scholarly journals Age suit simulation replicates in healthy young adults the functional challenges to balance experienced by older adults: an observational study

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjstel-2021-000867
Author(s):  
Carole Anne Watkins ◽  
Ellie Higham ◽  
Michael Gilfoyle ◽  
Charley Townley ◽  
Sue Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Normative Values ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Functional Reach Test ◽  
Age Simulation ◽  
Positive Effect

BackgroundAge simulation can have a positive effect on empathic understanding and perception of ageing. However, there is limited evidence for its ability to replicate objectively the physical and functional challenges of ageing.ObjectiveTo observe whether age suit simulation can replicate in healthy young adults the physical and physiological balance disturbance and falls risk experienced by older adults.MethodologyHealthy young adults aged 20–40 years (16 male) were recruited to the study using convenience sampling from a student population. Participants performed three validated balance tests—Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS)—first without the age suit and then with the age suit, using a standardised protocol, following the same sequence.Results30 participants completed all tests. Statistically significant differences between without-age-suit and with-age-suit performance were recorded for FRT distance (p<0.000005), time taken to complete the TUG (p<0.0005) and BBS score (p<0.001). A comparison of participant scores with normative FRT and TUG scores identified that the suit had ‘aged’ the majority of participants to the normative values for older adults (60+), with some reaching the values for individuals aged 70–89. However, no scores achieved the values indicative of increased falls risk.ConclusionsThe age suit is a valid educational tool that extends the value of age simulation beyond a more general empathising role, enabling those working with an older population to experience and understand the functional challenges to balance experienced by older adults as part of their training.

scholarly journals Efficacy of an Integrated Training Device in Improving Muscle Strength, Balance, and Cognitive Ability in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 314-324
Author(s):  
Choong-Hee Roh ◽  
Da-Sol Kim ◽  
Gi-Wook Kim ◽  
Yu-Hui Won ◽  
Sung-Hee Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Mini Mental State Examination ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Training Device ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Functional Reach Test ◽  
State Examination ◽  
Healthy Participants

Objective To determine the effects of an integrated training device for strength and balance on extremity muscle strength, postural balance, and cognition in older adults using a combination with various rehabilitation training games, in which balance, strength, and cognitive training were configured in a single device.Methods This prospective study included 20 healthy participants aged 65–85 years. Participants trained for 30 minutes daily, 3 days weekly, for 6 weeks with an integrated training device for strength and balance (SBT-120; Man&Tel Inc., Gumi, Korea). Main outcomes were measured using the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (K-MoCA), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Manual Muscle Test. Measurements were taken at three time points: T0 (pretreatment), T1 (immediately after treatment), and T2 (4 weeks after treatment).Results All 20 patients completed the training, and TUG, FRT, and BBS scores significantly improved at T1 and T2 compared to T0. Mean TUG scores decreased by 0.99±2.00 at T1 and 1.05±1.55 at T2 compared to T0. Mean FRT scores increased by 6.13±4.26 at T1 and 6.75±4.79 at T2 compared to T0. BBS scores increased by 0.60±0.94 at T1 and 0.45±1.15 at T2 compared to T0. Moreover, muscle strength and cognition (K-MMSE and K-MoCA scores) increased after training.Conclusion Our findings suggest that an integrated training device for strength and balance can be a safe and useful tool for older adults.

Effects of proprioception training program on balance among patients with diabetic neuropathy: a quasi experimental trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Humaira Iram ◽  
Muhammad Kashif ◽  
Hafiz Muhammad Junaid Hassan ◽  
Salma Bunyad ◽  
Samra Asghar
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Neuropathy ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Functional Reach Test ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Eyes Open

