Investigation of the effects of lower extremity parameters on balance in young individuals

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of various lower extremity parameters on static and dynamic balance in young individuals. In the study, a sociodemographic information form was used to collect demographic data of the participants. A goniometer was used to assess joint range of motion, a muscle length test was employed to evaluate muscle tightness, and the Digital Handheld Dynamometer was used to measure muscle strength. Postural assessment was conducted using the New York Posture Rating Chart. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form) was utilized to determine participants' physical activity levels. The navicular drop test was used to identify the presence and degree of pes planus, and the Foot Posture Index (FPI) was applied to assess foot posture. The Star Excursion Balance Test was used for dynamic balance evaluation, and the Flamingo Balance Test was used for static balance assessment. A total of 50 participants were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22. A significance level of 0.05 was used to interpret whether the findings were statistically significant. A significant relationship was observed between the participants' muscle strength and flexibility values and their balance performance(p<0,05). While a significant relationship was found between the participants' physical activity level, body and foot posture values, and their static balance performance(p<0,05), no significant relationship was observed with their dynamic balance performance(p>0,05). Additionally, no significant relationship was observed between the participants' lower extremity range of motion (ROM) values and their balance performance(p>0,05).