Balance and posture: effects of proprioceptive training on a group of sedentary people

Abstract Objectives: The object of this study was to evaluate the effects of proprioceptive exercises on the parameters associated with stability and posture and how these changes following the stress offered by a proprioceptive insole, placed under the plantar surface during the evaluation tests in pre (T0) and post- training (T1). Data sources: Participants was 19 sedentary subjects (aged 31.4±3.6) divided in experimental group (EG = 4 males and 6 females) and control group (CG = 3 males and 6 females). The first (EG) performed a proprioceptive training for the system podalic; the second (CG) performed only postural exercises. The training was done daily by the subjects, for a duration of 10 weeks. The stabilometric parameters taken into consideration for our study were: Xmoyen/Ymoyen, Surface, VarVit, AVG/TALG, AVD/TALD, IVV, ROMBERG as they are variables that allow an immediate interpretation of a person's stability. Results: The t-test in the experimental group (open eyes) with the insole, showed statistical significance in the VarVit parameter (p =.03 - r =.94); with eyes closed, the significance was found in the parameter surface (p =.01 - r =.7) with a further reduction of the variation in velocity/VarVit (p =.07 - r =.6). The control group significantly improved the speed-variance/VarVit in closedeyes at dynamic mode (p=.04 - r =.06). Main results: The results of this study indicate that "stresses" provided represent a type of activity capable of effectively activating the proprioceptive control aimed at reducing disequilibrium. Conclusions: The results of this study show that the solicitations provided through proprioceptive training represent a type of activity capable of effectively activating proprioceptive control with the aim of reducing the imbalance.