scholarly journals Associations of word memory, verbal fluency, processing speed and crystallised cognitive ability with one-legged balance performance in mid and later life

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna M Blodgett ◽  
Rachel Cooper ◽  
Daniel H J Davis ◽  
Diana Kuh ◽  
Rebecca Hardy
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Reading Ability ◽  
Memory Search ◽  
Birth Cohort Study ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Word Memory ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Search Speed

Abstract Background Cognitive integration of sensory input and motor output plays an important role in balance. Despite this, it is not clear if specific cognitive processes are associated with balance and how these associations change with age. We examined longitudinal associations of word memory, verbal fluency, search speed and reading ability with repeated measures of one-legged balance performance. Methods Up to 2934 participants in the MRC National Survey of Health and Development, a British birth cohort study, were included. At age 53, word memory, verbal fluency, search speed and reading ability were assessed. One-legged balance times (eyes closed) were measured at ages 53, 60-64 and 69 years. Associations between each cognitive measure and balance time were assessed using random-effects models. Adjustments were made for sex, death, attrition, height, body mass index, health conditions, health behaviours, education, and occupational class. Results In sex-adjusted models, one SD higher scores in word memory, search speed and verbal fluency were associated with 14.1% (95%CI: 11.3,16.8), 7.2% (4.4,9.9) and 10.3% (7.5,13.0) better balance times at age 53, respectively. Higher reading scores were associated with better balance, although this association plateaued. Associations were partially attenuated in mutually-adjusted models and effect sizes were smaller at ages 60-64 and 69. In fully-adjusted models, associations were largely explained by education, although remained for word memory and search speed. Conclusions Higher cognitive performance across all measures was independently associated with better balance performance in midlife. Identification of individual cognitive mechanisms involved in balance could lead to opportunities for targeted interventions in midlife.

scholarly journals Childhood Cognition and Age-Related Change in Standing Balance Performance From Mid to Later Life: Findings From a British Birth Cohort

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna M Blodgett ◽  
Diana Kuh ◽  
Rebecca Hardy ◽  
Daniel H J Davis ◽  
Rachel Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Standing Balance ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Standard Deviation Increase ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Cognitive processing plays a crucial role in the integration of sensory input and motor output that facilitates balance. However, whether balance ability in adulthood is influenced by cognitive pathways established in childhood is unclear, especially as no study has examined if these relationships change with age. We aimed to investigate associations between childhood cognition and age-related change in standing balance between mid and later life. Methods Data on 2,380 participants from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development were included in analyses. Repeated measures multilevel models estimated the association between childhood cognition, assessed at age 15, and log-transformed balance time, assessed at ages 53, 60–64, and 69 using the one-legged stand with eyes closed. Adjustments were made for sex, death, attrition, anthropometric measures, health conditions, health behaviors, education, other indicators of socioeconomic position (SEP), and adult verbal memory. Results In a sex-adjusted model, 1 standard deviation increase in childhood cognition was associated with a 13% (95% confidence interval: 10, 16; p < .001) increase in balance time at age 53, and this association got smaller with age (cognition × age interaction: p < .001). Adjustments for education, adult verbal memory, and SEP largely explained these associations. Conclusions Higher childhood cognition was associated with better balance performance in midlife, with diminishing associations with increasing age. The impact of adjustment for education, cognition and other indicators of SEP suggested a common pathway through which cognition is associated with balance across life. Further research is needed to understand underlying mechanisms, which may have important implications for falls risk and maintenance of physical capability.

scholarly journals Postural Balance Ability and the Effect of Visual Restriction on Older Dancers and Non-Dancers

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria-Elissavet Nikolaidou ◽  
Vasilios Karfis ◽  
Maria Koutsouba ◽  
Arno Schroll ◽  
Adamantios Arampatzis
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Postural Balance ◽  
Path Length ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Quiet Stance ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Visual Channel ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Eyes Open

