Didactics for Enhancing Balance in Adolescents: Core and Centering

Authors: A. Fogliata, L. Martiniello, A. Ambretti

Abstract:

The significance of balance and stability in physical education among adolescents is well-established. This study aims to assess the efficacy of centering, which employs intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in line with the Sincrony Method, in optimizing balance and reducing perceived stress. A 6-week intervention was conducted on a sample of adolescents, divided into a control group and an experimental group that incorporated the centering into their physical education program. The Stork Balance Test and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used to measure changes. Findings revealed a significant enhancement in the balance of both the dominant and non-dominant limbs in the experimental group compared to the control group. Moreover, the PSS test indicated a reduction in perceived stress within the experimental group. Integrating the centering technique into physical education programs can lead to substantial improvements in adolescents' balance and stability, in addition to a reduction in perceived stress levels. These findings suggest the need for further research on broader populations to solidify these pivotal outcomes.

Keywords: Adolescents, physical education, balance, centering, intra-abdominal pressure.

References:

[1] Page, P. (2012). Current concepts in muscle stretching for exercise and rehabilitation. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 7(1), 109-119.
[2] Li, W. (2023). Abdominal core strength training in young students. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 29(1). https://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1517-8692202329012022_0584.
[3] De Bernardi F, Fogliata A, Garassino A. (2024) Multifunctional role of the diaphragm: biomechanical analysis and new perspectives MOJ Sports Medicine, DOI:10.15406/mojsm.2024.07.00155.
[4] De Bernardi F, (2008) Sincrony movement education. Red Edition.
[5] Cohen, S., Kamarck, T., & Mermelstein, R. (1983). A global measure of perceived stress. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 24(4), 385-396. https://doi.org/10.2307/2136404.
[6] Dahab, K. S., & McCambridge, T. M. (2009). Strength training in children and adolescents: raising the bar for young athletes?. Sports health, 1(3), 223–226. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738109334215.
[7] Malina, R. M., Bouchard, C., & Bar-Or, O. (2004). Growth, Maturation, and Physical Activity. Human Kinetics.
[8] Pan, J., & Wei, M. (2022). Scientific physical core strength training of adolescent group. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 28(3). https://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1517-8692202228032021_0470.
[9] Ryan L, Maharjan J, Mataraso S, Barnes G, Hoffman J, Mao Q, Calvert J, Das R (2022). Predicting pulmonary embolism among hospitalized patients with machine learning algorithms. Pulm Circ. Jan 11;12(1):e12013. doi: 10.1002/pul2.12013. PMID: 35506114; PMCID: PMC9052977.
[10] Craig, C. L., Marshall, A. L., Sjöström, M., Bauman, A. E., Booth, M. L., Ainsworth, B. E., ... & Oja, P. (2003). International physical activity questionnaire: 12-country reliability and validity. Medicine & science in sports & exercise, 35(8), 1381-1395.
[11] Rivera-Lebron B, McDaniel M, Ahrar K, et al. Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow Up of Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Consensus Practice from the PERT Consortium. Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis. 2019;25. doi:10.1177/1076029619853037 https://doi.org/10.1177/1076029619853037.
[12] Marrella, G. (2023). Exploring Women’s Psychological and Emotional Experiences in Long-Term Strength Training Adherence. American Journal of Health Education. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2023.2277934.
[13] Li Ting, T., & Xu Shaohua, S. (2015). Benefits and Risks of Adolescent Strength Training. Proceedings of the 2015 International Conference on Kinematics, Mechanics of Equipment and Structures. https://dx.doi.org/10.2991/KAM-15.2015.78.
[14] O’Connor, P., Herring, M. P., & Caravalho, A. (2010). Mental Health Benefits of Strength Training in Adults. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 4(5), 377-396. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1559827610368771.
[15] Baik, S., Kim, S., & Lee, J. H. (2023). A scoping review of the different types of exercise programs proposed for the improvement of postural balance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. https://dx.doi.org/10.3233/bmr-220391.
[16] Fariz, B., & Bülent, B. (2016). P-83 The investigation of effect of balance and strength exercises on knee proprioception in young adolescents. British Journal of Sports Medicine. https://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097120.136.
[17] Kallianta, M., Katsira, X. E., Tsitsika, A., Vlachakis, D., Chrousos, G., Darviri, C., & Bacopoulou, F. (2021). Stress management intervention to enhance adolescent resilience: a randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Pediatrics, 26(1). https://dx.doi.org/10.14806/ej.26.1.967.
[18] Strohmeyer, H. S., & Eckrich, J. (Year). Effects of sitting versus standing after an active warm-up on vertical jump performance. The Sport Journal, 24. SSN: 1543-9518.
[19] Xiong, J., Hai, M., Wang, J., Li, Y., & Jiang, G. (2020). Cumulative risk and mental health in Chinese adolescents: The moderating role of psychological capital. School Psychology International, 41(5), 482-499. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143034320934524
[20] Hankin, B. L., Mermelstein, R., & Roesch, L. (2007). Sex differences in adolescent depression: Stress exposure and reactivity models. Child Development, 78(1), 279-295.
[21] Budrienė, L., & Gudaitė, G. (2022). The Effect of Different Physiotherapy Programs on Pain, Balance and Trunk Functional Capacity in Adolescents with Low Back Pain. Rehabilitation Sciences. https://dx.doi.org/10.33607/rmske.v1i26.1184.
[22] Zisopoulou, T., & Varvogli, L. (2022). Stress Management Methods in Children and Adolescents: Past, Present, and Future. International Journal of Mental Health. https://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000526946
[23] Hibbs, A. E., Thompson, K. G., French, D., Wrigley, A., & Spears, I. (2008). Optimizing performance by improving core stability and core strength. Sports Medicine, 38(12), 995-1008. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200838120-00004
[24] Ayala, F., Sainz de Baranda, P., De Ste Croix, M., & Santonja, F. (2012). Reproducibility of the Stork Balance Stand Test and relationship to hip and thigh muscle flexibility in healthy adolescent males. Journal of Athletic Training, 47(4), 377-383. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-47.4.05.
[25] Noor, K., Ahsan, M. A., Bibi, S., & Mumtaz, T. (2023). The Effectiveness of Aquatic Exercises in Improving Balance and Gait in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences. https://dx.doi.org/10.53350/pjmhs2023176416
[26] Comfort, P., & Kasim, P. (2007). Optimizing squat technique. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 29(6), 10-13. https://doi.org/10.1519/00126548-200712000-00001.
[27] Wang, M.-T., Toro, J., Scanlon, C. L., Schall, J. D.,Zhang, A. L., Belmont, A. M., Voltin, S. E., & Plevniak, K. A. (2021). The roles of stress, coping, and parental support in adolescent psychological well-being in the context of COVID-19: A daily-diary study. Journal of Affective Disorders. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.06.082.