Browsing by Author "Silva, Sara Isabel Gomes"
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- Immediate effects of a single trampoline session on balance, postural control, gait, and muscle function in older adults : a pilot studyPublication . Silva, Sara Isabel Gomes; Godinho, Catarina Afonso; Correia, José PedroThe aging process is associated to declines in balance, postural control, gait, and neuromuscular function, increasing the risk of falls among older adults. This pilot study investigated the immediate effects of a single trampoline training session on these variables in older adults. Twenty-two participants (65-85 years old) underwent assessments, including the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), Five times Sit-to-Stand (5xSTS), and postural control tests, before training, after warm-up, and after trampoline training. Surface electromyography (sEMG) and force platform (FP) data were also analyzed to evaluate functional mobility, muscle activation patterns, motor control, and balance. The results demonstrated significant improvements in TUG score (p < 0.001), with enhanced neuromuscular activation in the vastus lateralis (p = 0.005), biceps femoris (p = 0.037), and lateral gastrocnemius (p = 0.041) during dynamic tasks. These findings highlight the potential of trampoline training to enhance mobility and neuromuscular responsiveness. However, no significant changes were observed in static postural control measures, indicating the need for more prolonged or frequent sessions to affect these parameters. This study concludes that trampoline training could be a safe and feasible intervention option for improving functional mobility and neuromuscular performance in older adults. Its incorporation into fall prevention programs holds promise for promoting healthy aging. Future research should explore long-term effects, optimal training protocols, and broader applications in community and clinical settings.