Trend change analysis of postural balance in Parkinson's disease discriminates between medication state.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining static balance is relevant and common in everyday life and it depends on a correct intersegmental coordination. A change or reduction in postural capacity has been linked to increased risk of falls. People with Parkinson's disease (pwPD) experience motor symptoms affecting the maintenance of a stable posture. The aim of the study is to understand the intersegmental changes in postural sway and to apply a trend change analysis to uncover different movement strategies between pwPD and healthy adults. METHODS: In total, 61 healthy participants, 40 young (YO), 21 old participants (OP), and 29 pwPD (13 during medication off, PDoff; 23 during medication on, PDon) were included. Participants stood quietly for 10 s as part of the Short Physical Performance Battery. Inertial measurement units (IMU) at the head, sternum, and lumbar region were used to extract postural parameters and a trend change analysis (TCA) was performed to compare between groups. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the potential application of TCA for the assessment of postural stability using IMUs, and secondly, to employ this analysis within the context of neurological diseases, specifically Parkinson's disease. RESULTS: Comparison of sensors locations revealed significant differences between head, sternum and pelvis for almost all parameters and cohorts. When comparing PDon and PDoff, the TCA revealed differences that were not seen by any other parameter. CONCLUSIONS: While all parameters could differentiate between sensor locations, no group differences could be uncovered except for the TCA that allowed to distinguish between the PD on/off. The potential of the TCA to assess disease progression, response to treatment or even the prodromal PD phase should be explored in future studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The research procedure was approved by the ethical committee of the Medical Faculty of Kiel University (D438/18). The study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00022998).

Shoulder-assist exoskeleton effects on balance and muscle activity during a block-laying task on a simulated mast climber.

Interest in utilizing exoskeletons to mitigate the risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among construction workers is growing, spurred by encouraging results in other industries. However, it is crucial to carefully examine their impact on workers' stability and balance before implementation. In this study, seven male participants lifted a 35-lb cinder block from a production table to a simulated wall at two heights-elbow and shoulder levels-using three different exoskeleton models on an unstable platform, where their balance and shoulder muscle activity were assessed. Balance-related parameters, included mean distance (MDIST), total excursion (EXCUR), and mean velocity (VEL) of the center of pressure, were derived from force plate data. Muscle activity in six shoulder and upper arm muscles was estimated using electromyography (EMG) data. The results indicated that wearing two of the exoskeletons significantly increased both total and medio-lateral (ML) MDIST compared to not wearing an exoskeleton. Wearing one of the exoskeletons significantly increased total and ML VEL and ML EXCUR. Although lifting level did not have a significant impact on the balance parameters, it did affect the muscle activity in most of the measured muscles. Moreover, only one exoskeleton significantly reduced the activity in a particular shoulder muscle compared to no exoskeleton use. In conclusion, the evaluated shoulder-assist exoskeletons showed limited benefits for preventing upper extremity MSDs and may negatively affect whole-body balance during a block-laying task on an unstable platform. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive evaluations of balance and effectiveness prior to adopting exoskeletons in construction.

Balance assessment in selected stages of Parkinson's disease using trend change analysis.

BACKGROUND: Balance disorders in patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) are associated with a change in balance-keeping strategy and reflex disorders which regulate the maintenance of vertical body posture. Center of foot pressure (COP) displacement signals were analyzed during quiet standing experiments to define such changes. The research aimed to apply stock exchange indices based on the trend change analyses to the assessment of a level of the Parkinson disease progression on the grounds of the analysis of the COP signals. METHODS: 30 patients in two stages of PD, 40 elderly participants, and 20 individuals at a young age were studied. Each person was subjected to 3 measurements with open and closed eyes. A technical analysis of the COP displacement signal was performed, and the following quantities were determined: indices related to the number of trend changes (TCI), indices defining a mean time (TCI_dT), and mean displacement (TCI_dS) and mean velocity (TCI_dV) between such changes. RESULTS: The results indicate a higher TCI value for PD than for aged-matched control group (p < 0.05). In the case of PD patients, there was also an increase in the TCI_dS value by 2-5 mm, which mainly contributed to the increase in TCI_dV. Statistically significant differences for the TCI_dT values occurred between all groups in which differences in the average COP velocity were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The TCI and TCI_dV results obtained for the healthy participants enabled the development of indices supporting PD diagnostics. The causes of the TCI_dV changes in patients were determined, i.e., whether they resulted from an increase in the TCI_dT or TCI_dS between the moments of trend changes indicated by the developed algorithm. The developed methodology provides new information on the impact of PD on the strategy of maintaining balance, which was impossible to obtain using currently used analyses. Trial registration The conducted research is an observational study and does not include a health care intervention. Participants gave their consent to participate in the research and the procedure was approved by the Institutional Bioethics Committee.

