Santrauka

The aim of the research is to define and assess the isometric balance of forces of separate muscle groups of persons with visual impairments and its dependence on physical activity.In the research 38 respondents participated voluntarily: the respondents having moderate degree of acquired visual impairment (severe eye weakness) (n = 15) and the respondents without visual impairments (n = 23). The age of the respondents was 18 - 69 years.The research was performed in 2010-2011. The methods of the research: testing with the diagnostic equipment “Back – Check”, by which the isometric balance of forces of separate muscle groups (flexors/extensors, lateral (left/right)) has been evaluated and survey using International Physical Activity Questionnaire, by which the level of the respondents’ physical activity has been measured. The results of testing have been processed, assessed and compared with referential data with Dr. Wolff “Back – Check” software. The results have been analyzed according to individual parameters of every respondent: age, gender, weight, height.Having performed the research it has become clear that the differences in evaluations of the isometric balance between different research groups and separate muscle groups and of the isometric balance of forces and different levels of physical activity of persons with visual impairments are not statistically significant.

<p>The Achilles tendon is the thickest and the strongest tendon in the human body. Many studies, investigating biomechanical properties of plantar flexors muscle-tendon unit after ATR surgery, reported an incomplete calf muscle contractile functional recovery. However, these studies only investigated the plantar flexors muscle function failing to provide information about the adaptive changes in motor strategy. In fact, the development of adaptive changes in motor strategies, due to both mechanical and neural factors, may result in pathological musculoskeletal conditions over the long term. Understanding physiological calf muscle changes due to long-term immobilization may help prevent Achilles tendon re-rupture cases.</p>

The present research has been based on the case study. The changes of balance in trunk muscles, body mobility were evaluated during the hippotherapy sessions. During hypotherapy activities such as touching various parts of the horse’s body (e.g. the neck, flank, back) or reaching for an object (e.g. ball or ring), which involves crossing the midline while maintaining appropriate balance and posture are performed. Positive results were set up in isometric grip strength accordingly in right and in left hands 47 and 2 % and functional mobility in 50%. We found out greater EMG of RA, EO, LT and MF muscles in right vs left side during walking, and RA, LT during riding. We presume that increased grasping muscle strength is related with the increased trunk muscle strength and increased ability to maintain upright position