Effects of visual and auditory cognitive tasks on postural balance in adolescents with intellectual Disability: A comparative analysis of trained versus Non-trained individuals.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of visual and auditory cognitive tasks on postural balance in adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID). Participants included two groups: a trained group (n = 11) with experience in athletic activities and a sedentary group (n = 14). The experiment used a comparative cross-sectional design, with data collection involving single-task (ST) and Visual dual-task (VDT), and auditory dual-task (ADT) conditions in both firm and foam surface conditions. Cognitive tests included the Working Memory Test (WMT) and the Selective Attention Test (SAT). Results revealed that the trained group demonstrated significantly superior balance performance (p < 0.05). During the SAT, VDT conditions had lower center of pressure (CoP) values than ADT conditions in the sedentary group (p < 0.01), this result was observed in the training group only in the WMT, suggesting greater postural instability during ADT. These findings highlight the complex interplay between cognitive function and motor control in adolescents with ID, highlighting the potential benefits of regular physical activity interventions to improve postural balance abilities in this population.

The effect of dual-task training on postural and cognitive performances in adolescents with down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The dual task training (DTT) has been shown to improve postural and cognitive performances in many populations. Therefore, it seems of interest to explore the effect of such training modality in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) presenting both cognitive and postural deficits. AIMS: This study explored the effect of a DTT compared to a single task training (STT) on postural and cognitive performances in adolescents with DS. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The center of pressure velocity (CoPVm) and the cognitive performance in the selective word recall test were recorded under single task (ST) and DT conditions before and after 8 weeks in the STT group (STTG), the DTTG and the control group (CG). OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Before training, CoPVm values increased and cognitive performances decreased (p < 0.001) during the DT compared to ST conditions in all groups. After training, CoPVm decreased (p < 0.001) in the DTTG and the STTG under the ST conditions. However, under DT conditions, these values decreased (p < 0.001) only in the DTTG. The cognitive performance increased (p < 0.001) only in the DTTG in both ST and DT conditions. CONCLUSION: The DTT is strongly recommended to improve both postural and cognitive performances in individuals with DS notably in DT conditions.

Effectiveness of 12-Week Core Stability Training on Postural Balance in Soccer Players With Groin Pain: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Core stability training (CST) is effective in improving postural balance, core endurance, and self-reported outcomes in different populations. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CST in soccer players with groin pain (GP). HYPOTHESIS: CST would improve postural balance performance, core endurance, and self-reported outcomes in soccer players with GP. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: Soccer players with GP who met the selection criteria were assigned randomly to a CST (CSTG, n = 10) or a control (CG, n = 10) group. The CG undertook no additional physical activity program besides their usual training. The CSTG performed a 12-week CST comprising 76 ~75 min sessions. Static (force platform) and dynamic (Y-Balance test) postural balance, core endurance (McGill trunk endurance tests), and self-reported outcomes (Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score [HAGOS]) were assessed before and immediately after the 12-week CST. RESULTS: Significant improvements were seen in dynamic postural balance (P = 0.04 to <0.01), HAGOS scores (P = 0.02 to <0.01), and core endurance measures (P < 0.01) in the CSTG in posttest compared with pretest session and compared with CG. Static bipedal postural balance measures showed significant improvements (eyes open, P = 0.02; eyes closed, P < 0.01) in the CSTG in posttest compared with pretest session. However, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed between CSTG and CG after the training period. CONCLUSION: A 12-week CST improved static (foam surface) and dynamic postural balance, core endurance measures, and HAGOS scores. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The beneficial effect of CST on improving postural balance, core endurance, and self-reported outcomes in soccer players with GP suggests that this training would be an important feature of rehabilitation programs for these players. Coaches and clinicians should prioritize CST training when designing rehabilitation programs.

Effects of Specific Dual Task Training on Change of Direction Ability, Cognitive Flexibility, and Inhibition in Young Soccer Players.

In the current study we aimed to investigate the effect of specific dual task training (SDTT) compared to conventional soccer training (CST) on motor and cognitive performances in U13 elite soccer players. Twenty-four young soccer players (all males) participated in this study. We measured their change of direction ability (CODA) and cognitive performances (cognitive flexibility and inhibition) before and after four weeks in either the SDTT group or the CST group. We administered the Trail-Making Test (TMT) to evaluate cognitive flexibility and the Stroop test to evaluate cognitive inhibition. We assessed CODA using the t test (TT). After training, CODA (p < .001), cognitive flexibility (p < .001), and inhibition (p < .001) were improved only in the SDTT group. These results suggest that SDTT seems more suitable than CST to optimally improve both CODA and cognitive performances in U13 elite soccer players.

