Comparison between Physical Activity Levels and Dynamic Balance within a College- aged Population

Margaret Poyser
Dr. Jerry L. Mayhew , Faculty Mentor

The purpose of this study was to compare levels of weekly physical activity and dynamic balance. Physical activity levels were collected via self-report from 60 participants that were categorized based on population distribution.  Participants completed a familiarization practice maze control test on a BioDex BioSway before completing a limits-of-stability test.  The tests consisted of three trials where participants moved their center of mass both within and slightly out of their base of support to complete a pattern similar to one variation of the Fitts test. Average trial time, average trial score, and overall directional control were analyzed among all four categories. Results indicated a significant difference between groups for both average trial scores(p=0.013) and overall directional control (p=0.020). This study indicated that there is a significant difference between levels of weekly physical activity and dynamic balance within the college population.

Keywords: BioDex, physical activity, dynamic balance, Fitts test , directional control

Topic(s):Exercise Science

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA