Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
Relationship between postural control and muscle activity during a handstand in young and adult gymnasts
Andrzej Kochanowicz1, Bartłomiej Niespodziński2, Michel Marina3
1Department of Gymnastics and Dance, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Kazimierza Górskiego 1, 80-336 Gdańsk, Poland.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between muscle activity and inter-muscle contributions patterns and postural control during a handstand. Additionally, outcomes were compared between young and adult gymnasts (mean ± SD: 13.9 ± 0.7 and 23 ± 3 years respectively). Participants performed three trials of a 10 s handstand on a force platform with simultaneous EMG signal recording at the upper and lower limbs. Adult gymnasts demonstrated significantly better postural control in each studied variable. The wrist flexors demonstrated the highest relative mean (60%) and peak (200%) EMG activity of all muscle groups studied. Wrist flexor activity was also highly correlated with postural control variables in both groups. The trapezius descendens and wrist flexor muscles demonstrated the highest contribution (20-26% and 25.5-28% respectively), followed by anterior deltoid (15-18%) and triceps brachii (13-16%) in both groups. The young gymnast group demonstrated significantly greater mean relative muscle activity at the triceps brachii, biceps brachii and rectus femoris compared with the adult group (88% (p = 0.023), 150% (p = 0.003) and 75% (p = 0.039) respectively). To conclude, despite comparable inter-muscle contributions during a handstand, young and adult gymnasts demonstrated a different relationship between muscle activity and postural control variables.
Related Concept Videos
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings
Structure-Activity Relationships and Drug Design
SAR studies the intricate relationship between a drug's chemical structure and biological activity. It focuses on understanding how modifications to a drug's structure can influence...
Local Anesthetics: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Relationship Formation
Cholinergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of...