Robotic Light Touch Assists Human Balance Control During Maximum Forward Reaching.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated how light interpersonal touch (IPT) provided by a robotic system supports human individuals performing a challenging balance task compared to IPT provided by a human partner. BACKGROUND: IPT augments the control of body balance in contact receivers without a provision of mechanical body weight support. The nature of the processes governing the social haptic interaction, whether they are predominantly reactive or predictive, is uncertain. METHOD: Ten healthy adult individuals performed maximum forward reaching (MFR) without visual feedback while standing upright. We evaluated their control of reaching behavior and of body balance during IPT provided by either another human individual or by a robotic system in two alternative control modes (reactive vs. predictive). RESULTS: Reaching amplitude was not altered by any condition but all IPT conditions showed reduced body sway in the MFR end-state. Changes in reaching behavior under robotic IPT conditions, such as lower speed and straighter direction, were linked to reduced body sway. An Index of Performance expressed a potential trade-off between speed and accuracy with lower bitrate in the IPT conditions. CONCLUSION: The robotic IPT system was as supportive as human IPT. Robotic IPT seemed to afford more specific adjustments in the human contact receiver, such as trading reduced speed for increased accuracy, to meet the intrinsic demands and constraints of the robotic system or the demands of the social context when in contact with a human contact provider.

Compensatory control between the legs in automatic postural responses to stance perturbations under single-leg fatigue.

In response to sudden perturbations of stance stability, muscles of both legs are activated for balance recovery. In conditions that one of the legs has a reduced capacity to respond, the opposite leg is predicted to compensate by responding more powerfully to restore stable upright stance. In this investigation, we aimed to evaluate between-leg compensatory control in automatic postural responses to sudden perturbations in a situation in which plantar flexor muscles of a single leg were fatigued. Young participants were evaluated in response to a series of perturbations inducing forward body sway, with a focus on activation of plantar flexor muscles: lateral and medial gastrocnemii and soleus. Muscular responses were analyzed through activation magnitude and latency of muscular activation onset. For evaluation of balance and postural stability, we also analyzed the center of pressure and upper trunk displacement and weight-bearing asymmetry between the legs. Responses were assessed in three conditions: pre-fatigue, under single-leg fatigue, and following the recovery of muscular function. Results showed (a) compensation of the non-fatigued leg through the increased magnitude of muscular activation in the first perturbation under fatigue; (b) adaptation in the non-fatigued leg over repetitive perturbations, with a progressive decrement of muscular activation over trials; and (c) maintenance of increased muscular activation of the non-fatigued leg following fatigue dissipation. These findings suggest that the central nervous system is able to modulate the descending motor drive individually for each leg's muscles apparently based on their potential contribution for the achievement of the behavioral aim of recovering stable body balance following stance perturbations.

Computerised dynamic posturography for postural control assessment in subjects wearing multifocal contact lenses dedicated for myopia control.

PURPOSE: To measure body balance using computerised dynamic posturography in young adults wearing multifocal contact lenses (MFCL) with high addition powers designed for myopia control. METHODS: Twenty-four young adults (mean age: 24 years) wearing distance-centred soft MFCL (SwissLens Orbis Relax) with two different central zones (3 and 4.5 mm), two addition powers (+2 D, +4 D) and single vision control lenses. Body balance was measured on a moving platform under three viewing conditions: (1) eyes open when fixating on letters at 3 m or (2) at 40 cm, as well as (3) with the eyes closed. Parameters of body stabilisation were analysed: the rate of body stabilisation (τrelax ), the stabilisation time (Tmax ) and the number of oscillations (Nosc ). RESULTS: The MFCLs did not produce a significant difference in the mean values of the analysed parameters (p > 0.05 for τrelax, Tmax, Nosc ). However, a positive correlation was found between pupil size and Nosc and Tmax (p < 0.01), suggesting an effect of the +4 D add with the 3 mm central zone on the posturographic parameters. As was expected, dynamic body stabilisation was better with eyes open versus eyes closed (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Distance-centred MFCLs with a medium addition (+2 D) do not disturb body stabilisation in young adults. However, high additions (+4 D) with a small central zone may affect body balance control in subjects with large pupil size.

