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.

Telic-Paratelic Dominance and Heart Rate Variability in Athletes Engaged in Power and Endurance Training.

Purpose: The current study aimed to evaluate the telic-paratelic tendency and heart rate variability in athlete participants from different sports activities.Methods: We assigned 117 healthy participants (M age = 20, SD = 3 years) into three groups according to their training activity: power-trained (PT; n=43), endurance-trained (ET; n=36), and healthy untrained individuals (n=38). We assessed their telic-paratelic tendencies with the validated Telic Dominance Scale and their autonomic nervous system activity with heart rate variability (HRV) analyses.Results: Our findings revealed no significant differences in the telic-paratelic tendencies between ET and PT groups. However, significant differences were observed between athletes and untrained individuals (p = 0.001). Indeed, compared to untrained participants, ET and PT athletes had a greater telic tendency (both p = 0.001), were more focused on planning orientation (ET: p = 0.003; PT: p=0.001), and less often avoided arousal or activation (For ET 31% and for PT 26% of participants). The paratelic tendency was more important in untrained individuals, with most of these participants lacking in seriousmindedness and planning. In addition, we found higher HRV in paratelic ET athletes (SDNN p = 0.050, LF p = 0.022, and LF/HF p = 0.031) compared to their telic peers.Conclusion: our results suggest that sport activity did not influence the telic-paratelic tendency. Nevertheless, this tendency differentiates trained from untrained participants. HRV was higher among paratelic ET athletes, potentially reflecting less stress and more training adaptability in these athletes.

Pilates versus Zumba training effects on postural control under conflicting sensory conditions in postmenopausal women.

The current study aimed to compare the effects of Pilates versus Zumba training on postural performance in middle-aged postmenopausal women. Fifty-seven eligible women, aged between 50 and 60 years, were randomized into three groups: Zumba (ZG) group, Pilates (PG) group or control (CG) group. Postural control was assessed using a force platform under 4 sensory manipulation conditions: on firm and foam surfaces with eyes opened (EO) and closed (EC). Our results showed more marked adaptations in favor of ZG concerning postural performance compared to PG. For the PG, postural control was significantly improved only in simple postural conditions on the firm surface with EO (p < 0.1) and EC (p < 0.05) conditions. However, postural control of the ZG significantly improved in both the simple and complex postural conditions, even under conflicting sensory situations (firm surface/EO (p < 0.001; 95 % CI: [1.34, 4.46]), EC (p < 0.001; 95 % CI: [2.13, 5.24])); foam surface/EO (p < 0.01; 95 % CI: [0.70, 8.57]), EC (p < 0.01; 95 % CI: [0.65, 8.52])). In conclusion, Zumba training seems to be more effective and a better strategy to promote postural control in daily living activities and autonomy in postmenopausal women than Pilates training. These findings are useful for public health practitioners in designing physical interventions for balance disorders.

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.

Intervention Based on Psychomotor Rehabilitation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD: Effect on Postural Control and Sensory Integration.

Postural stability and control are essential motor skills for successfully performing various activities of daily living. However, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit significant sensorimotor impairments. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of psychomotricity training on postural control (PC) of children with ASD. We recruited thirty children (age = 8.01 ± 1.2; weight = 31.66 ± 8.1 kg; height = 129.7 ± 10.8 cm) diagnosed with ASD (intellectual quotient > 50) to participate in this study. They were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 16) and control group (n = 14). Children in the experimental group were trained with psychomotor activities two times a week for nine weeks. Statistic postural balance was assessed before and after intervention and on different vision conditions. The results showed that the psychomotor training significantly improved PC in standing position under different conditions when compared to the control group, in all parameters (CoPA; CoPLX; CoPLy) (p < 0.01). Our preliminary findings suggest the usefulness of the psychomotor training in children with ASD on static PC.

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.

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.

Time-of-Day Effect on Postural Balance and Its Associations with Menopausal Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women.

