Multidimensional Predictors of Balance in Healthy Young Adults

Akdeniz University119 enrolled

Overview

Brief Summary (for ClinicalTrials.gov) This cross-sectional observational study aims to identify independent determinants of static and dynamic balance in healthy young adults using a multidimensional assessment framework. A total of 119 healthy participants (mean age 22.6 ± 1.5 years; 61.3% female) completed standardized static balance tests (Stork Balance Test and Tandem Stance Test under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions) and a dynamic balance test (Y-Balance Test for right and left limbs). Candidate explanatory factors include foot posture (Foot Posture Index-6), body composition assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis, general muscle strength (dominant hand grip strength), weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (knee-to-wall/weight-bearing lunge test), functional lower-limb strength (30-second sit-to-stand test), sex, and cognitive performance (Stroop Test Part 5). Multiple linear regression model (enter method) was used to determine which factors independently predict static and dynamic balance outcomes. Findings are expected to clarify which structural, functional, and cognitive variables most strongly contribute to balance performance in healthy young adults, informing targeted assessment and prevention strategies.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

119

Conditions

Healthy Adult Balance Assessment

Interventions

Participants completed standardized static balance tests (Stork Balance Test and Tandem Stance Test under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions) and dynamic balance assessments using the Y-Balance Test for both right and left limbs. In addition, the following measurements were obtained: foot posture (Foot Posture Index-6), body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis, general muscle strength (dominant hand grip strength), weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (knee-to-wall/weight-bearing lunge test), functional lower-limb strength (30-second sit-to-stand test), sex, and cognitive performance (Stroop Test Part 5).

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 30 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * age 18-30 years * absence of lower extremity * absence of vestibular pathology * willingness to participate. Exclusion Criteria: * neurological or neuromuscular disorders * leg length discrepancy \>5 mm * visual or auditory impairment * history of middle ear infection in the last 6 months * recent (\<6 months) lower extremity injury * Having a fracture * Having surgery * Having tinnitus * Having a persistent headache * Current use of medications that may influence balance

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Stork Balance Test (Eyes Open and Eyes Closed) Time

Time (seconds) maintained in the Stork Balance Test under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Higher values indicate better static balance.

Time frame: At a single study visit (baseline)

Tandem Stance Test (Eyes Open and Eyes Closed) Time

Time (seconds) maintained in the Tandem Stance Test under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Higher values indicate better static balance.

Time frame: At a single study visit (baseline)

Y-Balance Test Composite Score (Right and Left)

Y-Balance Test composite score (%) for the right and left lower limbs, calculated from reach distances and normalized to limb length. Higher values indicate better dynamic balance.

Time frame: At a single study visit (baseline)

Secondary Outcomes

Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6)

Foot posture assessed using the Foot Posture Index-6. Outcome: total FPI-6 score (-12 to +12), with higher scores indicating a more pronated foot posture.