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Rehabilitation after Total Knee Replacement Surgery Using Sample Entropy and Classical Measures of Body Balance.

Exercises in virtual reality (VR) have recently become a popular form of rehabilitation and are reported to be more effective than a standard rehabilitation protocol alone. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of adjunct VR training in improving postural control in patients after total knee replacement surgery (TKR). Forty-two patients within 7-14 days of TKR were enrolled and divided into a VR group and a control group (C). The C group underwent standard postoperative rehabilitation. The VR group additionally attended twelve 30-min exercise sessions using the Virtual Balance Clinic prototype system. Balance was assessed on the AMTI plate in bipedal standing with and without visual feedback before and after the four-week rehabilitation. Linear measures and sample entropy of CoP data were analyzed. After four weeks of rehabilitation, a significant reduction in parameters in the sagittal plane and ellipse area was noted while the eyes remained open. Regression analysis showed that sample entropy depended on sex, body weight, visual feedback and age. Based on the sample entropy results, it was concluded that the complexity of the body reaction had not improved. The standing-with-eyes-closed test activates automatic balance mechanisms and offers better possibilities as a diagnostic tool.

Differences of locomotive syndrome and frailty in community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly people: Pain, osteoarthritis, spinal alignment, body balance, and quality of life.

Purpose: To identify differences between locomotive syndrome (LS) and frailty.Methods: A total of 1016 subjects (males 427, females 589, mean age 64 years) were prospectively examined in the Yakumo study. LS was defined as ≥16 on the GLFS-25 questionnaire. Frailty was diagnosed as ≥3 of unintentional weight loss, grip strength weakness, low walking speed, exhaustion, and low physical activity.Results: LS (14.4%) and frailty (10.8%) were more significant in older, female subjects with weaker muscle strength, lower gait speed, severer pain, poorer spinal alignment, and poor quality of life (QOL). LS strongly reflected musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain, knee and lumbar degeneration with poor spinal alignment, and poorer body balance, whereas frailty reflected muscle weakness. In multivariate analysis adjusted for age and gender, the significant independent risk factors were LS (odds ratio (OR) 10.6), frailty (OR 3.6), pain (OR 1.02) for poor physical QOL, and LS (OR 4.4) and lower gait speed (OR 1.6) for poor mental QOL.Conclusion: LS is more strongly related to musculoskeletal factors and may be more important than frailty for poor physical and mental QOL. LS should be checked early especially in independent elderly people to maintain activities of daily living and QOL.

Body balance analysis of children and youth with intellectual disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are an identified group with postural disturbances resulting from a lack of integration among the visual, vestibular and proprioceptive systems. The insufficient level of maturity of the sensory systems is at least partly responsible for disturbances in maintaining body balance. More sway can increase the risk of falls and body injuries. The aims of the study were (1) to compare the ability to maintain the body balance of children and youth with a varying degree of ID, both with the eyes open and closed, and (2) to determine to what extent factors such as sex, level of ID, visual stimulus and body height independently affect the ability to maintain body balance in children and adolescents with ID. METHOD: The study involved 131 people aged 13-21 years (65 girls and 66 boys). The participants were classified as (1) with mild disability (42 girls and 47 boys) and (2) with moderate disability (23 girls and 19 boys), based on IQ test results. Sway measures were collected with the Zebris platform, with the eyes open and closed. Sway path, sway path in anterio-posterior and medio-lateral directions and sway area were analysed. RESULTS: Boys with moderate ID were characterised by a significantly more sway indicating their worse postural balance ability than boys with mild ID, both in the trials with open eyes and closed ones. The type of test (eyes open/eyes closed) to a small extent had influenced the body balance of the examined children with ID. Results of analyses of covariance had showed that all analysed factors (sex, level of ID, type of the test performance and body height), irrespectively from direction of sway (sway path in anterio-posterior and medio-lateral directions), worked independently influencing body balance. CONCLUSIONS: It could be assumed that lower height, moderate disability and male sex are factors significantly reducing ability of maintenance of balance of children and youth with ID.

