Balance training monitoring and individual response during unstable vs. stable balance Exergaming in elderly adults: Findings from a randomized controlled trial

Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) is one of the most common musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Stroboscopic vision (SV) training has been deemed to enhance somatosensorial pathways in this population group; nevertheless, until recently no studies have addressed the additional effects of this treatment option to the traditional therapeutic approach. Methods: To evaluate the effectiveness of a partial visual deprivation training protocol in patients with CAI, a randomized controlled trial was carried out. Patients with CAI (n = 73) were randomized into either a balance training, SV training, or a control (no training) group. For participants assigned into training groups, they received 18 training sessions over 6 weeks. The primary outcome was dynamic balance as measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention. Secondary outcome measures included ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, self-reported instability feeling, and ankle functional status. Results: Better scores in stroboscopic training and balance training groups in all outcome measures were observed in comparison with the control group with moderate to large effect sizes. Stroboscopic training was more effective than neuromuscular training in self-reported instability feeling (cohen’s d = 0.71; p = 0.042) and anterior reach distance of the star excursion balance test (cohen’s d = 1.23; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Preliminary findings from the effects of SV Stroboscopic training in patients with CAI, suggest that SV may be beneficial in CAI rehabilitation.

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Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Combination with Leucine and Vitamin D Benefit Cognition in Frail Elderly Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology ◽

10.3177/jnsv.63.133 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 63 (2) ◽

pp. 133-140 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Sakiko ABE ◽

Osamu EZAKI ◽

Motohisa SUZUKI

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Frail Elderly ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Elderly Adults ◽

Medium Chain Triglycerides ◽

Medium Chain ◽

Randomized Controlled

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Effectiveness of balance training programme in reducing the frequency of falling in established osteoporotic women: a randomized controlled trial

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215516628616 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 31 (2) ◽

pp. 217-224 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Ibolya Mikó ◽

Imre Szerb ◽

Anna Szerb ◽

Gyula Poor

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Balance Training ◽

Training Programme ◽

Exercise Programme ◽

Berg Balance Scale ◽

Control Group ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Randomized Controlled

Objective: To investigate the effect of a 12-month sensomotor balance exercise programme on postural control and the frequency of falling in women with established osteoporosis. Design: Randomized controlled trial where the intervention group was assigned the 12-month Balance Training Programme and the control group did not undertake any intervention beyond regular osteoporosis treatment. Subjects: A total of 100 osteoporotic women – at least with one osteoporotic fracture – aged 65 years old and above. Main measures: Balance was assessed in static and dynamic posture both with performance-based measures of balance, such as the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test, and with a stabilometric computerized platform. Interventions: Patients in the intervention group completed the 12-month sensomotor Balance Training Programme in an outpatient setting, guided by physical therapists, three times a week, for 30 minutes. Results: The Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test showed a statistically significant improvement of balance in the intervention group ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Balance tests using the stabilometer also showed a statistically significant improvement in static and dynamic postural balance for osteoporotic women after the completion of the Balance Training Programme. As a consequence, the one-year exercise programme significantly decreased the number of falls in the exercise group compared with the control group. Conclusion: The Balance Training Programme significantly improved the balance parameters and reduced the number of falls in postmenopausal women who have already had at least one fracture in the past.

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