Preliminary reference data on balance and associated influencing factors in healthy young adults

A.P. Martínez Riera, N. Pérez Mallada, M.J. Martínez Beltrán

Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Vol. 5, nº. 2, pp. 1 - 15

Summary:

Aim: This study aims to provide preliminary reference balance values for young adults and examine factors influencing balance, addressing the lack of research in this age group, using the Zebris FDM-S pressure platform.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 28 healthy adults aged 18 to 30 years. Balance-related measurements and weight distribution were assessed in bipodal and single-leg stances with eyes open and closed. Preliminary reference values were obtained through descriptive analysis, and comparisons were performed using non-parametric statistical tests, considering sex, dominance, and knee alignment
Results: Women demonstrated greater control during single-leg balance, lower-limb dominance does not affect balance performance during single-leg stance, whether with eyes open or closed. A non-neutral knee alignment (varus or valgus) appears to alter anterior–posterior weight distribution during bipodal stance with eyes closed. Knee alignment, whether varus or valgus, influenced the anterior-posterior weight distribution during bipodal stance. The preliminary reference data obtained may serve as an initial benchmark for injury prevention and post-injury evaluation, diagnosis. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution until they are confirmed in larger samples.
Conclusion: Women demonstrate greater stability during single-leg stance with eyes open. Lower-limb dominance does not appear to affect balance performance in single-leg stance. Varus and valgus alignment seem to alter anterior–posterior weight distribution during bipodal stance with eyes closed.

Keywords: balance; force platform; reference values; postural control

DOI reference: https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.5.2.238

Published on paper: December 2026.

Published on-line: July 2026.

Citation:
A.P. Martínez Riera, N. Pérez Mallada, M.J. Martínez Beltrán, "Preliminary reference data on balance and associated influencing factors in healthy young adults", Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Vol. 5, nº. 2, pp. 1 - 15, December 2026. [Online: July 2026] doi: 10.33700/jhrs.5.2.238