Dental occlusion and body balance: A question of environmental constraints?

BACKGROUND: In the past few years, growing interest was given to the relationship between the dental occlusion and the body balance. While most research focused on this relationship at static conditions, it is evident that the contribution of the sensory information for balance control is different depending on the environmental constraints. RESEARCH QUESTION: The aim of the present paper was to elucidate whether the stomatognathic system (SS) contributes differently on body balance regulation according to the presence of external disturbances. METHODS: Literature regarding the different sources involved in the proprioceptive information to the SS was reviewed. The influence of dental occlusion on balance control at different external environments was then explored. RESULTS: The main findings are: (a) a plausible evidence between the masticatory and cervical muscles can be described; (b) a reciprocal connection between the trigeminal and vestibular nuclei supports the influence of the SS on body balance; (c) traditionally, research involving the relationship between the SS and balance control has focused on strictly controlled situations, thus, ignoring the sensory reweighting which occurs depending on the external disturbances; and (d) the afferences of dental occlusion for balance control seem strengthened when more difficult conditions are present. CONCLUSION: Results of the present review suggest that afferent signals from dental occlusion effectively contribute to balance control when more external perturbations are present, that is unstable support surface, fatigue and tasks being performed. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which dental occlusion may influence balance control focusing on different external environments.

Estimation of Posturographic Trajectory Using k-Nearest Neighbors Classifier in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are common rheumatic diseases and account for a significant percentage of disability. Posturography is a method that assesses postural stability and quantitatively evaluates postural sways. The objective of this study was to estimate posturographic trajectories applying pattern recognition algorithms. To this end, k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) classifier was used to differentiate between healthy subjects and patients with OA and RA. The following parameters of trajectories were computed: radius of sways, developed area, total length, and two directional components of sways: length of left-right and forward-backward motions. Posturographic tests were applied with eyes open and closed, and with biofeedback control. We found that in RA, the radius of sways, the trajectory area, and the biofeedback coordination were related to the patients' condition. The trajectory dynamics in OA patients were smaller compared to those in RA patients. The smallest misclassification errors were observed after feature selection in the biofeedback test compared with the eyes open and closed tests. We conclude that the estimation of posturographic trajectory with k-NN classifier could be helpful in monitoring the condition of RA patients.

Effects of Posturographic Platform Biofeedback Training on the Static and Dynamic Balance of Older Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the experiment was to analyze the influence of posturographic platform biofeedback training on the static and dynamic balance of patients who experienced ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 20 patients treated at the Rehabilitation Center of the District Hospital in Bialogard, in the Ward of Neurological Rehabilitation with the Stroke Division. The age of the patients (10 in the experimental group and 10 in the control group) ranged between 60 and 72 years. The level of balance was determined with one-leg standing test and timed up & go test. The experimental group was subjected to the biofeedback training, practicing maintenance of body balance ("forced sway training") on posturographic platform for 15 consecutive days. RESULTS: The static balance on right leg and dynamic balance in group E improved to a markedly greater extent (P < .05) compared with conventionally rehabilitated group C. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of feedback mechanisms during training on a posturographic platform can be reflected by enhanced stimulation and further improvement of the control of different, more complicated performed motor tasks.

Differences in Kinematic Variables in Single-Leg Stance between Patients with Stroke and Healthy Elderly People Measured with Inertial Sensors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to analyze the differences between kinematic parameters in the single-leg stance (SLS) in patients with stroke and in healthy elderly people measured with 2 inertial sensors-1 in the trunk and 1 in the lumbar region. METHODS: Two groups of participants were measured: the first group consisted of 5 healthy elderly people over 65 years of age; the second group consisted of 5 patients with stroke over 65 years of age, recovering for more than 6 months after suffering a stroke, and who had been undergoing rehabilitation treatment for at least 6 months. Two inertial sensors were located in the participants: in the trunk region (T7-T8) and in the lumbar region (L5-S1). The SLS test was performed in 4 conditions: right-dominant leg, open eyes; right-dominant leg, closed eyes; left-nondominant leg, open eyes; and left-nondominant leg, closed eyes. RESULTS: Significant differences in displacement in the lumbar and trunk sensors are highlighted in 6 of 36 variables. In the velocity variables, significant differences were only found in 1 variable. Differences during SLS between the affected and the nonaffected legs in patients with stroke were found in 5 of the 36 analyzed variables and in 1 variable in velocity. The intraclass correlation coefficients were higher than .866 (95% confidence interval: .828-.857) for all variables. CONCLUSIONS: Only significant differences were found in 7 of the 128 kinematic variables analyzed in both groups, so that it could be confirmed that there are no significant differences in the static balance between healthy elderly people and people with stroke who undergo the rehabilitative treatment.

