Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2026)                   J Sport Biomech 2026, 12(2): 338-356 | Back to browse issues page

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Mahdizadeh A, Sadeghi H, Tehrani P. Effects of Aquatic Balance–Strength Training on Direction‑Specific Changes in Center of Pressure Velocity and Displacement Amplitude in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis. J Sport Biomech 2026; 12 (2) :338-356
URL: http://biomechanics.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-494-en.html
Effects of Aquatic Balance–Strength Training on Direction‑Specific Changes in Center of Pressure Velocity and Displacement Amplitude in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis
Ava Mahdizadeh1 , Heydar Sadeghi *2 , Pedram Tehrani3
1- Department of Sports Biomechanics, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Sport Biomechanics and Injuries, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Kharazmi University Tehran, Iran. & Department of Sport Biomechanics and Rehabilitation, Kinesiology Research Center, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
3- Department of Mechanical Engineering, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:   (52 Views)
Objective This study aimed to determine the effect of a structured aquatic balance–strength training program on anteroposterior and mediolateral center of pressure (COP) velocity and displacement in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
Methods In this randomized quasi-experimental study, 24 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were randomly allocated to either an experimental or control group. The experimental group completed a 12-week aquatic balance–strength training program. Postural control was assessed using a Kistler force plate (Model 9260AA6) by calculating COP mean velocity and displacement amplitude in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions during four standing tasks: (1) bipedal stance with eyes open, (2) bipedal stance with eyes closed, (3) semi-tandem stance with eyes open, and (4) semi-tandem stance with eyes closed. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS (version 21), with the significance level set at 0.05.
Results After adjustment for baseline values using ANCOVA, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in COP mean velocity and displacement amplitude in both directions compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Pre- to post-test change scores further confirmed that these improvements occurred exclusively in the training group, whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. Improvements were particularly pronounced in the anteroposterior direction and under more challenging stance conditions, such as reduced base of support or eyes-closed tasks.
Conclusion Aquatic balance–strength training significantly enhances postural control in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis by improving anteroposterior and mediolateral COP measures. Longitudinal studies with extended follow-up periods are needed to determine the persistence of these adaptations.
Keywords: Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal women, Aquatic exercise, Center of pressure, Postural control
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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2026/01/4 | Accepted: 2026/02/15 | Published: 2026/02/17
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