Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
08:12
Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
[Influence of bodily constitution and physical activity on postural stability]
J Strobel1, C Spengler, M Stefanski
1Klinik für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgische Forschungsgruppe, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Ulm.
Summary
High body mass index (BMI) and acute maximal exercise significantly impair balance and postural stability. Regular physical activity and body height do not affect balance performance.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics and Motor Control
- Human Physiology
- Sports Science
Context:
- Postural control relies on integrating visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive information for motor responses.
- The impact of body composition and acute exercise on postural stability remains incompletely understood.
- Computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) is a key tool for assessing balance.
Purpose:
- To investigate the influence of body height, body mass index (BMI), regular physical activity, and acute maximal exercise on balance using CDP.
- To quantify changes in postural stability following strenuous physical exertion.
Summary:
- Body height and regular exercise did not significantly affect balance.
- A higher BMI and acute maximal exercise led to a substantial decrease in postural stability (44% immediately post-exercise).
- Postural stability fully recovered within 15 minutes after maximal exercise.
Impact:
- Elevated BMI and acute strenuous exercise significantly reduce postural stability.
- This decline in balance may explain increased injury risk after intense physical activity, particularly in sports demanding high levels of balance.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering body composition and exercise intensity in injury prevention strategies.
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