Smartphone Applications to Perform Body Balance Assessment: a Standardized Review.

Body balance disorders are related to different injuries that contribute to a wide range of healthcare issues. The social and financial costs of these conditions are high. Therefore, quick and reliable body balance assessment can contribute to the prevention of injuries, as well as enhancement of clinical rehabilitation. Moreover, the use of smartphone applications is increasing rapidly since they incorporate different hardware components that allow for body balance assessment. The present study aims to show an analysis of the current applications available on Google Play StoreTM and iTunes App StoreTM to measure this physical condition, using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Three iOS and two Android applications met the inclusion criteria. Three applications have scientific support, Balance test YMED, Balance Test by Slani, and Sway. Furthermore, according to MARS, the main scores for each evaluated domain were: Engagement (2.04), Functionality (3.8), Esthetics (3.53), and Information (3.80). The reviewed applications targeted to assess body balance obtained good mean scores. Sway is the app with highest scores in each MARS domain, followed by iBalance Fitness and Gyrobalance.

Gait changes after using a temporomandibular joint exerciser in patients who underwent lower limb joint surgery.

[Purpose] The improvements in gait of the patients with lower limb disease who used a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) exerciser were verified. [Subjects and Methods] Eleven subjects were included. Their mean age was 53.2 years. The lower limb joint angles before and after using the TMJ exerciser were measured using a gait analyzer. Before the gait experiment, the TMJ exerciser setting process and one-leg stance balance test (OLST) were repeated until the balance maintenance time improved. [Results] Because of the OLST, the mean change in the body center point after the subjects used the exerciser improved from 5.76 mm to 4.20 mm. When the TMJ exerciser was used, the joint angle range of the subjects approached that of the normal individuals. [Conclusion] According to the gait experiments, the angles of the subjects' hips, knees, and ankle joints approached to those of the normal individuals after the subjects used the TMJ exerciser; however, the results did not completely match. The changes in the hip, knee, and ankle joint angles were statistically significant, which confirm the usefulness of the TMJ exerciser.

Smooth-pursuit eye movements without head movement disrupt the static body balance.

[Purpose] To investigate the changes of body balance in static posture in smooth-pursuit eye movements (SPEMs) without head movement. [Subjects and Methods] Forty subjects (24 males, 16 females) aged 23.24 ± 2.58 years participated. SPEMs were activated in three directions (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal movements); the target speed was set at three conditions (10°/s, 20°/s, and 30°/s); and the binocular visual field was limited to 50°. To compare the body balance changes, the general stability (ST) and the fall risk index (FI) were measured with TETRAX. The subjects wore a head-neck collar and stood on a balance plate for 32 s during each measurement in three directions. SPEMs were induced to each subject with nine target speeds and directions. All measured values were compared with those in stationary fixation. [Results] The ST and FI increased significantly in all SPEMs directions, with an increased target speed than that in stationary fixation. In the same condition of the target speed, the FI had the highest value relative to diagonal SPEMs. [Conclusion] SPEMs without head movement disrupt the stability of body balance in a static posture, and diagonal SPEMs may have a more negative effect in maintaining body balance than horizontal or vertical SPEMs.

Body balance under ametropic conditions induced by spherical lenses in an upright position.

