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Aims Confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 are spreading in Iran and the world. The overwhelming demand for the COVID-19 outbreak has challenged healthcare workers, the medical procurement system, and sports professionals. This study aimed to design and implement a perceptual-motor training package and determine its effectiveness on motor skills of children with visual impairment during the Coronavirus epidemic. Materials & Methods A quasi-experimental study was performed on a population of 6 to 11 years old children with visual impairment in Yazd province in the summer of 2020. Thirty-six children with blindness and low vision from the counseling centers of Yazd province were selected by cluster sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of experimental (n=18) and control (n=18). In order to measure motor proficiency, the abbreviated form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky motor proficiency test was used. In designing and compiling the perceptual-motor training package, 17 educational games were organized using library studies and the experiences of executive experts. The experimental group was trained in 24 sessions of 60 minutes. Analysis of covariance in SPSS 22 software was used to analyze the data. Findings In all subscales of agility, balance, running speed, strength, motor coordination, response speed, and visual-motor control, a significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups after the educational intervention (p≤0.01). Conclusion Perceptual-motor training package is effective on motor skills of children with visual impairment. Copyright © 2020, ASPI Ins.

Introduction: Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries. This injury can affect the kinematics of the athlete's lower extremities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of 6 weeks of balancing and hopping strengthening training on the kinematics of the lower extremities of athletes with functional ankle instability while running. Methods: The present study was a randomized clinical trial on 36 athletes with functional ankle instability who were randomly divided into three groups: hopping training, balance strengthening and control. The training lasted for six weeks and 3 sessions per week. Kinematic data were recorded by 3D OptiTrack camera while running at 10 km/h before and after training. SPSS software version 20 and ANCOVA test were used to compare the effect of exercises. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference among the 3 groups in dorsiflexion (P = 0.009), inversion (P = 0.001) and knee flexion (P = 0.001). The results of Benferoni test also showed that hopping training in dorsiflexion, ankle inversion and knee flexion were significantly different from the control group (P = 0.009, P = 0.001, P = 0.001). The results also showed that balance strengthening training in the above movements were significantly different from the control group (P = 0.005, P = 0.002, P = 0.006) and in knee flexion, hoping training showed a significant difference compared to balance strengthening training (P =0.012). The results showed that both hopping and balance strengthening training improved the dorsiflexion, inversion and knee flexion angles in the initial contact in running. However, hopping exercises is better than balance strengthening in improving knee flexion angles. Conclusion: Therefore, according to the presented results, it can be concluded that the rehabilitation course of ankle sprains in athletes, coaches and sports rescue specialists should use a combination of balance strengthening training and hopping as a comprehensive program. In addition, hopping training can be used as a good alternative to balance training in places where there is not enough equipment.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of unilateral and bilateral electrical stimulation of the brain on balance in the elderly. Methods & Materials: Thirty-six elderly in Ilam City, Iran, participated in the study. In the pretest, the static balance was taken, and then the participants were randomly divided into three groups: unilateral brain stimulation, bilateral brain stimulation, and sham. The intervention took in 3 sessions. In the unilateral stimulation group, the anode electrode was positioned at the O point, and the cathode was above the left ophthalmic cavity (FP1). In the bilateral stimulation group, the anode electrode was positioned at O1, and the cathode was positioned at O2. The intensity of stimulation was 2 mA, and the duration of treatment was 15 minutes per session. In the control group, the anode and cathode electrodes were placed on the O and FP1 points, respectively, but the excitation current was stopped after 30 seconds. After the last training session, the posttest was performed. The obtained data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA. Results: The Results showed no statistically significant difference between the three groups in the pretest phase (P

Introduction: Improving balance in the daily lives of the elderly plays an important role, especially in reducing their risk of falling. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks water resistance training with dark chocolate supplementation on the balance of the elderly.Methods: In this study, 38 elderly people with an age range of 73-60 years were randomly divided into four groups. Participants in groups, included water resistance training and water resistance training + dark chocolate, performed water resistance training for eight weeks. In this period, groups of dark chocolate and water resistance training + dark chocolate, consumed 6 pieces of dark chocolate 83%, 5 gr per day, and the control group did not have any training or supplementation. The stork test (flamingo) was used to assess balance. The results of covariance analysis (ANOVA) showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the four groups. Data were evaluated using Excel and SPSS-25 (p≤ 0.05). Results: The adjusted means after eliminating the effect of pre-test scores showed that the water resistance-training group had a higher mean than the other three groups and the weakest scores belonged to the control group. The results of other groups were as followed: experimental group 18.77, chocolate group 16.88, combined group (water resistance training + dark chocolate) 17.24 and control group 9.77. The results of Benferoni test showed that there was a significant difference between the water resistance training group and the control group (p = 0.006). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it seems that eight weeks of water resistance training and dark chocolate supplementation can improve the balance and quality of life of the elderly.

