The Effects of Gender and Fatigue on Dynamic Postural Control

Authors:
  • RRRichard H. Robinson
    Richard H. Robinson
  • JHJay Hertel
    Jay Hertel
  • CDCraig R. Denegar
    Craig R. Denegar
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Abstract
Context: Deficits in static postural control related to fatigue have been investigated previously, but there is little evidence to link fatigue to performance measures of dynamic postural control.Objective: To investigate the effects of fatigue and gender on performance measures of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT).Design: Mixed-model design.Setting: Research laboratory.Participants: 16 healthy young adults.Intervention: Subjects performed the SEBT before and after 4 different fatiguing conditions.Main Outcome Measures: The normalized reach distances and sagittal-plane kinematics of the knee and hip were recorded.Results: Fatigue produced deficits in normalized reach distances and decreased knee flexion in all 3 reaching directions. Overall, women were able to reach farther than men while simultaneously demonstrating a greater amount of knee flexion.Conclusions: Gender differences were observed during performance of the SEBT, with women demonstrating greater reach distances and knee flexion, and fatigue amplified these differences.