Preliminary reference data on balance and associated influencing factors in healthy young adults

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to provide preliminary reference balance values for young adults and examine factors influencing balance, addressing the lack of research in this age group, using the Zebris FDM-S pressure platform.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 28 healthy adults aged 18 to 30 years. Balance-related measurements and weight distribution were assessed in bipodal and single-leg stances with eyes open and closed. Preliminary reference values were obtained through descriptive analysis, and comparisons were performed using non-parametric statistical tests, considering sex, dominance, and knee alignmentResults: Women demonstrated greater control during single-leg balance, lower-limb dominance does not affect balance performance during single-leg stance, whether with eyes open or closed. A non-neutral knee alignment (varus or valgus) appears to alter anterior–posterior weight distribution during bipodal stance with eyes closed. Knee alignment, whether varus or valgus, influenced the anterior-posterior weight distribution during bipodal stance. The preliminary reference data obtained may serve as an initial benchmark for injury prevention and post-injury evaluation, diagnosis. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution until they are confirmed in larger samples.Conclusion: Women demonstrate greater stability during single-leg stance with eyes open. Lower-limb dominance does not appear to affect balance performance in single-leg stance. Varus and valgus alignment seem to alter anterior–posterior weight distribution during bipodal stance with eyes closed.Aim: This study aims to provide preliminary reference balance values for young adults and examine factors influencing balance, addressing the lack of research in this age group, using the Zebris FDM-S pressure platform.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 28 healthy adults aged 18 to 30 years. Balance-related measurements and weight distribution were assessed in bipodal and single-leg stances with eyes open and closed. Preliminary reference values were obtained through descriptive analysis, and comparisons were performed using non-parametric statistical tests, considering sex, dominance, and knee alignmentResults: Women demonstrated greater control during single-leg balance, lower-limb dominance does not affect balance performance during single-leg stance, whether with eyes open or closed. A non-neutral knee alignment (varus or valgus) appears to alter anterior–posterior weight distribution during bipodal stance with eyes closed. Knee alignment, whether varus or valgus, influenced the anterior-posterior weight distribution during bipodal stance. The preliminary reference data obtained may serve as an initial benchmark for injury prevention and post-injury evaluation, diagnosis. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution until they are confirmed in larger samples.Conclusion: Women demonstrate greater stability during single-leg stance with eyes open. Lower-limb dominance does not appear to affect balance performance in single-leg stance. Varus and valgus alignment seem to alter anterior–posterior weight distribution during bipodal stance with eyes closed.