Objective: This study investigates the relationship between lower limb strength and postural stability in single-leg stance using the Balance Master system. Methods: The research involved 64 participants divided into sedentary and physically active groups based on metabolic equivalents of task (METs) values, normal weight, overweight, and obese according to body composition. Postural control was evaluated using the Sensory Organization Test. Results: The results showed that there were no significant differences in mean and maximum lower limb strength between the groups. Furthermore, postural stability in open and closed eyes conditions did not show significant differences between the groups. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between lower limb strength and stability in single-leg stance with eyes open. Conclusions: These findings suggest that lower limb muscle strength is essential for postural stability, especially when vision is available to aid balance. The study highlights the importance of interventions focused on strengthening muscles to improve physical functionality in adults.
Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between the level of physical activity and body composition, and the levels of motor skills and strength in overweight and obese men. Methods: The research involved 64 men. Body composition, physical activity, motor control, Motor Control Test (MCT), and strength variables were evaluated. Body composition was assessed by DXA, and the participants were classified into two groups according to the percentage of total fat mass: greater and less than 27.65%. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometry, and motor control was measured with posturography, which provided a composite score of motor performance and postural control effectiveness. Strength was assessed using hand, leg, and back dynamometers. Results: The participants with a higher percentage of body fat had a lower DSI (Dynamic Strength Index) (p < 0.001) and significantly reduced PAL (physical activity level) and energy expenditure (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the muscle strength of the upper limbs (p = 0.06) and lower limbs (p = 0.419). With regard to MCT, there was a significant difference between groups in the backward direction (p = 0.041), with the group with the highest percentage of body fat showing lower values. Conclusions: Individuals with a higher percentage of body fat tend to have lower levels of strength, physical activity, and energy expenditure, which can lead to impaired balance. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve body composition and levels of strength and physical activity, with a positive impact on general health and quality of life. Emphasis should be placed on improving physical activity levels in male individuals with a higher percentage of fat mass to improve their body composition and dynamic strength levels, which are beneficial to life, particularly to help improve postural control.
Background: Nowadays, not only is a high, long life expectancy desired, but also longevity with quality. Quality of life in adulthood is a multidimensional construct related to the perception of one’s own health, psychological and socio-emotional factors, functionality for daily activities, and body composition. Objective: This study evaluates the effects of physical activity level (PAL), strength, balance, and body composition on perceived health in healthy adults. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study with consecutive, non-probabilistic inclusion of cases was conducted. Body fat percentage (BFP) was measured by DXA. Physical activity level was assessed using accelerometry. The strength index (S_Index) was estimated using dynamometry. Postural control was assessed through posturography. The composite equilibrium score from the Sensory Organization Test (SOT_CES) was conducted to measure postural stability under various sensory conditions using dynamic posturography. Perceived health was calculated using the SF36 questionnaire, which detects health states, both positive and negative. A linear regression model was generated between each domain of SF36 with SOT_CES, BFP, PAL, and S_Index. Results: A total of 64 males with a mean age of 55 ± 5 years and a mean body mass index of 27 ± 4 kg/m2 were recruited. Results showed a negative correlation between physical function (ß = −0.7; t = −3.163; p = 0.003; R2 = 23.7%) and general health (ß = −0.227; t = −3.425; p = 0.001; R2 = 17.4%) with BFP. Also, it showed a negative correlation between physical function (ß = 0.047; t = −2.643; p = 0.011; R2 = 17.5%) and general health (ß = 0.016; t = −3.044; p = 0.004; R2 = 14.6%) with S_Index. On the other hand, no relation was observed between SF36 and SOT_CES. Finally, only the emotional role showed a positive correlation (ß = −0.02; t = −2.629; p = 0.011; R2 = 23.1%) with PAL. Conclusion: A lower BFP and higher S_Index are associated with increased physical function and general health. Also, the higher the PAL, the greater the emotional health. On the other hand, no relation was observed between SF36 and the balance detected from SOT_CES.
Objective: The objective of this work is to evaluate differences in the balance of children who perform physical activity compared to those who do not. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a child population (N=130). Two study groups were established: non-physical activity group (n=68) and physical activity group (n=62). Outcome measures were Romberg test (with eyes open and eyes closed), one-legged support test (with eyes open and eyes closed) and unstable surface test (with eyes open and eyes closed). The ability and the time that they held in balance were valued. A 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was employed, and all values with a p-value lower than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: T-Student test revealed statistically significant results in favor of the group of children who performed physical activity for measures of the ability to perform the Romberg test with eyes closed (p<0.001); unstable surface ability with eyes open and eyes closed (p=0.03 and p<0.001 respectively); ability for the one-leg stand test with eyes open and with eyes closed (p<0.002 and p<0.001, respectively); and time in one-legged support with eyes closed (p<0.004). Conclusions: Children who perform physical activity have a better ability to maintain balance compared to children who do not perform physical activity.