Life Sciences Commons^™

Tai Chi Can Improve Postural Stability As Measured By Resistance To Perturbation Related To Upper Limb Movement Among Healthy Older Adults, Jiahao Pan, Cuixian Liu, Shuqi Zhang, Li Li

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of Tai Chi (TC) training on postural control when upright standing was perturbed by upper limb movement.

Methods: Three groups, TC, Brisk walk (BW), and sedentary (SE), of thirty-six participants aged from 65 to 75 years were recruited from local community centers. Participants performed static balance task (quiet standing for 30 s with eyes open and closed) and fitting task (two different reaching distances X three different opening sizes to fit objects through). During tasks, the COP data was recorded while standing on the force plate. Criteria measures calculated …

Relationship Between The Romberg Test And The Wii Basic Balance Test And Cognition In Athletes With Concussion, Nicholas G. Murray, Anthony P. Salvatore, Arthur Islas, Joseph Tomaka, Rebecca J. Reed-Jones

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Background: Approximately 30% of individuals with a sport-related concussion present with postural instability. Multiple clinical balance tests exist to diagnose postural instability; yet little is known about the potential relationship between these type of postural assessments and cognition post-concussion. Aim: The purpose of the current study was to assess the relationship between the Romberg test, the Wii Fit basic balance test (WBBT), and the composite scores on the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) test in a sample of athletes with concussions.

Methods: 55 post-concussed athletes (40 male) completed the Romberg Test (RT) (−/+), the WBBT, and ImPACT test. …

Athletes Who Train On Unstable Compared To Stable Surfaces Exhibit Unique Postural Control Strategies In Response To Balance Perturbations, D. S. Blaise Williams Iii, Nicholas G. Murray, Douglas W. Powell

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Background

Athletes have been shown to exhibit better balance compared to non-athletes (NON). However, few studies have investigated how the surface on which athletes train affects the strategies adopted to maintain balance. Two distinct athlete groups who experience different types of sport-specific balance training are stable surface athletes (SSA) such as basketball players and those who train on unstable surfaces (USA) such as surfers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of training surface on dynamic balance in athletes compared to NON.

Methods

Eight NON, eight SSA, and eight USA performed five 20-s trials in each of …