Article

Balance training (BT) is successfully implemented in therapy as a countermeasure
against postural dysfunctions. However, patients suffering from motor impairments
may not be able to perform balance rehabilitation with full body load. The
purpose of this study was to investigate whether partial unloading leads to the
same functional and neuromuscular adaptations. The impact on postural control of
a 4-week BT intervention has been compared between full and partial body load. 32
subjects were randomly assigned to a CON (conventional BT) or a PART group
(partially unloaded BT). BT comprised balance exercises addressing dynamic
stabilization in mono- and bipedal stance. Before and after training, centre of
pressure (COP) displacement and electromyographic activity of selected muscles
were monitored during different balance tasks. Co-contraction index (CCI) of
soleus (SOL)/tibialis (TA) was calculated. SOL H-reflexes were elicited to
evaluate changes in the excitability of the spinal reflex circuitry. Adaptations
in response to the training were in a similar extent for both groups: (i) after
the intervention, the COP displacement was reduced (P<0.05). This reduction was
accompanied by (ii) a decreased CCI of SOL/TA (P<0.05) and (iii) a decrease in
H-reflex amplitude (P<0.05). BT under partial unloading led to reduced COP
displacements comparable to conventional BT indicating improved balance control.
Moreover, decreased co-contraction of antagonistic muscles and reduced spinal
excitability of the SOL motoneuron pool point towards changed postural control
strategies generally observed after full body load training. Thus, BT considering
partial unloading is an appropriate alternative for patients unable to conduct BT
under full body load.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS