP, they performed 20 × 5-second cycle sprints interspersed with 25 seconds of rest. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) tests of the knee extensor muscles at 90° of knee flexion were performed before and after RSE. Peak force and electromyography (EMG) signals were measured during the MVC tests. Blood samples were collected before and 3 minutes after each session. The percentage of decrement in peak power output over the 20 × 5-second cycle test (i.e., fatigue index) calculated between sprints 1 and 20 decreased significantly during PMP (-43.3% ± 5.7%) but not in LP (-39.2% ± 7.7%) compared with FP (-32.44% ± 6.3%) ( p < 0.05). Moreover, no significant difference was found between MP in all frequency components of EMG before RSE ( p > 0.05). Maximal voluntary contraction, neuromuscular efficiency, and median frequency values of vastus lateralis and rectus femoris were significantly decreased in PMP compared with FP and LP ( p < 0.05). Creatine kinase (CK) levels were significantly higher in PMP compared with FP and LP after RSE ( p < 0.05). These findings suggest that RSE induces more peripheral fatigue associated with muscle damage in PMP. This might be attributable to hormonal variation across MP. Therefore, FP seems to be the right time for intense training to improve strength performance.

Different types of combined training programs to improve postural balance in single and dual tasks in children with intellectual disability.

The study explored the effects of two combined training (Strength-Proprioceptive versus Cognitive-Balance) programs on postural balance during single-task and dual-task conditions in children with intellectual disability. The postural balance and the second cognitive-task performances were evaluated before and after 8-week of training in two groups: Strength-Proprioceptive Group (n = 12) and Cognitive-Balance Group (n = 10). Results showed that, in both groups and regardless of the training effect, the postural balance performance was significantly (p < 0.05) altered in the dual-task condition compared to the single-task one. After-training session, postural balance performance was improved significantly (p < 0.001) for all task conditions. After training session, the second cognitive-task performance was improved in the Strength-Proprioceptive Group (p < 0.001) and Cognitive-Balance Groupe (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the combined training programs, Strength-Proprioceptive and Cognitive-Balance, improved postural balance performance in single-task and dual-task conditions in children with intellectual disability.

Chronic Beetroot Juice Supplementation Accelerates Recovery Kinetics following Simulated Match Play in Soccer Players.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of beetroot juice (BET) on recovery kinetics of physical performance, muscle damage and perceived muscle soreness after simulated soccer match play in soccer players. METHOD: In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, thirteen soccer players completed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test LIST. Players received either BET or placebo (PLA) (2*150) for 7 days (3 days pre-exercise, on the day trial, and 3 days post-exercise). Physical performance (Squat jump: SJ, countermovement jump: CMJ, maximal voluntary contraction: MVC, and 20 meters sprint: SP), blood markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase: CK, Lactate dehydrogenase: LDH), inflammatory parameter (C-reactive protein: CRP) and perceived muscle soreness (DOMS) were assessed at baseline, 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h following the exercise. RESULTS: Following the LIST, a decrease was observed in CMJ, MVC and SP at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h in both conditions (p < 0.05). However, compared to PLA session, this decrease was significantly attenuated with BET for CMJ at 24 h and at 48 h and for MVC at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and for SP at 48 h after the LIST (p < 0.05). Likewise, DOMS values were significantly lower with BET compared to PLA condition immediately and at 24 h after exercise.CK, LDH and CRP levels increased at 0 h and at 24 h post exercise in both conditions (p < 0.05), but without any significant difference between the two condition (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that chronic beetroot juice supplementation reduces post exercise perceived muscle soreness and maintain better performance during the recovery period in soccer players.

Does piriformis muscle syndrome impair postural balance? A case control study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: While patients with musculoskeletal disorders reported postural balance impairments, it is unknown whether patients with piriformis muscle syndrome (PMS) may exhibit postural balance disorders compared to controls. The aim was to compare postural balance in patients with PMS to controls in static and dynamic conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve patients with PMS and twelve controls were enrolled. Static postural balance was assessed by calculating the symmetry index (SI) in the unipedal posture. To measure vision contribution, the Romberg index (RI) was computed. Dynamic postural balance was evaluated with the Timed up and go test (TUGT). Besides, inter-limb strength asymmetry (SA), pain and the short form-36 (SF-36) were assessed. RESULTS: The PMS group (PMSG) exhibited significant (p < 0.001) higher SI in eyes opened (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions compared to the control group (CG). Besides, PMSG had significant higher RI (p < 0.05), TUGT scores (p < 0.001), SA values (p < 0.05), pain intensity (p < 0.001), and worse SF-36 scores on all physical health (p < 0.05) and psychological health (only in vitality and mental health [p < 0.05]), compared to CG. CONCLUSION: Our data revealed impaired static and dynamic postural balance, and reduced quality of life in PMSG compared to CG. Postural balance impairments could explain the poor quality of life, which are likely due to the higher SA and higher pain intensity. Clinicians and physiotherapists should consider postural balance disorders while designing rehabilitation programs in these patients.