Dance has been suggested to be an advantageous exercise modality for improving postural balance performance and reducing the risk of falls in the older population. The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether visual restriction impacts older dancers and non-dancers differently during a quiet stance balance performance test. We hypothesized higher balance performance and greater balance deterioration due to visual restriction in dancers compared with non-dancers, indicating the superior contribution of the visual channel in the expected higher balance performances of dancers. Sixty-nine (38 men, 31 women, 74 ± 6 years) healthy older adults participated and were grouped into a Greek traditional dance group (n = 31, two to three times/week for 1.5 h/session, minimum of 3 years) and a non-dancer control group (n = 38, no systematic exercise history). The participants completed an assessment of one-legged quiet stance trials using both left and right legs and with eyes open while standing barefoot on a force plate (Wii, A/D converter, 1,000 Hz; Biovision) and two-legged trials with both eyes open and closed. The possible differences in the anthropometric and one-legged balance parameters were examined by a univariate ANOVA with group and sex as fixed factors. This ANOVA was performed using the same fixed factors and vision as the repeated measures factor for the two-legged balance parameters. In the one-legged task, the dance group showed significantly lower values in anteroposterior and mediolateral sway amplitudes (p = 0.001 and p = 0.035) and path length measured in both directions (p = 0.001) compared with the non-dancers. In the two-legged stance, we found a significant vision effect on path length (p < 0.001) and anteroposterior amplitude (p < 0.001), whereas mediolateral amplitude did not differ significantly (p = 0.439) between closed and open eyes. The dance group had a significantly lower CoP path length (p = 0.006) and anteroposterior (p = 0.001) and mediolateral sway amplitudes (p = 0.003) both in the eyes-open and eyes-closed trials compared with the control group. The superior balance performance in the two postural tasks found in the dancers is possibly the result of the coordinated, aesthetically oriented intersegmental movements, including alternations between one- and two-legged stance phases, that comes with dance. Visual restriction resulted in a similar deterioration of balance performance in both groups, thus suggesting that the contribution of the visual channel alone cannot explain the superior balance performance of dancers.

scholarly journals Effects of Short-Term Dynamic Balance Training on Postural Stability in School-Aged Football Players and Gymnasts

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rouven Kenville ◽  
Tom Maudrich ◽  
Sophie Körner ◽  
Johannes Zimmer ◽  
Patrick Ragert
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Balance Assessment ◽  
Eyes Closed

Static and dynamic balance abilities enable simple and complex movements and are determinants of top athletic performance. Balance abilities and their proficiency differ fundamentally with respect to age, gender, type of balance intervention, and type of sport. With this study, we aim to investigate whether 4weeks of dynamic balance training (DBT) improves static balance performance in school-aged gymnasts and football players. For this purpose, young male gymnasts (n=21) and male football players (n=20) completed an initial static balance assessment consisting of two one-legged stance (left and right foot) and two two-legged stance (eyes open and eyes closed) tasks. Subsequently, all participants underwent a 4-week intervention. DBT consisting of nine individual tasks was performed two times per week. Another static balance assessment followed 1day after the last training session and retention was assessed 2weeks later. Dynamic balance scores and total path length were analyzed via rank-based repeated measures designs using ANOVA-type statistics. The influence of factors GROUP and TIME on the static and dynamic balance performance was examined. Prior to DBT, young gymnasts showed better static balance performance than football players. However, after intervention, both groups improved in both one-legged stance tasks and also had high retention rates in these tasks. No significant improvements were seen in either group in the two-legged balance tests. Both groups improved in the dynamic balance tasks, although no differences in learning rates were evident. Our findings imply an inter-relationship between both static and dynamic balance components. Consequently, training regimes should include both balance components to facilitate early development of balance ability.

scholarly journals Daycare attendance and respiratory tract infections: a prospective birth cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. e014635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linnea Schuez-Havupalo ◽  
Laura Toivonen ◽  
Sinikka Karppinen ◽  
Anne Kaljonen ◽  
Ville Peltola
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Day Care ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Birth Cohort Study ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Prospective Birth Cohort ◽  
Prospective Birth Cohort Study

