The Effect of Different Support Surfaces on Balance in Healthy Individuals

Balance is considered to be an important component of performance during activity as a result of a complex process in which musculoskeletal and neurological systems function. Two different balance states are defined as the static balance where the individuals maintain their inactive position or the dynamic balance when they perform a foreseen movement. The balance is maintained by keeping the center of gravity within the boundaries of the support surface and is provided by sensory impulses from the visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems organized by the central nervous system. Balance is an important factor to lead an independent life, and it is imperative that the balance be ensured in order to ensure that daily living activities are performed safely. The neural control of the bipedal posture varies depending on the width of the supporting surface, which has a significant impact on the frontal plane biomechanics. There is a linear relationship between increased support surface size and mechanical stability. In experimental studies, it has been shown that increasing muscle width levels in response to translational perturbations seen on the support surface on the horizontal plane have decreased with increasing step width. The changes in the preferred support surface vary depending on the age of the external environment, recurrent falls due to decreased sensory input, or various neurological disorders. However, there are few quantitative studies examining the relationship between different support surface widths and equilibrium, and the effect of posture width on sensory feedback control is still poorly understood. This study was planned to evaluate the effect of age, visual sensation and different soil properties on postural release and stability limits at different support surface widths.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy individuals aged between 18-50
• Without any diagnosed disease
• Individuals who voluntarily agree to participate in this research

Exclusion criteria

• The presence of previous lower extremity surgery
• Pain during evaluation
• Foot ankle instability
• Important and irreversible visual deficits
• Body mass index (BMI) greater than> 40 kg / m²
• Limitation of ankle, knee and hip joint in lower extremity
• Muscle strength of the lower extremity (dorsiflexors, plantar flexors, quadriceps, hamstring, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius) and the trunk (rectus abdominous, internal and external oblique abdominals, back extensor) below 5.