Does Balance Fluctuates Depending on Leg Dominance? A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Falls due to altered balance are a worldwide health issue. Various components are involved in maintaining postural stability, such as the base of support, integration of sensory information, and the ability of the body to adapt to perturbations. Understanding balance strategies and components is imperative for rehabilitation when stability is affected. Purpose: This study aimed to characterize the balance distinction between left and right leg dominance and identify postural adaptations during left and right rotations in young healthy adults. Method: This study assessed single-leg stance on a firm surface, clockwise (right), and counterclockwise (left) rotation on a balance board with a fixed middle fulcrum on 70 health young adults participants, 7 males and 63 females aged 25 ± 4.66 SD (37 left leg dominant and 32 right leg dominant). Accelerometer and gyroscope sensors were used to capture the total sway area, medial-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) directions, velocities, and distances. Results: The MANOVA revealed similarities in the left and right single stance balance. The comparison of clockwise rotations versus counterclockwise rotations showed a significant increase in sway and distance in the anteroposterior (AP) direction while rotating towards the left or CCW (P<0.05). The comparison of right-leg dominant versus left-leg dominant during CW rotation revealed a significantly increased sway and distance of sway in the ML direction (P<0.05) for individuals with right-leg dominance when compared to their left-leg dominant counterparts during CW rotations. Conclusion: The current study found distinctions in balance adaptation or changes within the central nervous system to compensate for an increase in sway during counterclockwise rotation. Furthermore, individuals with right leg dominance had increased difficulty in maintaining stable sway during clockwise rotational movements. Clinicians should consider examining rotational adaptations or one’s ability to make alterations within the central nervous system during rotational movements to maintain the center of mass within the base of support in balance activities which compromise postural control.