ObjectiveWe explored the burden of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in young children with regard to day-care initiation.DesignLongitudinal prospective birth cohort study.Setting and methodsWe recruited 1827 children for follow-up until the age of 24 months collecting diary data on RTIs and daycare. Children with continuous daycare type and complete data were divided into groups of centre-based daycare (n=299), family day care (FDC) (n=245) and home care (n=350). Using repeated measures variance analyses, we analysed days per month with symptoms of respiratory tract infection, antibiotic treatments and parental absence from work for a period of 6 months prior to and 9 months after the start of daycare.ResultsWe documented a significant effect of time and type of daycare, as well as a significant interaction between them for all outcome measures. There was a rise in mean days with symptoms from 3.79 (95% CI 3.04 to 4.53) during the month preceding centre-based daycare to 10.57 (95% CI 9.35 to 11.79) at 2 months after the start of centre-based daycare, with a subsequent decrease within the following 9 months. Similar patterns with a rise and decline were observed in the use of antibiotics and parental absences. The start of FDC had weaker effects. Our findings were not changed when taking into account confounding factors.ConclusionsOur study shows the rapid increase in respiratory infections after start of daycare and a relatively fast decline in the course of time with continued daycare. It is important to support families around the beginning of daycare.

scholarly journals Concussion History and Balance Performance in Adolescent Rugby Union Players

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652199870
Author(s):  
Mark Matthews ◽  
William Johnston ◽  
Chris M. Bleakley ◽  
Richard J. Davies ◽  
Alan T. Rankin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dual Task ◽  
Inertial Sensor ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
History Of ◽  
Concussion History ◽  
Rugby Players

Background: Sports-related concussion is a worldwide problem. There is a concern that an initial concussion can cause prolonged subclinical disturbances to sensorimotor function that increase the risk of subsequent injury. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether a history of sports-related concussion has effects on static and dynamic balance performance in adolescent rugby players. Hypothesis: Dynamic balance would be worse in players with a history of concussion compared with those with no history of concussion. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Male adolescent rugby players aged 14 to 18 years from 5 schools were recruited before the start of the 2018-2019 playing season. Participants completed questionnaires and physical tests, including dynamic Y balance and single-leg static balance (eyes closed) tests, while performing single and dual tasks. Dynamic balance was assessed using inertial sensor instrumentation. Dependent variables were normalized reach distance and the sample entropy (SEn) of the 3 axes ( x, y, and z). Results: Of the 195 participants, 100 reported a history of concussion. Those with a history of concussion demonstrated higher SEn in all directions, with highest values during anterior (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.4; 95% CI, 0.0-0.7; P = .027) and posteromedial (SMD, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9; P = .004) reach directions compared with those with no history. There was no difference between groups (concussion history vs control) in traditional Y balance reach distances in the anterior or posteromedial directions or single-leg static balance during both single- ( P = .47) and dual-task ( P = .67) conditions. Conclusion: Adolescent rugby union athletes with a history of concussion had poorer dynamic balance during performance tasks compared with healthy controls. Static single-leg balance tests, either single or dual task, may not be sensitive enough to detect sensorimotor deficits in those with a history of concussion.

scholarly journals An Examination of Semantic Impairment in Amnestic MCI and AD: What Can We Learn From Verbal Fluency?

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-30
Author(s):  
M -J Chasles ◽  
A Tremblay ◽  
F Escudier ◽  
A Lajeunesse ◽  
S Benoit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Semantic Fluency ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Amnestic Mci ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Subject Factor ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Introduction The Verbal Fluency Test (VF) is commonly used in neuropsychology. Some studies have demonstrated a marked impairment of semantic VF compared to phonemic VF in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Since amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) is associated with increased risk of conversion to incident AD, it is relevant to examine whether a similar impairment is observed in this population. The objective of the present empirical study is to compare VF performance of aMCI patients to those of AD and elderly controls matched one-to-one for age and education. Method Ninety-six participants divided into three equal groups (N = 32: AD, aMCI and Controls) were included in this study. Participants in each group were, on average, 76 years of age and had 13 years of education. A repeated measures ANOVA with the Group (AD, aMCI, NC) as between-subject factor and the Fluency condition (“P” and “animals”) as within-subject factor was performed. T-tests and simple ANOVAs were also conducted to examine the interaction. Results There was a significant interaction between the groups and the verbal fluency condition. In AD, significantly fewer words were produced in both conditions. In contrast, participants with aMCI demonstrated a pattern similar to controls in the phonemic condition, but generated significantly fewer words in the semantic condition. Conclusion These results indicate a semantic memory impairment in aMCI revealed by a simple, commonly-used neuropsychological test. Future studies are needed to investigate if semantic fluency deficits can help predict future conversion to AD.

scholarly journals Validity and Reliability of a Smartphone App for Gait and Balance Assessment

