Effects of sema activity on static and dynamic balances and performance

ABSTRACT

Balance involves interpreting sensory impulses and coordinated movements to maintain posture. While activities like ballet improve balance, little is known about Sema’s impact. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of rhythmic Sema activity on both static and dynamic balance, as well as the performance of whirling dervishes (semazens). Thirty whirling dervishes (29.67 ± 8.02 years) with a minimum of 3 years of experience, and 30 individuals without prior Sema activity experience (28.53 ± 6.56 years) were included. Static balance and dynamic balance were assessed using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), respectively. Performance evaluations included vertical jumping, standing long jump, and single-leg hop tests. It was observed that the whirling dervishes performed better, particularly in terms of single-leg on a foam surface static balance (BESS). However, dynamic balance scores (SEBT), with the exception of the anterior and posterior directions and composite values, were better in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in the outcomes of performance tests. The findings suggest that Sema activity may yield positive effects primarily on static balance rather than dynamic balance.

KEYWORDS:

• Dynamic balance
• performance
• Sema
• static balance
• whirling dervish

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all participants who contributed to the evaluations.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethics committee

Gazi University Non-Invasive Clinical Research Ethics Committee approved the study (#25901600–537).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Esra Keskin

Esra Keskin working as a physiotherapist in Turkey. I completed my undergraduate education at Dokuz Eylül University in 2011, my master’s degree at Gazi University in 2016, and my doctoral education in general physiotherapy at Hacettepe University in 2023. After working for 5 years in the clinical setting in the field of pediatrics, I transitioned to academia and currently serve as an assistant professor at Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University. Pediatric rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, lymphedema and physiotherapy, Pilates, Yoga, and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization are among my areas of interest and expertise.

Saliha Karatay

Saliha Karatay graduated from Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine in 1996 and obtained my specialization in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2000. I began my academic career at Atatürk University, Faculty of Medicine, and served in various institutions. I earned the title of Professor in 2011. My areas of interest include Algology, acupuncture, and complementary medicine.