Influence of sensorimotor test conditions on postural control in healthy individuals with lower-limb immobilization

Aim. This paper aims to identify the characteristics of postural control during sensorimotor tests in both static and dynamic conditions in individuals with lower-limb immobilization. Materials and methods. The study involved fourteen apparently healthy male adolescents. Testing was performed under two conditions: with the knee joint of the dominant leg immobilized and without immobilization. Postural balance was evaluated with the inertial sensor recording acceleration parameters (S, Jerk, Path, Range) in three planes. The cognitive load was implemented through sensorimotor tests (Static Tremorometry, Reaction to a Moving Object, and Discrimination Reaction) under both static (standing) and dynamic (treadmill walking) conditions. Results. Under static conditions, immobilization resulted in a change in postural strategies: under high cognitive load (Static Tremorometry), coarse corrective movements were observed, whereas under moderate load (Reaction to a Moving Object, Discrimination Reaction), rigidity was noted, particularly in the sagittal plane. Under dynamic conditions, the results demonstrated a fundamental deficiency in postural control: stability parameters during walking were significantly lower in the immobilization group even under baseline conditions. The impairment of postural control was evident in all planes, which indicates the inefficacy of compensatory mechanisms and an elevated energy cost of walking. Conclusion. The findings underscore the necessity of incorporating into rehabilitation training programs exercises aimed at developing adaptive balance strategies, particularly under conditions of dynamic load and during the combination of walking and cognitive tasks.