Effect of aquatic immersion on static balance
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education
Volume
8
Issue
1
Publisher
Human Kinetics
Publication Date
2-1-2014
First Page
53
Last Page
65
Abstract
The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess measures of static balance and limits of stability (LOS) in an aquatic environment compared with on land. Fifteen healthy, young adults (23 ± 2 years) performed 90 s static balance trials on land and aquatic immersion at two different depths. Center of pressure 95% ellipse area and mean velocity were computed from the force data. In addition, participants completed a visual analog scale (VAS) of perceived stability for each environmental condition. Following the static balance trials, participants performed anterior-posterior and medial-lateral LOS assessments. When participants performed a quiet double-leg stance task, postural sway and sway velocity increased and perceived stability decreased when the task was performed in water than on land (p < .05). In addition, participants achieved greater center of pressure (CoP) maximum excursions in the water compared with on land (p < .05).
Recommended Citation
Louder, T., Bressel, E., Baldwin, M., Dolny, D., Gordin, R., and Miller, A. (2014). Effect of aquatic immersion on static balance. International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, 8, 53-65.