scholarly journals Cortical correlates in upright dynamic and static balance in the elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Rubega ◽  
Emanuela Formaggio ◽  
Roberto Di Marco ◽  
Margherita Bertuccelli ◽  
Stefano Tortora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postural Control ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Muscular Activity ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Oddball Task ◽  
Balance Tests ◽  
Motor Strategy

AbstractFalls are the second most frequent cause of injury in the elderly. Physiological processes associated with aging affect the elderly’s ability to respond to unexpected balance perturbations, leading to increased fall risk. Every year, approximately 30% of adults, 65 years and older, experiences at least one fall. Investigating the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the control of static and dynamic balance in the elderly is an emerging research area. The study aimed to identify cortical and muscular correlates during static and dynamic balance tests in a cohort of young and old healthy adults. We recorded cortical and muscular activity in nine elderly and eight younger healthy participants during an upright stance task in static and dynamic (core board) conditions. To simulate real-life dual-task postural control conditions, the second set of experiments incorporated an oddball visual task. We observed higher electroencephalographic (EEG) delta rhythm over the anterior cortex in the elderly and more diffused fast rhythms (i.e., alpha, beta, gamma) in younger participants during the static balance tests. When adding a visual oddball, the elderly displayed an increase in theta activation over the sensorimotor and occipital cortices. During the dynamic balance tests, the elderly showed the recruitment of sensorimotor areas and increased muscle activity level, suggesting a preferential motor strategy for postural control. This strategy was even more prominent during the oddball task. Younger participants showed reduced cortical and muscular activity compared to the elderly, with the noteworthy difference of a preferential activation of occipital areas that increased during the oddball task. These results support the hypothesis that different strategies are used by the elderly compared to younger adults during postural tasks, particularly when postural and cognitive tasks are combined. The knowledge gained in this study could inform the development of age-specific rehabilitative and assistive interventions.

scholarly journals Cortical Correlates in Upright Dynamic and Static Balance in the Elderly

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Rubega ◽  
Emanuela Formaggio ◽  
Roberto Di Marco ◽  
Margherita Bertuccelli ◽  
Manuela Cattelan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Real Life ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Oddball Task ◽  
Motor Strategy ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Mechanistic Basis ◽  
Visual Oddball ◽  
Muscular Activation

Abstract Falls are the second leading cause of injury for the elderly worldwide. Physiological aging processes alter the ability to address unexpected balance perturbations and increase the probability of falling. Indeed, approximately 30% of adults older than 65 years experiences up to one fall/year. Investigating the neurophysiological patterns of static and dynamic balance in the elderly is an emerging area of research. This knowledge will provide a mechanistic basis to implement novel rehabilitation strategies and assistive devices to eventually reduce the risk of falls. Our aim was to identify cortical and muscular correlates of static and dynamic balance in a cohort of younger and old healthy adults. We quantified cortical and muscular activation in 9 elderly and 8 younger healthy participants during a task of upright stance in static and dynamic (core board) conditions. To simulate real-life double-tasking while maintaining posture, a second set of experiments incorporated a visual oddball task. During static balance, we observed high electroencephalographic (EEG) delta rhythm over the anterior cortex in the elderly and more diffused fast rhythms (i.e., alpha, beta, gamma band) in younger participants. By adding a visual oddball, the elderly increased theta activation over sensorimotor and occipital cortices. During dynamic balance, the elderly recruited sensorimotor areas and increased muscle co-contraction, suggesting a preferen- tial motor strategy to maintain posture. This strategy was exasperated during the oddball task. The younger participants showed an overall reduced cortical and muscular activation compared to the elderly, with the noteworthy difference of a preferential activation of occipital areas reinforced during the oddball task, hinting to a likely visual strategy to maintain dynamic balance. These results support the hypothesis of a different strategy during the life-span in addressing postural tasks as cognitive load increases. This knowledge will aid in tailoring age-specific rehabilitative and assistive interventions.

