Skip to main content
Article
Effect of aquatic immersion on static balance
International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education
  • Talin J. Louder, Utah State University
  • Eadric Bressel, Utah State University
  • Matt Baldwin, Utah State University
  • Dennis G. Dolny, Utah State University
  • Richard D. Gordin, Utah State University
  • Andrew Miller, Arizona State University
Document Type
Article
Publisher
Human Kinetics
Publication Date
2-1-2014
Disciplines
Abstract

The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess measures of static balance and limits of stability (LOS) in an aquatic environment compared with on land. Fifteen healthy, young adults (23 ± 2 years) performed 90 s static balance trials on land and aquatic immersion at two different depths. Center of pressure 95% ellipse area and mean velocity were computed from the force data. In addition, participants completed a visual analog scale (VAS) of perceived stability for each environmental condition. Following the static balance trials, participants performed anterior-posterior and medial-lateral LOS assessments. When participants performed a quiet double-leg stance task, postural sway and sway velocity increased and perceived stability decreased when the task was performed in water than on land (p < .05). In addition, participants achieved greater center of pressure (CoP) maximum excursions in the water compared with on land (p < .05).

Citation Information
Louder, T., Bressel, E., Baldwin, M., Dolny, D., Gordin, R., and Miller, A. (2014). Effect of aquatic immersion on static balance. International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, 8, 53-65.