What are the hidden shortcomings of balance training research in older adults that prevent its transfer into practice? Scoping review.

Background: Although a lot of attention is paid to the flaws of balance training research in older adults, the low methodological quality and incomplete reporting of studies still limit the knowledge transfer between research and practice. These known shortcomings are considered also as barriers for creating recommendations for balance training in older adults. Despite the considerable efforts to improve the scientific quality of studies, such recommendations have not yet been formulated to date.

The association between muscle mass quantity and its quality in physically active older women.

In this study, the authors aim to determine whether lower limb strength is related to lower limb lean mass and whether this relationship is affected by lower limb functionality in physically active older women. Twenty-six women underwent measures of knee muscles strength and lean mass of lower limbs. Bilateral strength of the knee flexors and extensors was measured by an isokinetic dynamometer.

Sport-specific training induced adaptations in postural control and their relationship with athletic performance.

Effects of various exercise programs on postural balance control in athletes and their underlying physiological mechanisms have been extensively investigated. However, little is known regarding how challenging sport-specific conditions contribute to the improvement of body balance and to what extent these changes may be explained by sensorimotor and/or neuromuscular function adaptations. Analysis of the literature could provide useful information on the interpretation of changes in postural sway variables in response to long-term sport-specific training and their association with performance measures.

The Three-Level Model of Factors Contributing to High-Intensity Intermittent Performance in Male Soccer Players.

High-intensity intermittent performance in soccer is widely assessed using the yo-yo intermittent recovery level 2 test (YYIR2). This test is usually associated with aerobic-anaerobic performance. However, less is known about the direct or indirect contributions of abilities, including the anaerobic component.

Advancing age is associated with more impaired mediolateral balance control after step down task.

Background: To prevent the risk of stair descent falls and associated injuries in the older adults, it is important to understand the factors that affect this frequent locomotion of daily living. The fact that falls are in most cases the result of the interaction between intrinsic and extrinsic factors is very often underestimated when designing test protocols.

Research Question: This study aimed at evaluating balance control during and immediately after step down onto an unstable surface.