STABILOMETRY OF THE FLAMINGO BALANCE TEST

Abstract

INTRODUCTION - The Flamingo balance test achieves the requirements of simplicity, low cost and it is capable for mass investigations. In this test the subject is standing on his preferred foot, bends his free leg backwards and grips the back of the foot with hand on the same side, standing like a flamingo. The aim of this work was to characterise the Flamingo test using electronic stabilometry equipment, recording stabilograms, time functions in frontal and sagittal directions, as well as Fourier spec-tra, while solving this test. SUBJECTS AND METHODS - Ten physical education major university students I aged 21-23 years I took part in the investigation. We used "Adam-type" stabilometer for the measurements and a rotating chair for vestibular stimulation of the subject. The measurements started with testing in Romberg position, with opened and closed eyes. After these tests the subjects were rotated 10 times I n = 40 r.p.m. I and the investigations have been continued with Romberg and Flamingo tests. RESULTS - Figures demonstrate the stabilogram of the Flamingo test with time functions and Fourier spectra, with quasi-losing of the balance IN of Subject: 101. Excerpts of results, using the characterising radius of stabilogram: Romberg tests before rotating: R = 6.5 mm /opened eyes/, R = 10.1 mm /closed eyes/ . after rotating: R = 12 mm /closed eyes/, R = 6.5 mm /opened eyes/. Flamingo test R = 11.2 mm /opened eyes/We found significant correlation between the Romberg test data /after rotating1 and the Flamingo test: r = 0.811. CONCLUSION In summary, the results suggest the improving effect of the vestibular training on the balance of sport students and the applicability of the Flamingo test, completed with electronic stabilometry methods.