title: The effects of unstable surface balance training on postural sway, stability, functional ability and flexibility in women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study examined the effects of balance training routine, using both sides utilized balance trainer (BOSU) and aerobic step (STEP) on postural sway and functional ability in middle-aged women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-seven females participated in the study, age 40.6±12.0 years, body mass 72.0±14.0 kg, height 164.0±7.7 cm, BMI 26.5±4.5 kg/m2, and relative body fat 33.1±7.4%. Participants were divided into two groups and performed progressive exercise routine on either STEP or BOSU for three weeks. Pre- and post-test consisted of Postural Sway Test performed on the Biodex Balance System, Functional Ability Test, Sit and Reach Test and Plank.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant time effect was observed for both groups for sway index(P=0.029) and center of pressure antero-posterior (AP) displacement (P=0.038) but not for sway area or medio-lateral (ML) displacement (P>0.05). In addition, BOSU group had significantly lower Sway Index(P=0.048) and ML range (P=0.035) scores when vision and surface was altered compared to STEP group. A significant time effect was observed in walking-up the stairs (P=0.020), sit and reach test (P=0.035), and plank (P<0.001), but not for walking down the stairs. However, no other significant interactions were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Programs that incorporate multisensory balance training have a potential to induce adaptive responses in neuromuscular system that enhances postural control, balance and functional ability of women. The training using BOSU may help improve static balance and functional ability in women.
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise Science, Elon University, Elon, NC, USA - snepocatych@elon.edu.
authors.forename: Svetlana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nepocatych
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise Science, Elon University, Elon, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Caroline J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Ketcham
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy Education, Elon University, Elon, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Srikant
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vallabhajosula
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise Science, Elon University, Elon, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Gytis
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Balilionis
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018583:Pliability; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D016138:Walking