[Purpose] To investigate the changes in body balance under ametropic conditions induced by spherical lenses in an upright position. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty subjects (10 males, 10 females) of average age 23.4±2.70 years participated and they were fully corrected by subjective refraction. To induce ametropic conditions (binocular myopia and hyperopia), lenses of ±0.50 D, ±1.00 D, ±1.50 D, ±2.00 D, ±3.00 D, ±4.00 D and ±5.00 D were used. General stability (ST), fall risk index (FI), and sway path (SP) were analyzed through changes in synchronization of left/right and toe/heel, as measured by the biofeedback system, TETRAX. Measurement was performed for 32 seconds for each condition. [Results] ST increased significantly from +0.50 D-induced myopia and from -1.00 D-induced hyperopia as compared with corrected emmetropia. FI increased significantly from +4.00 D-induced myopia and from -1.50 D-induced hyperopia as compared with corrected emmetropia. In SP, which means a change of body balance, toe/heel was significantly greater than left/right in all ametropic conditions. SP of right/left synchronization was not affected by the side of the dominant eye. [Conclusion] An uncorrected hyperope may cause subjects to have a higher risk of falling than an uncorrected myope. Therefore, clinical specialists should consider the refractive condition, especially hyperopia, when analyzing body balance.

Changes in postural control between 13- and 19-year-old soccer players: is there a need for a specific therapy?

[Purpose] To investigate how increased training participation time and intensity affect postural control in young soccer players. [Subjects and Methods] Variability and mean velocity of sway were compared in U14 and U20 players during two-legged and one-legged quiet stances on a force plate with the player's eyes open or closed. [Results] U20 players performed much better with vision, and eyes closure considerably deteriorated their performance. The increased reliance on vision in the older group most likely resulted from the longer exposure of the U20 players to strenuous exercise, overload, and cumulative residual effects of earlier contusions. [Conclusion] These specific postural deficits in apparently healthy soccer players were found only because of objective and sensitive posturographic tests. The results of this study suggest that such tests should be regularly performed to increase the efficiency and precision of motor control evaluation in athletes. The corresponding results may help therapists mitigate the indiscernible yet detrimental changes in postural control that predispose soccer players to injury and negatively affect their performance.

Influence of posturographic platform biofeedback training on the dynamic balance of adult stroke patients.

The aim of the experiment was to analyze the influence of posturographic platform biofeedback training on the dynamic balance of patients who experienced ischemic stroke. The study included 21 patients treated at the Rehabilitation Center of the District Hospital in Bialogard, in the Ward of Neurological Rehabilitation with the Stroke Division. The age of the patients (11 in the experimental and 10 in the control group) ranged between 55 and 65 years. The level of dynamic balance was determined with Timed Up and Go Test. The experimental group was subjected to the biofeedback training, practicing maintenance of body balance (forced sway training) on posturographic platform for 15 consecutive days. The perception of dynamic balance in the group subjected to biofeedback training improved to a markedly greater extent (P < .05) as compared with conventionally rehabilitated group. Participation in biofeedback training exerted stronger effect on the dynamic balance of patients who experienced the stroke of the left hemisphere with right-sided hemiparesis than in those with right hemisphere stroke and left-sided hemiparesis. The utilization of feedback mechanisms during training on a posturographic platform can be reflected by enhanced stimulation and further improvement of the control of performed motor tasks.

Association between depressive symptoms and dynamic balance among young adults in the community.

Background: Detecting and addressing depression symptoms at their outset can reduce the burden on individuals and society; however, it has a limitation in that such evaluations mainly rely on self-reports. Several studies have demonstrated a strong association between motor symptoms and early depression. We aimed to associate body balance measured by the Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-LQ) with depressive symptoms among young adults in the community, to confirm the current evidence that depression negatively influences body balance. Research question: Is the YBT-LQ an objective tool for measuring and evaluating young adults' depression risks, as well as assessing whether depression negatively influences body balance? Methods: Our participants comprised 36 young adults. We assessed their depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) via a Google survey, measured their body balance with the YBT-LQ, and analyzed data with Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficient test, using SPSS version 27.0. Results: We found that the right leg's anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral scores- Z = -2.129, p = .033; Z = -2.181, p = .029; and Z = -2.250, p = .024, respectively-and composite scores-Z = 73.00, p = .027 -were significantly lower in the group with risk for clinical depression compared to the normal group. The CES-D total score had a negative association with all YBT-LQ scores, except for the anterior score of the left leg. Among the CES-D sub-factors, somatic and retarded activity showed negative correlations with all the YBT-LQ scores. Significance: Our findings revealed that depressive symptoms have a negative association with balance, and that the YBT-LQ can be a reliable tool for measuring motor symptoms of depression, specifically among young adults.