Authors
Kabalkin Artiom, School of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, The Levinsky-Wingate Academic College, Israel
Dunsky Ayelet, School of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, The Levinsky-Wingate Academic College, Israel
International Journal of Exercise Science 19(1): 1-13, 2026.
DOI: 10.70252/IJES2026102
Abstract
Postural instability and impairments in dynamic balance are common in aging populations and are often linked to asymmetries between the supportive and non-supportive limbs. This study investigated the effects of a four- week unilateral posterior- chain resistance training program targeting the non-supportive leg on dynamic and static balance measures in middle-aged, recreationally active adults. Twenty-seven participants (ages 40–56) performed Single-Leg Romanian Deadlifts (SLRD) twice weekly, following a progressive overload model. Balance performance was evaluated using the Y Balance Test (YBT) and the Tetrax posturography at three time points: PRE (familiarization), PRE1 (before intervention), and POST (post-intervention). Initial analysis of the supportive versus non-supportive classification showed no statistically significant improvements in either the trained (non- supportive) leg or the supportive one. However, when analyzed based on left versus right leg performance, the results revealed significant improvements in posterolateral reach in both limbs, indicating direction-specific adaptations and potential bilateral transfer effects. Posterolateral reach improved significantly in both the left leg (p = 0.008, η² = 0.170) and right leg (p = 0.022, η² = 0.137), with no change in static balance. The observed gains in dynamic balance across legs suggest that unilateral posterior-chain training may improve specific components of balance, regardless of limb dominance. Findings support the idea that unilateral posterior-chain exercises can act as perturbation-like stimuli, encouraging neuromuscular adaptations that enhance overall dynamic balance. Additionally, they also highlight the importance of clear methodological approaches to limb classification when analyzing training effects in balance research.
Recommended Citation
Artiom, Kabalkin; Ayelet, Dunsky (2026) “Unilateral Posterior-Chain Training as a Perturbation Strategy for Balance Improvements in Middle-Aged Adults,” International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 19 : Iss. 1, Pages 1-13.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/IJES2026102