Effects of cognitive and physical loads on dynamic and static balance of older adults under single, dual and multi-task conditions

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Allahverdipour ◽  
Iman Dianat ◽  
Galavizh Mameh ◽  
mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Task Conditions ◽  
And Control ◽  
Single Versus

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cognitive and physical loads on dynamic and static balance of older adults under single, dual and multi-task conditions. Methods: The effects of single versus combined (dual-task and multi-task) cognitive (to speak out the name of the weekdays in a reverse order) and physical (with three levels including handling weights of 1kg, 2kg and 3kg in each hand) loads on dynamic and static balance of 42 older adults (21 males and 21 females), aged ≥ 60 years were studied. Dynamic and static balance measures were evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and stabilometer (sway index) tests, respectively. Results: The TUG speed of female participants was generally slower than that of male participants. Cognitive task influenced the participants’ dynamic balance during the dual-task conditions, while the static balance was not affected in this phase. The dynamic and static balance measures were more influenced when performing the multi-tasks than when doing the dual-tasks. The effects of various levels of physical demand on the dynamic balance varied greatly under dual- and multi-task conditions. Conclusions: The findings add to the understanding of the factors influencing the elderly balance and control under cognitive and physical functioning.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stability Exercises on Balance and Walking Function in the Elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-288
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hani Mansori ◽  
◽  
Yousef Moghadas Tabrizi ◽  
Kamal Mohammadkhani ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Gait Function

Objectives: Walking and balance control are determining factors in the independence of the elderly because they are the main components of daily physical activity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stability (DNS) training on balance and gait function in the elderly. Methods: This study had a pre-test/post-test design. It was a quasi-experimental study performed on 30 older men aged 60-70 years in Qom Province, Iran, in 2021. The elderly was randomly divided into experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The Experimental Group (EG) participated in three 45-min sessions of dynamic neuromuscular stability training every week for 6 weeks, and the Control Group (CG) continued their normal daily routine. Berg balance scale (dynamic balance), modified stork stand (static balance), and temporal and spatial gait parameters were used to collect information before and after applying the training protocol. The obtained data were analyzed using ANCOVA statistical method and the paired t test. Results: There were significant differences between pre-test and post-test in EG regarding the variables of dynamic balance, static balance (P=0.001), and gait function, but in the CG, no significant difference was observed for these variables (P>0.05). Also, there was a significant difference between the mean scores obtained in the balance and gait tests between the two groups (P<0.05), and EG performed better in the post-test. Discussion: DNS training due to the great variety of movement in different parts of the body and the effect on improving strength, flexibility, range of motion, and physical fitness can also improve balance and gait function in the elderly. According to the present study results, one of the best ways to reduce the costs and physical, psychological, and social problems caused by aging is to use DNS training for the elderly.

scholarly journals Reliability of Functional Balance Tests and Their Correlation With Selected Anthropometric Parameters in Children Aged 7-10 Years

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 216-227
Author(s):  
Mahboobeh Dehnavi ◽  
◽  
Heidar Sadeghi ◽  
Mehdi Taghva ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Length ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Dynamic Tests ◽  
Anthropometric Parameters ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Balance Tests ◽  
Romberg Test

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability of functional balance tests and their correlation with selected anthropometric parameters in children aged 7-10 years. Methods: Participants were 80 students aged 7-10 (40 female and 40 male). Romberg Test and Sharpened Romberg Test were used for assessing static balance, while timed up and go test, tandem walk test, and Y-balance test were used for measuring dynamic balance. Selected anthropometric factors were body height, upper body length, lower body length, Foot length and body mass. Reliability was determined using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and Pearson correlation was used for examining the relationship between balance tests and selected anthropometric parameters at a significance level of P≥0.05. Results: Static balance tests were not reliable, but dynamic tests were reliable. No significant correlation was found between anthropometric parameters and static and dynamic tests (P>0.05); except between lower body length and Y-balance test (r=0.53, P=0.01). Conclusion: It seems that at the age of 7-10 years, static balance tests are affected because the sensory systems related to balance are developing. Therefore, static balance tests, which require weighting of each of these systems with eyes closed and open, are not good criteria for examining the balance of this age group. Hence, it is better to use dynamic balance tests, especially the Y-balance test.

