Selected anthropometrics, spinal posture, and trunk muscle endurance as correlated factors of static balance among adolescent and young adult males

Objectives
This study aims to investigate the possible relationship of selected anthropometric variables, spinal posture, and trunk muscle endurance with static balance among adolescent and young adult males.

Patients and methods
Between April 2014 and June 2014, a total of 153 males (mean age 20 years; range 13 to 25 years) were included in this study.

The anthropometric measures of height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, waist-height ratio, trunk-cephalic height, conicity index, fat mass index, and fat-free mass index were recorded. Thoracic and lumbar curvatures were assessed with flexicurve and the angles calculated in degrees using the formula, 4 actan (2h/L). Trunk flexor and extensor endurance levels were measured with flexor endurance test and Sorenson’s test, respectively. Static balance was assessed using the single-limb stance test.

Results
Among all anthropometric variables measured, a significant correlation was only found between the fat-free mass index and trunk extensor endurance (r=0.175, p=0.033). The trunk flexor and extensor endurance were each significantly correlated with static balance (r=0.359, p=0.000 and r=0.276, p=0.001, respectively). A negative correlation was equally found between thoracic kyphotic angle and trunk flexors endurance (r= -0.233, p=0.004).

Conclusion
Our study results suggest a significant relationship between static balance and each of trunk flexor and extensor endurance, between thoracic kyphotic angle and trunk flexor endurance, and between fat-free mass index and trunk extensor endurance.