IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF PROLONGED KNEEL-SITTING ON STATIC AND DYNAMIC BALANCE IN HEALTHY YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Kneel-sitting, including the traditional Seiza posture, is very common in many Asian and Middle Eastern domestic, cultural and occupational situations. Although such positions may facilitate floor level activities, sustained knee flexed positions can influence lower limb circulation, trunk muscle behavior, proprioceptive input and postural responses after such positions. However, evidence regarding their immediate effect on balance in healthy young adults remains scarce.

Objective: To assess the immediate effects of prolonged kneel sitting on static and dynamic balance in healthy young adults.

Methods: A repeated measures experimental study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan; comprising of 30 asymptomatic young adults aged 17-25 years. Participants adopted a kneel sitting posture; similar to traditional Seiza posture; for 30 minutes per day for three consecutive days. Static balance was assessed with the Stork Stand Test (SST) and dynamic balance was assessed with the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in all eight directions for both limbs. Pre and post exposure values were analyzed in SPSS version 21 using paired samples comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: The mean age of participants was 20.53 ± 1.43 years consisting 56.7% of male participants. Static balance improved after kneel sitting position on both the right leg (7.67 ± 4.00s to 10.07 ± 11.00s; p<0.001) and left leg (8.10 ± 7.00s to 11.13 ± 15.00s; p<0.001). On the other hand, dynamic balance results showed a decline across most SEBT directions. The decrease was more consistent and robust on the right side (p < 0.001), whereas the left side also showed significant reductions in multiple directions (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Prolonged kneel sitting appeared to improve static balance modestly while reducing dynamic balance performance significantly