scholarly journals Balance Performance Is Task Specific in Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayelet Dunsky ◽  
Aviva Zeev ◽  
Yael Netz
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Balance Tests ◽  
Balance Ability

Balance ability among the elderly is a key component in the activities of daily living and is divided into two types: static and dynamic. For clinicians who wish to assess the risk of falling among their elderly patients, it is unclear if more than one type of balance test can be used to measure their balance impairment. In this study, we examined the association between static balance measures and two dynamic balance field tests. One hundred and twelve community-dwelling older adults (mean age 74.6) participated in the study. They underwent the Tetrax static postural assessment and then performed the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the Functional Reach (FR) Test as dynamic balance tests. In general, low-moderate correlations were found between the two types of balance tests. For women, age and static balance parameters explained 28.1–40.4% of the variance of TUG scores and 14.6–24% of the variance of FR scores. For men, age and static balance parameters explained 9.5–31.2% of the variance of TUG scores and 23.9–41.7% of the variance of FR scores. Based on our findings, it is suggested that a combination of both static and dynamic tests be used for assessing postural balance ability.

Performance in Static, Dynamic, and Clinical Tests of Postural Control in Individuals with Recurrent Ankle Sprains

2004 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyn Nakagawa ◽  
Mark Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Postural Control ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Ankle Sprains ◽  
Clinical Tests ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Medicine Research ◽  
Balance Tests

Objective:To evaluate postural control in individuals with recurrent ankle sprains with static, dynamic, and clinical balance tests and to examine the relationships between performances in each of these tests.Design:Postural control was evaluated with 3 different balance tests in individuals with and without recurrent ankle sprains.Participants:19 volunteers with recurrent ankle sprains and 19 uninjured control subjects.Interventions:None.Setting:University sports-medicine research laboratory.Main Outcome Measures:Total excursion of the center of pressure (COP) was calculated for the static and dynamic balance tests. Total reach distance was measured for the Star Excursion Balance Test.Results:Subjects with recurrent ankle sprains demonstrated significantly greater excursion of the COP in both the static and dynamic balance tests. Correlations between performances in all tests were very low.Conclusions:Recurrent ankle sprains might be associated with reduced postural control as demonstrated by decreased performance in static and dynamic balance tests.

scholarly journals Balance Comparison between Iranian Elderly with and without Knee Range of Motion Limitations

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehsan Lohrasbipeydeh ◽  
Soh Kim Geok ◽  
Roxana Dev Omar Dev ◽  
Seyedali Ahrari ◽  
Ong Swee Leong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Health Care Practitioners ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Eyes Open

This study compares the static eye movement (eyes open and eyes closed) and dynamic balance amongst Iranian elderly with and without knee range of motion (ROM) limitations. The method used was a quasi-experimental before/after study. The participants consisted of 30 older Iranian adults, aged 60 or more (10 females and 20 males across two groups of 15 in each group) who were evaluated using the Sharpened Romberg (SR), Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests. An independent t-test was used to compare the descriptive characteristics of the two groups of the elderly. The findings showed substantial alterations in all the measured components between the subjects. The static balance with an open eye (p = 0.028) and closed eye (p = 0.021), as well as the dynamic balance (p = 0.009) between the elderly with and without the limitation of knee ROM, was substantially different. Moving forward, the findings of this study suggested that the balance of the elderly was directly linked to knee ROM, as the elderly without limitations of knee ROM displayed greater stability than the elderly with limitations of knee ROM. Health care practitioners should also understand the ROM of the knee, as individuals with ROM limitations of the knee are more likely to fall due to underlying disorders associated with their balance.

scholarly journals Comparative Study of Balance Exercises (Frenkel) and Aerobic Exercises (Walking) on Improving Balance in the Elderly