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 influence of cognitive load and vision variability on postural balance in adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the impact of cognitive load, particularly its escalation during the execution of the same test, under varying vision conditions, on postural balance among adolescents with intellectual disability (ID). Methods: Twenty adolescents underwent balance assessments under different visual conditions (Open Eyes (OE), Closed Eyes (CE), Flash, Goggles, Visual Stimulation (VS)) and task settings (Single Task (ST), Dual Task (DT) without challenges, and DT with challenges). The cognitive test was assessed using Verbal Fluency (VF). Results and discussion: Significant effects were found for Task (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.85), indicating that CoP values significantly increased (p < 0.05) with the introduction of the DT. Dual Task Cost (DTC) demonstrated significant effects for Vision (p = 0.008, ηp2 = 0.62), with values varying significantly (p < 0.05) among different vision conditions, especially in CE and Flash conditions. Visual Dependency Quotient (VDQ) analyses revealed significant effects of condition (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.84), with significant changes observed in CE/OE and Flash/OE conditions (p < 0.05). Significant effects were observed for Cognitive performance in the Challenge condition (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.86), with decreased performance with cognitive task challenges, particularly in Flash and Goggles conditions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, cognitive tasks, especially challenging ones, and visual variations significantly impact postural balance in adolescents with ID.

Effect of Verbal Encouragement on Postural Balance in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.

This study investigated the effect of verbal encouragement (VE) on static and dynamic balance in individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs). A total of 13 mild IDs and 12 moderate IDs participants underwent static balance tests (bipedal stance on firm surface, under open eyes (OEs) and closed eyes (CEs), and foam surface, unipedal stance on firm surface) and dynamic balance assessments (Y Balance Test (YBT) and Expanded Timed Up-and-Go Test (ETUGT)) under VE and no VE (NO/VE) conditions. VE significantly reduced center of pressure mean velocity (CoPVm) values for mild IDs in firm bipedal CEs conditions. The mild IDs group exhibited improved YBT scores and enhanced ETUGT performances for both groups under VE. Incorporating VE as a motivational strategy in balance training interventions can positively impact static and dynamic balance in individuals with mild IDs, especially in challenging conditions like unipedal stances on firm surfaces.

The Impact of Aerobic Dance Intervention on Postural Balance in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of an 8-week aerobic dance intervention on postural balance in children. Forty-one children, aged 9 to 11, were randomly assigned to either an aerobic dance group (ADG) or a control group (CG) from a primary school. Postural balance was assessed using center of pressure (CoP) excursions before and after the 8-week intervention period. Evaluations were conducted on both firm and foam surfaces in bipedal and unipedal stances under open-eyes (OE) and closed-eyes (CE) conditions, as well as on both medial-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) surfaces in a bipedal stance under OE conditions. The ADG exhibited significantly decreased CoPVm values during firm bipedal CE, unipedal OE, foam bipedal OE and CE, and foam unipedal OE (p < 0.005). This study suggests that aerobic dance intervention improved postural balance in children, showcasing adaptability and improved stability under various conditions.

Time Limited Benefits of Physical and Proprioceptive Training on Physical Fitness Components in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

In this study, we explored the immediate and three-month follow-up effects of physical training on physical fitness in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We randomly assigned 20 children with ASD (age 8-11 years) into an experimental group (EG; n = 10) and a control group (CG; n = 10). The EG participated in an 8-week training program involving both strength and proprioceptive exercises (three 60-minute sessions/week), while the CG simply maintained their daily activities. We assessed physical fitness components for each participant at baseline, post-training, and at a 3-month follow-up. The physical training intervention significantly improved physical fitness of these children with ASD in terms of their flexibility (p < .001; 32.46%), lower limbs strength (p = .003; 36.98%), lower body power (p < .001; 41.78%) and functional mobility (p < .001; 25.56%). However, these addition training-induced gains were lost at follow-up for lower limbs strength (p < .001), flexibility (p < .001), and functional mobility (p = .034)). Physical training was effective for improving physical fitness in children with ASD, but the loss of these gains at three months follow-up underscored the need for continuous physical exercise.

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.

Core stability is associated with dynamic postural balance in soccer players experiencing groin pain without time-loss.

Objectives: The study sought to evaluate possible relationships between dynamic postural balance and pain, core stability, and hip range of motion in soccer players who were experiencing groin pain (GP). Furthermore, the study aimed to compare these measurements in symptomatic and asymptomatic players. Methods: The study included 42 male soccer players experiencing GP and an equal number of asymptomatic players. Dynamic postural balance, pain, hip range of motion and trunk endurance were measured. Results: The GP group revealed reduced dynamic balance performance (p < 0.01-0.001) in injured and non-injured limbs compared to control group. Further, players experiencing GP demonstrated lower hip range of motion in internal (p < 0.05) and total rotations (p < 0.01) in the injured limb, and lower trunk endurance (p < 0.001) compared to their asymptomatic peers. In general, core stability was associated (r = 0.13-0.61, p < 0.05-0.001) with the poor dynamic balance performance in the GP group while standing on injured and non-injured limbs. No significant correlations between dynamic postural balance, pain and hip range of motion were observed. Conclusion: Poor core endurance was found to be associated with dynamic balance disorders in soccer players experiencing GP. This information can aid in the development of targeted strategies to enhance dynamic postural balance in these players.

