Greve J, Alonso A, Bordini ACPG, Camanho, GL. Correlation between body mass index and postural balance. Clinics. 2007;62(6):717-20. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and postural balance in unipodal support. METHOD: 40 males, age 26 ± 5 yrs, body mass 72.3 ± 11 kg, height 176 ± 6 cm and BMI 23.3 ± 3.2 kg/m 2 , were submitted to functional stability tests using the Biodex ® Balance System (stability evaluation protocol level 2, which allows an inclination of up to 20° in the horizontal plane in all directions) to compare stability with BMI. RESULTS: The general stability index showed a correlation between BMI and postural balance -measured as imbalance (R= 0.723-dominant side and R=0.705-non-dominant side). The anteroposterior stability index -measured as instability -showed correlations on the dominant (R= 0.708) and non-dominant side (R=0.656). Lateral instability showed a correlation on the dominant side (R=0.721) and non-dominant side (R=0.728). The comparison of the balance indexes for dominant and non-dominant sides showed no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: High BMI demands more displacements to maintain postural balance.

There were no significant differences between the KATG and CPTG; both interventions provided positive effects on PC, gait, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cognition of the elderly.

OBJECTIVE:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of anthropometric characteristics and gender on postural balance in adults. One hundred individuals were examined (50 males, 50 females; age range 20-40 years).METHODS:The following body composition measurements were collected (using bone densitometry measurements): fat percentage (% fat), tissue (g), fat (g), lean mass (g), bone mineral content (g), and bone mineral density (g/cm2). In addition, the following anthropometric measurements were collected: body mass (kg), height (cm), length of the trunk-cephalic region (cm), length of the lower limbs (cm) and length of the upper limbs (cm). The following indices were calculated: body mass index (kg/m2), waist-hip ratio and the support base (cm2). Also, a postural balance test was performed using posturography variables with open and closed eyes.RESULTS:The analysis revealed poor correlations between postural balance and the anthropometric variables. A multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the whole group (female and male) height explained 12% of the medial-lateral displacement, 10% of the speed of oscillation, and 11% of the displacement area. The length of the trunk-cephalic length explained 6% of the displacement in the anteroposterior direction. With eyes closed, the support base and height explained 18% of the medial displacement, and the lateral height explained 10% of the displacement speed and 5% of the scroll area.CONCLUSION:Measured using posturography, the postural balance was only slightly influenced by the anthropometric variables, both with open and closed eyes. Height was the anthropometric variable that most influenced postural balance, both in the whole group and separately for each gender. Postural balance was more influenced by anthropometric factors in males than females.

Exergames have already been used as therapeutic tools to enhance both physical and cognitive functions in older adults. Aim To evaluate the effects of a Kinect‐based physical activity program on the quality of life, depression, functional fitness and body composition in institutionalized older adults. Methods A total of 50 older adults aged >60 years were selected and randomized to a control and video game group. Body composition was determined by means of anthropometric measurements. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL‐BREF questionnaire, and depression was classified using the Beck Depression inventory. Functional fitness was assessed using the Arm Curl, Chair Stand, 8‐foot up‐and‐go, sit and reach, and the aerobic endurance test. Results After 12 weeks of protocol, we observed a significant improvement in all functional fitness parameters. Conclusions Our findings suggest that a Kinect‐based physical activity program seems to positively impact the three domains related to quality of life and directly associated with age (physical, social and psychological domains), and to promote a more active lifestyle in institutions housing older individuals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.

Alonso AC, D'Andréa Greve JM, Camanho GL. Evaluating the center of gravity of dislocations in soccer players with and without reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using a balance platform. Clinics. 2009;64(3):163-70. OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study was to compare the dislocation of the center of gravity and postural balance in sedentary and recreational soccer players with and without anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the Biodex Balance System (BBS). METHOD: Sixty-four subjects were divided into three groups: a) soccer players who were post-anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; b) soccer players with no anterior cruciate ligament injuries; and c) sedentary subjects. The subjects were submitted to functional stability tests using the Biodex Balance System. The instability protocols used were level eight (more stable) and level two (less stable). Three stability indexes were calculated: the anteroposterior stability index, the mediolateral stability index, and the general stability index. RESULTS: Postural balance (dislocation) on the reconstructed side of the athletes was worse than on the side that had not undergone reconstruction. The postural balance of the sedentary group was dislocated less on both sides than the reconstructed knees of the athletes without anterior cruciate ligament injuries. There were no differences in postural balance with relation to left/right dominance for the uninjured athletes and the sedentary individuals. CONCLUSION: The dislocation of the center of gravity and change in postural balance in sedentary individuals and on the operated limb of Surgery Group are less marked than in the soccer players from the Non Surgery Group and on the non-operated limbs. The dislocation of the center of gravity and the change in postural balance from the operated limb of the soccer players is less marked than in their non-operated limbs.