Focus of Study is Effects of Neuromuscular Training, Pilates, Postural Balance
Conditions
Keywords
cervical joint position sense, sensorimotor training, Pilates exercise, visual feedback, balance
Brief summary
This study investigates the effects of Pilates reformer exercise combined with cervical sensorimotor training using laser-guided visual feedback on balance performance. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: a combined training group, a Pilates-only group, and a control group. Static and dynamic balance were assessed before and after the intervention. This study was registered retrospectively on ClinicalTrials.gov after participant enrollment had begun. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained prior to participant enrollment.
Detailed description
Postural control is maintained through the integration of sensory information from the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. Among these systems, cervical proprioception plays a critical role in providing information about head position and movement, which contributes to the regulation of balance and postural stability. Alterations or deficits in cervical proprioceptive input may negatively influence sensorimotor control and balance performance. Laser-guided visual feedback training has been used to enhance cervical joint position sense and improve sensorimotor control by providing real-time visual information about head and neck movements. This method allows individuals to actively adjust head position based on visual feedback, thereby facilitating proprioceptive retraining. The reformer exercise method is a form of resistance-based exercise that emphasizes controlled movements, core stabilization, and neuromuscular coordination. Integrating cervical proprioceptive training with reformer exercise may further enhance postural control by promoting coordinated activation of trunk and neck musculature. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a reformer exercise program incorporating cervical proprioceptive training using laser-guided visual feedback on balance ability. Pilates Reformer-based exercises combined with cervical proprioceptive training tasks were proceeded. Balance performance and proprioception were evaluated using static and dynamic balance measures and cervical joint position error before and after the intervention. The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the potential benefits of integrating laser-guided visual feedback-based cervical proprioceptive training into exercise programs aimed at improving balance and postural stability.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALCervical Sensorimotor Training
Laser-guided cervical sensorimotor training designed to improve cervical joint position sense. Training included head repositioning tasks with visual feedback under progressively challenging postural conditions involving different base-of-support and surface stability levels.
BEHAVIORALPilates Reformer Exercise
Pilates Reformer-based exercise focusing on trunk stabilization, postural alignment, controlled balance using spring-based resistance and different base-of-support.
Sponsors
Ewha Womans University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
This was an open-label study. Blinding was not feasible due to the nature of the exercise intervention.
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) Pilates exercise combined with sensory integration training, (2) Pilates exercise only, or (3) a control group with no exercise intervention. The intervention were conducted for a specified period, and gait parameters were measured as outcome variables to evaluate the effects of the interventions on gait characteristics.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
30 Years to 49 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Female adults aged 30-49 years * Individuals who use a computer for ≥6 hours per day * Individuals who have experienced musculoskeletal pain and discomfort (neck, shoulder, or lower back) within the past year * Individuals who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study * Individuals able to participate in exercise training
Exclusion criteria
* History of musculoskeletal or neurological surgery within the past 6 months * Individuals diagnosed with severe fractures or neurological disorders requiring surgical treatment * Any severe condition affecting balance or gait
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Title: Dynamic balance - COP medio-lateral excursion rate(COP ML Rate) during gait stance phase | Baseline and 12 weeks | Dynamic postural control assessed as the COP medio-lateral rate during gait (COP medio-lateral distance (mm)/foot width (mm)x100); higher percentages indicate greater COP curvature, reflecting a more normal foot rollover pattern. Unit of Measure: percent (%) |
| Dynamic balance - COP Sway Rate during gait stance phase | Baseline and 12 weeks | Dynamic postural control assessed as COP Sway Rate during gait (Net Sway Length/COP Path Length × 100); values closer to 0% indicate better dynamic balance. Unit of Measure: percent (%) |
| Dynamic balance - Y-Balance Test (YBT) composite score | Baseline and 12 weeks | Dynamic balance assessed using Y-Balance Test score (% of limb length); higher values indicate better dynamic balance. Unit of Measure: percent (%) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Title: Static balance - COP Sway Distance during quiet standing | Baseline and 12 weeks | Static postural stability assessed as the distance of center of pressure (COP) sway during quiet standing; values closer to 0 mm indicate better static balance. Unit of Measure: millimeters (mm) |
| Static balance - COP ellipse area during quiet standing | Baseline and 12 weeks | Static postural stability assessed as the area of the COP sway ellipse during quiet standing, with smaller areas indicating better static balance. Unit of Measure: square millimeters (mm²) |
| Cervical Joint Position Sense(CJPS) - Accuracy | Baseline and 12 weeks | Cervical Joint Position Sense-Accuracy assessed using the Cervical Joint Position Error Test (CJPET) as the mean absolute linear repositioning error over five repetitions to the left and five to the right; values closer to 0 cm indicate better cervical position sense. Unit of Measure: centimeters (cm) |
| Cervical Joint Position Sense(CJPS) - Precision | Baseline and 12 weeks | Cervical Joint Position Sense - Precision assessed using the CJPET as the standard deviation of linear repositioning error over five repetitions to the left and five to the right; values closer to 0 cm indicate better cervical position sense. Unit of Measure: centimeters (cm) |
Countries
South Korea
Outcome results
None listed