Postmenopausal women suffer from postural balance issues. During a 24-hour time span, postural performance undergoes radical changes as influenced by the circadian rhythm. In this study, we aimed to investigate time-of-day effects on postural balance in postmenopausal women and balance relationships with menopausal symptoms. Two groups of women, aged 40-50 years, participated in this study: a menopausal group and a control group. We evaluated their postural balance and menopausal symptoms (mood, sleepiness and fatigue) in five sessions over the course of a day: at 06:00 hours, at 10:00, at 14:00, at 18:00 and at 22:00. The results showed that postural balance (center of pressure area (CoParea)) values of postmenopausal women were significantly worse (p < .05) at 22:00. Moreover, at this time-of-day, participants in the menopausal group were more tired, less vigilant and experienced a lower mood. We found negative correlations between postural balance and both mood and fatigue levels. However, there was no time-of-day effect on postural balance, mood, fatigue, and sleepiness among participants in the control group. Thus, time-of-day should be considered a factor to control when assessing postural balance and designing intervention studies for postmenopausal women; and it is important for these women to be cautious of fall risks at night, as they are then less stable than at other times-of-day.

Comparison of Dynamic Balance Performances of Adult Runners With Intellectual Disability Versus Their Sedentary Peers.

Our aim in this study was to compare the dynamic balance between runners (100 sprint) and non-runners with intellectual disability (ID). Our participants were 36 healthy male adults with ID aged 17-29 years, divided into runners (n = 18) and sedentary non-runners (n = 18). We assessed dynamic balance in these participants, using the Y-Balance Test (YBT), the Expanded-Timed Up and Go Test (ETUGT) and the Functional Reach Test (FRT). Runners with ID had significantly better balance scores than their sedentary counterparts on YBT (p < .001), the two walking phases of the ETUGT (p < .05) and the FRT (p <.05). Thus, running training (100 m sprint) was associated with better dynamic balance in this sample.

Postural Balance in Young Tennis Players of Varied Competition Levels.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of young tennis players' expertise on their postural balance (PB) under sensorial conditions with eyes open (EO) and with eyes closed (EC). Our participants were 75 healthy adolescents aged 15-18 years, divided into three groups based on their skill levels: (a) national tennis players (NAT; n = 25), regional tennis players (REG; n =25), and a control group of non-sport practitioners (CG; n = 25). We recorded center of pressure area and mean velocity on a force platform while participants stood in bipedal and unipedal stances in EO and EC conditions for all three groups. Statistical analyses showed that NAT participants swayed less than CG participants in all conditions and less than REG participants in the bipedal stance with EC and in the unipedal stance, both with EO and EC. Thus, tennis practice/experience may have improved PB in this sample, as high-level tennis players had better PB compared to novices, especially in challenging conditions.

Cognitive-Motor Interference during Dual Tasks in Blind Children.

The aim of the present study was to compare the dual-task (DT) performance in blind children with sighted ones while concurrently performing a motor task (upright standing) with cognitive (Letter fluency (LF) or Category fluency (CF)) tasks. The Center of pressure mean velocity (CoPVm) and the cognitive performances were recorded during single (ST) and DT conditions. Results showed that, for both groups, CoPVm values increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the DT compared to ST condition. The CoPVm values were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in blind children, compared to controls only in the DT-CF condition. In conclusion, balance performance of blind and typically developed children is affected by dual tasking. Interference between motor and cognitive tasks has more pronounced effects on balance performance in blind children, compared to controls. This difference was observed only when performing the CF task concurrently with the postural balance task.

Caffeine consumption improves motor and cognitive performances during dual tasking in middle-aged women.

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of caffeine consumption (CC) on cognitive motor interference while walking and maintaining balance in middle-aged women. Twenty middle-aged women (52 ± 2.0 years; height 158 ± 2.0 cm; body mass 77 ± 14.9 kg; body mass index ±3.4 kg/m2, mean ± SD) participated in this study. Participants completed measures of a single task (ST) cognitive, a ST motor and a dual task (DT) cognitive-motor tests before and after either caffeine (100 mg) or placebo ingestion. Results showed that before CC, both motor (P < 0.0005) and cognitive (P < 0.05) performances decreased in the DT condition compared to the ST one. After CC, no significant difference in the motor performances between ST and DT conditions was observed. In fact, both standing and walking DT performances were improved as indicated by a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the dual task cost (DTC) of motor performances. In conclusion, middle-aged women showed difficulties to manage DT situations in which a cognitive and a motor task must be performed concurrently. Caffeine is an effective ergogenic aid to improve both cognitive and motor performances during DT conditions and could be an alternative to nullify the deteriorating effect of DT when maintaining balance and walking in middle-aged women. These enhancements could offer great potential for everyday functioning.

Static postural balance between male athletes with intellectual disabilities and their sedentary peers: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports showed that athletes without disabilities have better postural skills than their sedentary peers. This finding has not been elucidated in athletes with intellectual disabilities despite their decreased postural balance. This study aims to investigate static postural balance in track and field athletes with intellectual disabilities compared to their sedentary peers. METHODS: Eighteen track and field athletes with intellectual disabilities (23.5 ± 4.52 years) and 18 sedentary peers (20.3 ± 3.4 years) participated in this study. A stabilometric platform was used to assess static postural balance in bipedal and unipedal stances with open (OE) and closed (CE) eyes. RESULTS: In OE, the result showed significantly better static postural balance (CoPVm : p < .001; CoParea : p < .001) in athletes compared to the sedentary ones in both stances. In CE, this difference was not observed in the unipedal stance. CONCLUSION: Track and field experience may improve static postural balance in athletes with intellectual disabilities, mainly when visual input is available.

Acute effects of low versus high caffeine dose consumption on postural balance in middle-aged women.

While caffeine effects on postural balance are controversial and while postural sways are an issue for middle-aged adults, no data is available concerning the caffeine effects on these sways. As women have a greater sensitivity to caffeine consumption than men, we hypothesized that caffeine may positively affect these sways. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of different caffeine doses on postural balance in middle-aged women. Twenty-five healthy middle-aged women were recruited to evaluate their postural performance, after treatment capsule intake. As a result, significant improvements were observed only in eyes closed on foam surface, after low caffeine consumption.

Dynamic Balance in Athletes With Intellectual Disability: Effect of Dynamic Stretching and Plyometric Warm-Ups.

CONTEXT: Athletes with intellectual disability (ID) have a high risk of injury while participating in various sports. Warm-up (WU) is the most preventive measure to reduce injuries in sports. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of dynamic stretching WU (DS-WU) and plyometric WU (PL-WU) on dynamic balance in athletes with ID. DESIGN: Crossover study. SETTING: Research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 12 athletes with ID (age 24.5 [3.22] y, height 165.7 [8.4] cm, weight 61.5 [7.1] kg, intelligence quotient 61.1 [3.5]). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dynamic balance was assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) at pre-WU, post-WU, and 15 minutes post-WU for both the DS-WU and the PL-WU. A 2-way analysis of variance (3 sessions × 2 WU methods) with repeated-measures was used in this study. RESULTS: Following the DS-WU, participants demonstrated significant improvements in the SEBT composite score post-WU (89.12% [5.54%] vs 87.04% [5.35%]; P < .01) and at 15 minutes post-WU (89.55% [5.28%] vs 87.04%, P < .01) compared with pre-WU. However, no significant difference between these two post-WU scores (post-WU and 15 min post-WU) was found. For the PL-WU, participants demonstrated a significant decrease in the SEBT composite score at post-WU (85.95% [5.49%] vs 87.02% [5.73%]; P < .05); however, these scores increased significantly at 15 minutes post-WU (88.60% [5.42%] vs 87.02% [5.49%]; P < .05) compared with that at pre-WU. The SEBT composite scores are significantly higher in the DS-WU than in the PL-WU at both post-WU sessions (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Both DS-WU and PL-WU could improve dynamic balance and may be recommended as WUs in athletes with ID; however, particular caution should be exercised immediately after the PL-WU.