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Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
Postural trials: expertise in rhythmic gymnastics increases control in lateral directions
A R Calavalle1, D Sisti, M B L Rocchi
1I.R.A.M, Istituto di Ricerca sull'Attività Motoria, Università degli Studi di Urbino (PU), Via i Maggetti 26/2, Urbino, Italy. anna.calavalle@uniurb.it
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|July 12, 2008
Summary
Rhythmic gymnastics expertise enhances simple bipedal posture control, particularly in lateral sway. This suggests a unique transfer of skills from rhythmic gymnastics training to general postural stability.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
Background:
- Previous research indicates athletic training improves sport-specific postural steadiness.
- Limited studies compare postural strategies across different athletic disciplines.
- Rhythmic gymnastics combines elements of artistic gymnastics and ballet, utilizing apparatus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if rhythmic gymnastics expertise influences basic bipedal postural performance.
- To compare postural strategies of rhythmic gymnasts with non-gymnast athletes.
- To explore the potential transfer of rhythmic gymnastics skills to non-specific postural tasks.
Main Methods:
- A force platform was used to measure body sway in a bipedal stance.
- High-level rhythmic gymnasts and physically active university students were tested.
- Postural sway was analyzed under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, examining sway distance, lateral, and antero-posterior displacements.
Main Results:
- Rhythmic gymnasts demonstrated superior postural control compared to the control group in simple tasks.
- Improvements were most notable in lateral postural sway and within the 0.05 to 2-second frequency range.
- Visual dependence for postural control was confirmed across all participants, regardless of athletic background.
Conclusions:
- Rhythmic gymnastics training appears to directly enhance bipedal postural control, supporting a skill transfer hypothesis.
- This effect on general postural sway, especially in the medio-lateral direction, has not been previously reported for artistic gymnasts or ballet dancers.
- The findings highlight a unique benefit of rhythmic gymnastics training for fundamental motor skills.