Relationship Between Postural Stability and Proprioception, Pain, Quadriceps Strength, and Muscle Tightness in Athletes With Patellar Tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Athletes with patellar tendinopathy (PT) have postural stability deficits; however, the underlying mechanisms and factors responsible remain unknown. The effect on postural stability in PT of decreased quadriceps strength, altered proprioception, lower-limb muscle tightness, and knee pain, which explain postural stability deficiency in other populations, is uninvestigated. HYPOTHESIS: Proprioceptive acuity, muscle tightness, quadriceps strength, and pain predict postural stability in athletes with PT. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: A total of 43 athletes with PT and 43 healthy athletes were enrolled. Static and dynamic postural stability, proprioceptive acuity, muscle tightness, quadriceps strength, and pain were evaluated using a force platform, Y-balance test (YBT), a weight discrimination protocol, a goniometer, an isometric dynamometer, and a valid questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: Athletes with PT had significantly worse static and dynamic postural stability in the affected limb (AL) compared with the nonaffected limb (NAL) (P < 0.01) and the control group (P < 0.01). Athletes suffering from PT revealed lower quadriceps strength (P < 0.01), proprioceptive acuity (P = 0.02), and higher muscle tightness in the AL compared with the NAL and controls. Quadriceps weakness of the AL and pain in athletes with PT explained the variance of dynamic postural stability impairment. CONCLUSION: Athletes with PT have postural stability deficiency compared with healthy peers. Our results demonstrate that quadriceps muscle weakness and pain are the factors that explain postural stability impairment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results can assist clinicians in the design of therapeutic balance rehabilitation programs by acting not only on pain relief but also on quadriceps strengthening through resistance training to avoid subsequent injuries in athletes with PT.

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.

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.

The Relationship between Dynamic Balance, Jumping Ability, and Agility with 100 m Sprinting Performance in Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities.

Sprinting is a competitive event in athletics that requires a combination of speed, power, agility, and balance. This study investigated the relationship between dynamic balance, jumping ability, and agility with 100 m sprinting performance in athletes with intellectual disabilities, addressing an underexplored connection. A sample of 27 sprinters with intellectual disabilities participated in this study and completed 100 m sprint and various tests, including the Y Balance Test (YBT), the Crossover hop test, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and t-test to evaluate their dynamic balance, jumping ability, and agility, respectively. The findings revealed significant negative correlations between the YBT, Crossover hop test, SJ, and CMJ and 100 m sprint performance (r range: -0.41 to -0.79, p < 0.05). Regression analysis identified these variables as significant predictors (R2 = 0.69; p < 0.01). SJ exhibited the strongest association with 100 m sprint performance, (R2 = 0.62, p < 0.01). The agility t-test did not show a significant association. The combination of the YBT ANT and SJ demonstrated a predictive capability for 100 m sprint performance (R2 = 0.67, p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study revealed predictive capabilities between dynamic balance, jumping ability, and 100 m sprint performance in sprinters with intellectual disabilities.

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.

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.

Effects of Smartphone Activities on Postural Balance in Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities.

Considering the rising prevalence of smartphone usage among adolescents with intellectual disabilities and their frequent motor challenges, understanding its impact on their physical well-being is important. This study aims to investigate the impact of smartphone activities on postural balance in adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Two groups of adolescents participated in the study: an intellectual disability group (IDG) (n = 16) and atypical development group (TDG) (n = 12). Static postural balance, using a stabilometric platform on firm and foam surfaces, and dynamic balance, using the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT), were performed under various conditions, such as playing a game, watching videos, video calls, and listening to music. The center of pressure (CoP) values significantly increased (p < 0.05) during all smartphone activities (except listening to music) compared to the control condition in both groups, with the IDG demonstrated a more pronounced increase (p < 0.05) during playing video games and video calls on the firm surface. TUGT scores significantly increased (p < 0.05) during smartphone activities, with greater changes observed in the IDG (p < 0.05), and significantly decreased (p < 0.01) during listening to music in both groups. Our study suggests that adolescents with intellectual disabilities need special tools and guidance to ensure their safety and well-being when using smartphones.

The Influence of Listening to Preferred versus Non-Preferred Music on Static and Dynamic Balance in Middle-Aged Women.

Although many women perform postural tasks while listening to music, no study has investigated whether preferred music has different effects than non-preferred music. Thus, this study aimed to explore the effects of listening to preferred versus non-preferred music on postural balance among middle-aged women. Twenty-four women aged between 50 and 55 years were recruited for this study. To assess their static balance, a stabilometric platform was used, recording the mean center of pressure velocity (CoPVm), whereas the timed up and go test (TUGT) was used to assess their dynamic balance. The results showed that listening to their preferred music significantly decreased their CoPVm values (in the firm-surface/eyes-open (EO) condition: (p < 0.05; 95% CI [-0.01, 2.17])). In contrast, when the women were listening to non-preferred music, their CoPVm values significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared to the no-music condition in all the postural conditions except for the firm-surface/EO condition. In conclusion, listening to music has unique effects on postural performance, and these effects depend on the genre of music. Listening to preferred music improved both static and dynamic balance in middle-aged women, whereas listening to non-preferred music negatively affected these performances, even in challenged postural conditions.