Multidimensional Predictors of Balance in Healthy Young Adults

Determinants of Static and Dynamic Balance in Healthy Young Adults: A Multidimensional Observational Study

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.

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