Comparison of postural sway depending on balance pad type

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Postural sway is a key indicator of balance control.
• Balance training often utilizes unstable surfaces to challenge proprioception.
• Different balance pads offer varying degrees of instability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the postural sway of healthy adults on four different balance pads.
• To determine which balance pads provide a more challenging unstable surface for balance training.

Main Methods:

• Nine healthy adults participated.
• Postural sway was measured using a Wii Balance Board and Balancia software.
• Participants stood on four pads: Balance-pad Elite (BE), Aero-Step XL (AS), Dynair Ballkissen Senso (DBS), and Dynair Ballkissen XXL Meditation and Yoga (DBMY), plus a baseline condition (no pad).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in sway velocity, path length, or area were found between baseline, BE, and AS conditions.
• Both Dynair pads (DBS, DBMY) significantly increased postural sway compared to baseline.
• Dynair pads resulted in significantly greater postural sway than BE and AS pads.

Conclusions:

• The Dynair Ballkissen Senso (DBS) and Dynair Ballkissen XXL Meditation and Yoga (DBMY) balance pads create a more unstable condition than the Balance-pad Elite (BE) and Aero-Step XL (AS).
• DBS and DBMY may be superior tools for balance training due to their ability to significantly increase postural sway.