Different Gymnastic Balls Affect Postural Balance Rather Than Core-Muscle Activation: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Background: In proprioceptive training, unstable devices produce multidirectional perturbations that must be counterbalanced by the postural control systems and core-muscle activation. We investigated whether different sizes and shapes of three gymnastic balls could affect core-muscle activation and postural balance when performing the same exercise. Methods: Eleven young healthy subjects were assessed on the balls, assuming two body postures (bipedal seated and unipedal seated) and performing a dynamic exercise. Two balls were spherical with different diameters, and one was ovoid. Postural balance and muscle activation were assessed through center of pressure (CoP)-related parameters and surface electromyography. Results: Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of the gymnastic balls (p < 0.001) and the body postures (p < 0.001) for the CoP-related parameters, with the ovoid shape and the bipedal sitting representing the easiest conditions. Core-muscle activation was affected only by body postures, with a higher activation in the unipedal sitting (p < 0.01). In the dynamic exercise, significant differences were only detected for the CoP-related parameters (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The shapes and sizes of the gymnastic balls produced different degrees of destabilization under the same body posture but left the core-muscle activation unaltered. In the dynamic exercise, the conformation of the balls did not represent the main determinant in producing destabilizing effects.

Mapping the Landscape of Proprioception Research in Gymnastics: A Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review

“…Experts outperformed untrained participants in terms of stability performance, highlighting the importance of experience and sustained training in proprioceptive development. The role of vision on gymnast performance, on the other hand, implies that proprioception alone may not explain for all differences in performance and postural stability, highlighting the intricate interplay of sensory modalities [42][43][44]. The observed shift in center of pressure and pressure distribution beneath the supported foot as a result of unilateral installation of an arch support illustrates the possible significance of external stimuli in changing proprioceptive input.…”

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis in the workplace: The office is on fire

“…Indeed, gymnastic balls with respect to conventional chairs do not provide a stable base of support and thus may require a higher commitment to maintaining the body posture on top ( 97 ). Subjects are constantly constrained to find balance adjustments to maintain their posture ( 98 ). Thus, to preserve an adequate upright posture while sitting on the gymnastic ball, subjects should increase muscles' activation and experience increased heart rate, with a consequent higher metabolic rate ( 56 , 99 ).…”