Older adults demonstrate increased amounts of postural sway, which may ultimately lead to falls. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of different foot orthoses on lower limb biomechanical variables, lower limb muscular activity, and balance in elderly people. Examining texts based on the search on the Magiran, Google Schoolar, Pubmed, Scopus, and SIVILICA sites were done by using following keywords: foot orthoses, footwear, aging, aged, elderly, Kinematic, walking, loading rate, Kinetic Walking, in combination in four part from 2005 to 2018. In the initial searches, 72 papers were obtained, eight articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. This systematic review demonstrated that the use of textures and modeling orthoses strengthens sensory receptors and improves postures, as well as improves the biomechanical parameters such as evertor and invertor moments and ground reaction forces in some cases.

Introduction and aim: Studies has shown that increases bone mineral density (BMD) loss after menopause in women; On the other hand, physical activity is an important factor in preventing osteoporosis and fractures associated with it. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 6 months low-load very high-repetition resistance training (body pump) on BMD­ and balance in postmenopausal women. Methodology: 22 postmenopausal women volunteer were randomly divided into resistance training (n=12) and control (n=10). The resistance training group performed 3 weekly sessions for 6 months. No regular training program was assigned for control group during the research period. Bone scans (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) were performed at baseline and after 6 month of training. Also, the balance index was assessed using the Stork Balance Stand Test. Findings: After 6 months, BMD in the lumbar spine (p=0.001) and balance (p=0.001) significantly increased in the resistance training group. In addition, there was significant differences in BMD of lumbar spine between the resistance training group and control group (the lumbar spine: (p=0.04), balance (p=0.001)). But after 6 months, there weren't any significant changes in femoral neck (p=0.1 and forearm (p=0.2). Conclusion: Six months, low-load very high-repetition resistance training lead to increase the bone density of the lumbar spine while these changes do not occur at the femoral neck and forearm. It seems to be the highest impact on BMD of lumbar spine.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relation between Core stability muscle’s endurance and static balance with shooting performance of military soldiers. Methods: One hundred participants of the military training course (age 23.92±1.66 years and weight 73.96±12.77 kg) participated in this study. The shooting test was performed by the subjects and divided them into two groups with high and lower shooting scores of 60. Endurance of core stability muscle and static balance measured by core stability exercise and stork test, respectively. Pearson's correlation test and independent-T test were used to analyze data with significant level of 0.05. Results: Test results showed a significant correlation between shooting scores and core stability muscle endurance (P=0.000, R= 0.661), shooting scores and static balance (P=0.000, R= 0.684), and static balance with core stability muscle endurance (P=0.000, R= 0.718). The independent t-test also showed a significant difference in the core stability muscle endurance and static balance of subjects in two groups (P=0.000). Conclusion: Endurance of core stabilator muscles enhance the balance, and these two factors improve shooting performance. Therefore, it is recommended that these exercises be included in the shooters' physical fitness program.

Background and aims: The "postural control" is one of the important abilities to maintain body balance especially during upright stances which is a basic requirement in human life. The role of proprioception in the ankle joint function is essential to maintain balance and function correctly during gate and upright stances. Fatigue is one of the essential factors disrupting the proprioception. The purpose of the present study was to compare effective interventions on plantar and ankle proprioception in balance control with and without fatigue. Methods: Twenty female college students participated in this study. The participants taped the ankle or wore three types of insoles (i.e., normal, 10-degree lateral, and medial wedge) before and after using a fatigue protocol with and without visual information. Their static and dynamic balance was evaluated by the Biodex Balance System (BBS). Data analysis was performed employing the SPSS software. Besides, the significance level was considered at 0.05. Results: The results indicated that application of wedge insoles was associated with a significant reduction of postural sway during static balance position. In addition, the 10-degree lateral wedge insole had a greater effect for improving the balance of non-visual position after using the fatigue protocol. However, there were no significant differences between taping and insole types regarding improving the dynamic balance. Conclusion: Generally, it was inferred that wedge insoles could be used to improve the static balance with and without fatigue. However, Kinesio tape had no effect on static balance. Moreover, results regarding the effectiveness of the studied interventions in relation to the dynamic balance improvement were not significant.

Objective: Deafness, not only negatively affect communication, but also is associated with other physical disorders such as impaired balance and cognitive function. The evaluation of balance and cognitive function in deaf people has been considered in a few studies, but less studies have investigated the relationship between these two factors. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between cognitive function and balance performance in deaf and normal-hearing subjects. Methods: Participants were 39 deaf students and 40 normal hearing students (controls) recruited from exceptional schools in Hamedan, Iran. Their cognitive function was measured by Flanker task, continuous performance test and Stroop Task. Their balance was measured by the Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS software using Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests considering the significance level of P

