A comprehensive method for assessing postural control during dynamic balance testing.

Postural control, despite its complexity, has been investigated based on single or multiple domain parameters, mainly under static conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether semi-squatting in one leg, in contrast to simply standing in one leg, can challenge the postural control in a more dynamic manner similar to those encountered during sporting activities, using posturographic-based parameters coupled with EMG data of the ankle musculature. Our findings revealed that the decreased stability induced with single-leg semi-squatting (SLSQ) required primarily the contribution of the tibialis anterior and the peroneus brevis, as opposed to the medial gastrocnemius and lateral gastrocnemius who were the main controllers of body posture during single-leg standing (SLST) with open eyes.

Ankle muscles activation and postural stability with Star Excursion Balance Test in healthy individuals.

Introduction: The ankle joint, a part of the kinetic chain of the lower limb, plays a significant role in the maintenance of postural stability during bipedal and unipedal balancing activities. This study aimed to evaluate the neuromuscular control of the ankle joint and the postural stability while executing the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), by recording the EMG activity of the extrinsic ankle musculature and the displacement of the center of pressure (CoP).

Methods: The EMG activity of the tibialis anterior (TA), the peroneus brevis (PB) and the medial and lateral gastrocnemius (GM, GL), along with the anteroposterior and mediolateral displacements (APd and MLd) of CoP as well as the plantar pressure distribution of the supportive lower limb were recorded during reaching to the eight directions of SEBT in 29 healthy, physically active college students (15 males and 14 females; mean ± SD of age 25.