Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of daily resistance exercise during bed rest, using a one-foot balance test. Eight healthy subjects were confined to bed for 20 days and physical exercise was restricted to a minimum. Three non-training group subjects remained at a -6 degrees head-down tilt throughout the bed rest period. Five training group subjects also remained at bed rest, except during resistance exercise, which was carried out every morning.
A one-foot balance test was performed immediately prior to and after the bed rest. The subjects were tested six times: three times with eyes open, and three times with eyes closed. Subjects were examined for how many seconds within 60 seconds they could stand on one foot during each visual condition. In the pre-test all subjects could maintain standing for 60 seconds with their eyes open. In the post-test with their eyes closed, none of the controls were able to maintain standing for 60 seconds. Three out of 4 subjects in the training group who could stand for 60 seconds with their eyes open, were also able to stand for 60 seconds with their eyes closed. The results of this study suggest that bed rest effects the ability to use visual information effectively to maintain balance, and that these effects can be countered by a daily exercise program.