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Vafaeenasab ◽  
Athareh Amiri ◽  
Mohammad Ali Morowatisharifabad ◽  
Seyedeh Mahdieh Namayande ◽  
Hossein Abbaszade Tehrani
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Training ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Block Design ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
T Test ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Romberg Test

Introduction: Balance in the elderly is one of the important issues, and imbalance can create irreparable problems for the elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Frenkel balance exercise and aerobic exercise (walking) on improving the balance of elderly patients in Kerman province in 2016-2017.  Methods: We used a randomized block design, with 4 participants in each block; 48 elderly men and women living in the nursing homes of Kerman province were randomly assigned to two groups, balance (Frenkel) exercises and aerobic exercises (walking). The two groups performed Frenkel exercises and aerobic exercises (walking) for three 10- to 15-min sessions a week for five weeks. The balance time using the Sharpened Romberg test was recorded to measure static balance and the Get Up and Go test used to measure dynamic balance before and after the exercise program. To describe the variables studied, central tendency indicators and dispersion were used. Paired t-test was used to compare the time of balance before and after intervention and independent t-test to compare changes in balance time between two groups. Results: The mean static balance (with Sharpend Römberg test) was increased from 3.16 s to 6.01 s in Frenkel exercise, and from 3.33 s to 4.95 s in aerobic training group, indicating an improvement in the static balance after intervention. The mean time of dynamic balance (in the Get Up and Go test) during Frenkel exercise reduced from 17.07 s to 12.03 s, and during aerobic training from 17.08 s to 10.9 seconds, indicating an improvement in dynamic balance (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the mean changes in the duration of dynamic and static balance before and after intervention in the two groups. Conclusion: Both Frenkel exercise and walking equally improve static and dynamic balance in the elderly in different settings.

scholarly journals An observational study of balance and proprioception function in patients with spinocerebellar ataxias type 3

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia-Hua Liu ◽  
Ying Li ◽  
Hao-Ling Xu ◽  
Arif Sikandar ◽  
Wei-Hong Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postural Control ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Body Sway ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Clinical Test ◽  
Spinocerebellar Ataxias ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Type 3

Abstract BackgroundPostural instability is one of the most disabling features of spinocerebellar ataxias type 3 (SCA3) and often leads to falls that reduce mobility and functional capacity. This study aimed to quantitatively analyse static and dynamic balance and proprioception function on postural control in patients with SCA3 using the Pro-kin system and optimise rehabilitation programmes for them.MethodsEight-one clinically diagnosed SCA3 patients (38 women, 43 men; aged 39.00 ± 9.66) and 62 healthy controls were studied and evaluated using the Pro-kin system (PK254P, Tecnobody S.r.l, Dalmine, Italy). The measurements included (1) a static balance test in two visual feedback conditions: eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC); (2) a dynamic balance test measuring limits of stability (LOS); and (3) a proprioception function test to obtain proprioceptive measurements on a multiaxial balance evaluator for both right and left lower limbs.ResultsCompared to controls, SCA3 patients showed significantly higher values of all static balance outcome variables with eyes open and eyes closed, implying postural instability. SCA3 patients showed significantly higher values in the standard deviation of body sway along the medio-lateral (ML) axis and in the velocity of body sway along the anterior-posterior (AP) axis. The overall scores and the scores for all eight LOS components were significantly lower in the SCA3 patients than in the controls. The mean values of AP index (API), ML index (MLI), Stability index (SI) and average trace error (ATE) were significantly greater in SCA3 patients compared to HC subjects, while API showed a trend toward higher values.ConclusionsSCA3 patients have a significant postural control disorder, and are likely to fall on the AP plane and prefer performing postural adjustments in the ML direction; a decreased proprioception function in the knee and ankle is also evident. Visual cues and proprioception should be emphasized in balance rehabilitation training. Attention should also be paid to improve muscle strength and range of motion.Trial registrationThe Chinese clinical test registration center. ChiCTR1800020133. Registered 15 december 2018 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=33950

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