Balance Assessment, Healthy Adult
Conditions
Keywords
biomechanics, dynamic balance, healthy young adults, static balance
Brief summary
Brief Summary (for ClinicalTrials.gov) This cross-sectional observational study aims to identify independent determinants of static and dynamic balance in healthy young adults using a multidimensional assessment framework. A total of 119 healthy participants (mean age 22.6 ± 1.5 years; 61.3% female) completed standardized static balance tests (Stork Balance Test and Tandem Stance Test under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions) and a dynamic balance test (Y-Balance Test for right and left limbs). Candidate explanatory factors include foot posture (Foot Posture Index-6), body composition assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis, general muscle strength (dominant hand grip strength), weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (knee-to-wall/weight-bearing lunge test), functional lower-limb strength (30-second sit-to-stand test), sex, and cognitive performance (Stroop Test Part 5). Multiple linear regression model (enter method) was used to determine which factors independently predict static and dynamic balance outcomes. Findings are expected to clarify which structural, functional, and cognitive variables most strongly contribute to balance performance in healthy young adults, informing targeted assessment and prevention strategies.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTParticipants did not receive any intervention as part of the study; they only underwent assessments.
Participants completed standardized static balance tests (Stork Balance Test and Tandem Stance Test under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions) and dynamic balance assessments using the Y-Balance Test for both right and left limbs. In addition, the following measurements were obtained: foot posture (Foot Posture Index-6), body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis, general muscle strength (dominant hand grip strength), weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (knee-to-wall/weight-bearing lunge test), functional lower-limb strength (30-second sit-to-stand test), sex, and cognitive performance (Stroop Test Part 5).
Sponsors
Akdeniz University
Pamukkale University
Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 30 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* age 18-30 years * absence of lower extremity * absence of vestibular pathology * willingness to participate.
Exclusion criteria
* neurological or neuromuscular disorders * leg length discrepancy \>5 mm * visual or auditory impairment * history of middle ear infection in the last 6 months * recent (\<6 months) lower extremity injury * Having a fracture * Having surgery * Having tinnitus * Having a persistent headache * Current use of medications that may influence balance
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stork Balance Test (Eyes Open and Eyes Closed) Time | At a single study visit (baseline) | Time (seconds) maintained in the Stork Balance Test under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Higher values indicate better static balance. |
| Tandem Stance Test (Eyes Open and Eyes Closed) Time | At a single study visit (baseline) | Time (seconds) maintained in the Tandem Stance Test under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Higher values indicate better static balance. |
| Y-Balance Test Composite Score (Right and Left) | At a single study visit (baseline) | Y-Balance Test composite score (%) for the right and left lower limbs, calculated from reach distances and normalized to limb length. Higher values indicate better dynamic balance. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6) | Baseline (single assessment session) | Foot posture assessed using the Foot Posture Index-6. Outcome: total FPI-6 score (-12 to +12), with higher scores indicating a more pronated foot posture. |
| Knee-to-Wall Test (KTW) | Baseline (single assessment session) | Ankle mobility was assessed with the Knee-to-Wall Test (KTW). In this test, functional dorsiflexion flexibility was measured using a tape measure placed on the tip of the foot while the participant attempted to touch the wall with the knee without heel lift. |
| 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test | Baseline (single assessment session) | Number of full sit-to-stand repetitions completed in 30 seconds. Higher counts indicate better functional lower-limb strength/endurance. |
| Dominant Hand Grip Strength | Baseline (single assessment session) | General muscle strength was assessed via dominant hand grip strength measurement. Dominant hand grip strength measured using a hand dynamometer. Outcome: mean grip strength (kg) across three trials. Higher values indicate greater general muscle strength. |
| Stroop Test | Baseline (single assessment session) | Cognitive performance was tested with the Stroop Test-Part 5. In this section, participants were required to name the ink color of incongruent color words rather than reading the words. Completion time was recorded with a stopwatch. |
| Fat Mass (kilograms) measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis | Baseline (single assessment session) | Fat mass is measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (Tanita body composition analyzer) and reported in kilograms. |
| Skeletal Muscle Mass (kilograms) measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis | Baseline (single assessment session) | Skeletal muscle mass is measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (Tanita body composition analyzer) and reported in kilograms. |
| Bone Mass (kilograms) measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis | Baseline (single assessment session) | Bone mass is measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (Tanita body composition analyzer) and reported in kilograms. |
| Total Body Water (kilograms) measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis | Baseline (single assessment session) | Total body water is measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (Tanita body composition analyzer) and reported in kilograms. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed