| This study examined the relationship between amount of regular physical activity and postural control using the Balance Quest Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) system. The objective of this study was to determine whether the amount of physical activity has an effect on balance function in measurements of area, velocity and percent stability. The hypothesis underlying this study was that participants who are more physically active would perform better on tasks of. This work was designed to aid in determining whether exercising can increase functional balance. Other possible applications of this study may be in rehabilitation of young people with balance disorders, in modifying the newly established norms of the Balance Quest CDP system based on physical fitness/exercise level, and in examining whether exercise has a dramatic affect on functional balance stability in young adult populations in the same manner as previous studies have shown in the elderly. The fifty female and male adult participants used in this study were separated into three groups: sedentary, low to moderate and high exercise groups, based on the reported amount of physical activity per week. Each participant was required to complete three trials of each of the six standard CDP test protocols with virtual realty goggles and an optokinetic ball acting as the visual perturbed stimulation. An additional headshake protocol was also examined. Statistical analysis determined that the type of virtual stimulation and gender had significant effects on balance in specific conditions. The extent to which variables, such as height, weight and body dimensions, influence this out come remains unknown. Although a trend appeared regarding effect of exercise on balance, the overall effect was not significant. |