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 124
Author(s):  
Usman Rashid ◽  
David Barbado ◽  
Sharon Olsen ◽  
Gemma Alder ◽  
Jose L. L. Elvira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Postural Stability ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Repetition Effect ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Balance Assessment ◽  
Compliant Surface ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Gait Parameters

Advances in technology provide an opportunity to enhance the accuracy of gait and balance assessment, improving the diagnosis and rehabilitation processes for people with acute or chronic health conditions. This study investigated the validity and reliability of a smartphone-based application to measure postural stability and spatiotemporal aspects of gait during four static balance and two gait tasks. Thirty healthy participants (aged 20–69 years) performed the following tasks: (1) standing on a firm surface with eyes opened, (2) standing on a firm surface with eyes closed, (3) standing on a compliant surface with eyes open, (4) standing on a compliant surface with eyes closed, (5) walking in a straight line, and (6) walking in a straight line while turning their head from side to side. During these tasks, the app quantified the participants’ postural stability and spatiotemporal gait parameters. The concurrent validity of the smartphone app with respect to a 3D motion capture system was evaluated using partial Pearson’s correlations (rp) and limits of the agreement (LoA%). The within-session test–retest reliability over three repeated measures was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the standard error of measurement (SEM). One-way repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to evaluate responsiveness to differences across tasks and repetitions. Periodicity index, step length, step time, and walking speed during the gait tasks and postural stability outcomes during the static tasks showed moderate-to-excellent validity (0.55 ≤ rp ≤ 0.98; 3% ≤ LoA% ≤ 12%) and reliability scores (0.52 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.92; 1% ≤ SEM% ≤ 6%) when the repetition effect was removed. Conversely, step variability and asymmetry parameters during both gait tasks generally showed poor validity and reliability except step length asymmetry, which showed moderate reliability (0.53 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.62) in both tasks when the repetition effect was removed. Postural stability and spatiotemporal gait parameters were found responsive (p < 0.05) to differences across tasks and test repetitions. Along with sound clinical judgement, the app can potentially be used in clinical practice to detect gait and balance impairments and track the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. Further evaluation and refinement of the app in people with significant gait and balance deficits is needed.

scholarly journals Delirium symptoms are associated with decline in cognitive function between ages 53 to 69: findings from a British birth cohort study

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Tsui ◽  
D Kuh ◽  
M Richards ◽  
D Davis
Keyword(s):  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Birth Cohort Study ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Search Speed ◽  
Addenbrooke’S Cognitive Examination

AbstractINTRODUCTIONFew population studies have investigated whether longitudinal decline after delirium in mid-to-late life might affect specific cognitive domains.METHODSParticipants from a birth cohort completing assessments of search speed, verbal memory and the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination at age 69 were asked about delirium symptoms between ages 60-69. Linear regression models estimated associations between delirium symptoms and cognitive outcomes.RESULTSPeriod prevalence of delirium between 60 and 69 was 4% (95% CI 3.2%,4.9%). Self-reported symptoms of delirium over the seventh decade were associated with worse scores in the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (−1.7 points, 95% CI −3.2, −0.1, p=0.04). In association with delirium symptoms, verbal memory scores were initially lower, with subsequent decline in search speed by age 69. These effects were independent of other Alzheimer’s risk factors.DISCUSSIONDelirium symptoms may be common even at relatively younger ages, and their presence may herald cognitive decline, particularly in search speed, over this time period.

Association of blood pressure and postural control in older adults with hypertension: an observational study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
P. Sharma ◽  
S. Parveen ◽  
S. Masood ◽  
M.M. Noohu
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Stability Index ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Position Change ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance System ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Standing Up ◽  
Functional Position

The study investigated the association of orthostatic hypotension (OH) with functional position change and balance in older adults with hypertension. The presence of OH was assessed with intermittent (OH intermittent) and continuous blood pressure (OH continuous) monitoring. The change in functional position was tested with sitting to standing assessment, balance performance using activity specific balance confidence scale (ABC), and timed up and go test (TUG). Testing unilateral and bilateral standing with and without altered sensory inputs was tested using the Humac balance system. ABC, TUG, and standing up time showed no significant association with OH intermittent and OH continuous. A significant association was found between bilateral standing with eyes closed on foam surface for overall stability index and OH intermittent. Older people with hypertension may be routinely examined for OH and appropriate intervention strategies should be included for comprehensive care.

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