Objective control dysfunction is a serious problem in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). This study aimed to investigate the impact of different intensities, harsh reliance of auditory stimulation on static balance in 5-12 years old children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Materials & Methods This analytical descriptive study, twenty 5-12 years old children (8 boys and 12 girls, Mean±SD age: 7.10±2.03 y) with cerebral palsy participated. They were selected by the convenience sampling method. Children with CP were included in the study if they had bilateral spastic CP (diagnosed by neurologist), aged 5 to 12 years, had level I and II CP according to Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), could stand independently without any support for at least 30 seconds, had no history of surgical treatment or received injection of botulinum toxin within six months prior to the study and not a candidate for such, got scores between 1 to 3 according to Modified Ashworth Scales (MAS) in plantar flexors, and understood verbal comments. They were excluded from the study if they had vision or hearing impairments and uncontrolled epilepsy. Modified Ashworth Scales, Force Plate (during eyes open) and SPARCLE questionnaire were employed to assess muscle tone, static balance, and cognition level, respectively. The central of mass signals were collected at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz, over a period of 30 seconds using a single piezoelectric force platform (Model 9286; Kisler, Switzerland, Bioware 4-0-12). All participants were tested in standing position with eyes opened. The participants stood independently, with bare feet, on the markers in the center of the platform with arms at the sides, while looking straight ahead at the spot in front of them. The participants listened to impure auditory stimulation with harsh and low high intensity on a hard surface and soft force plate for three times. The four tasks were 1. Standing on soft surface while listening to impure auditory stimulation with harsh high intensity; 2. Standing on soft surface while listening to impure auditory stimulation with harsh low intensity; 3. Standing on hard surface while listening to impure auditory stimulation with harsh low intensity; and 4. Standing on hard surface while listening to impure auditory stimulation with harsh high intensity. Between the tasks, a break was provided during which they could rest on the chair for at least 5 minutes. Then the process repeated with auditory stimulation harsh low intensity. The average results across the three times were calculated for each participant. The data were filtered and anterior-posterior, phase plane portrait rate and velocity were measured with MATLAB (R2010a). Data normality distribution was tested using Shapiro-Wilk test which revealed the normality in distribution of the data (P

The aim of study was to investigate the static and dynamic balance performance after different intensity and duration of running. Fifteen male football player (a=21.6 ± 0.9 y, h=172.4 ± 6.1 cm, w=68.4 ± 6.7 kg) participated. Conconi test on treadmill and variables of different exercises (Aerobic, Anaerobic, Mixed, Prolonged Intermittent and Super Maximal Intermittent) were measured. Then before and after each exercise participants did Y balance test (YBT), balance error scoring system (BESS), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Repeated measure ANOVA was used to data analysis. Results showed no significant difference in double leg position on firm surface after various exercises (p

Background and Aim: LBP is one of the most important health problems and the main cause of people's disability in most countries that has reached a stage of the epidemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of six-weeks aquatic exercise on pain, disability, static balance and function of the trunk and pelvic girdle muscles in women with chronic low back pain. Methods: The statistical population of this study were selected among 20 to 40 year old woman who referred to orthopedic clinics in Hamadan. This is a semi-experimental research. A total of 24 female patients with chronic low back pain were involved in the study and randomly were divided into two groups of 12 individuals: experimental and control groups. The tools for measuring the data were 2 standard questionnaires including Quebec Pain and Oswestry Disability, and also Stork Equilibrium, Seats Up Test, Sorensen Test, and Scott Test. The experimental group performed a six-week training protocol (three sessions per week), and during this period, the control group did not perform any practice. Evaluation and measurements were performed before and after the intervention. In order to analyze the data, using SPSS 19, dependent and independent t-test were used at a significant level of 0.05. Results: The results of t-test showed that the experimental group had significantly improved dependent variables (p

Aims: Exercise therapy intervening methods are used by physical medicine and rehabilitation therapists to increase the capability to keep balance and independent functioning in the lower limb amputees. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the selective balance program on postural control in the lower limb amputees under manipulation of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive sensory systems. Materials & Methods: In the semi-experimental study, 14 amputees with under the knee amputation referred to Tehran Red Crescent Rehabilitation Center were studied in …. The subjects selected via available sampling method were divided into two 7-person groups including “control” and “selective postural” groups. Sensory organization test was used to assess postural control and balance of the subjects by computerized dynamic posturography system. Data was analyzed by SPSS 19 software using composed factor ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni post-hoc test. Findings: There was an increase in the balance and postural control in the posttest step in exercise therapy group than control group. In the posttest step in postural group, alignment and strategy scores of the first (presence of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive senses) and the second (elimination of vision and manipulation of vestibular and proprioceptive senses) situations were higher than other situations, while the score of displacement of the center of gravity in the mentioned situations was less than other situations. In the posttest step in postural group, postural and strategy scores and the score of displacement of the center of gravity in the sixth (manipulation of vestibular and proprioceptive senses) situation were less and higher than other situations, respectively. Conclusion: A course of selective exercise therapy program leads to a reduction in the displacement amplitude and an enhancement in alignment, as well as an increase in strategy, in persons with under the knee amputation, showing increases in balance and postural control.