Abstract Objective: To determine the effects of proprioception training in improving balance in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Methods: A quasi-experimental design study was conducted at the Safi Hospital Faisalabad for eight weeks from August to December 2019. Out of, 38, 19 patients were placed in exercise group (10 males, 9 females; mean age 64 ± 7.7 years; range 60 to 83 years) and 19 patients were placed in controls group (12 males, 7 females; mean age 63 ± 8.2 years) were included in this study through consecutive sampling technique. Proprioception Training was given to exercise group twice a week for eight weeks and the diabetes awareness campaign was given once a week to the control group. Static and dynamic balance were assessed by using One Leg Standing (OLS) Test with eyes open and closed, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and 10-M Walk Test (10-MWT). The data was collected before and after treatment and was compared using independent sample t-test. Results: The finding of the study showed that OLS score with eyes open improved significantly with p<0.05 and does not show improvement with eyes closed p =.073. The dynamic balance from the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and 10-M Walk Test revealed significant improvement after the balance exercises with p<0.05 Conclusion: It is concluded that proprioception training exercises are effective in improving balance among patients with Diabetic neuropathy. Continuous...

scholarly journals Balance a few years after total hip replacement

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Wareńczak ◽  
Przemysław Lisiński
Keyword(s):  
Total Hip Replacement ◽  
Hip Replacement ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Total Hip ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Functional Reach Test

Abstract Background: The aim of the study was to conduct a long-term evaluation of whether total hip replacement permanently affects the quality of postural reactions and body balance. Material and methods: The unilateral Total Hip Replacement (THR) group consisted of 30 subjects (mean age: 69.4). The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects (mean age: 68.8). The force platform and functional tests such as Timed Up and Go, 3m walk test, Functional Reach Test, 30s Chair Stand Test, Step Test and Berg Balance Scale were used to assess dynamic balance. Results: Subjects from the study group exhibited significantly increased time (p=0.002) and distance (p=0.012) in the tests performed on the force platform compared to the control group. We also observed worse balance and functional test scores in the THR group: Timed Up and Go test (p<0.001), 3m walk test (p<0.001), Functional Reach Test (p=0.003), 30s Chair Stand Test (p=0.002) and Step Test (operated leg: p<0.001, non-operated leg: p=0.002). The results obtained in the Berg Balance Scale tests were not significantly different between the groups (p=0.597). Conclusions: Our research shows that total hip replacement permanently impairs patients’ dynamic balance and functionality in certain lower-extremity activities. Keywords: balance, total hip replacement, gait, muscle strength

scholarly journals Does the Inclusion of Virtual Reality Games within Conventional Rehabilitation Enhance Balance Retraining after a Recent Episode of Stroke?

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. S. Rajaratnam ◽  
J. Gui KaiEn ◽  
K. Lee JiaLin ◽  
Kwek SweeSin ◽  
S. Sim FenRu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Functional Reach Test ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Double Blinded

This randomised controlled and double-blinded pilot study evaluated if interactive virtual reality balance related games integrated within conventional rehabilitation sessions resulted in more superior retraining of dynamic balance compared to CR after stroke. 19 subjects diagnosed with a recent episode of stroke were recruited from a local rehabilitation hospital and randomly assigned to either a control or an experimental group. Subjects in the control groups underwent 60 minutes of conventional rehabilitation while those in the experimental groups underwent 40 minutes of convention rehabilitation and 20 minutes of self-directed virtual reality balanced rehabilitation. Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go, Modified Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, and Centre of Pressure of subjects in both groups were evaluated before and on completion of the rehabilitation sessions. Results indicate that the inclusion of interactive virtual reality balance related games within conventional rehabilitation can lead to improved functional mobility and balance after a recent episode of stroke without increasing treatment time that requires more health professional manpower.

scholarly journals Measurements of Balance: Comparison of the Timed "Up and Go" Test and Functional Reach Test with the Berg Balance Scale

2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Bennie ◽  
Kathryn Bruner ◽  
Allan Dizon ◽  
Holly Fritz ◽  
Bob Goodman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance Scale ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Functional Reach Test

Kinesio taping techniques for ankle stabilisation in patients with stroke: a single-blinded randomised controlled study

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Ramazan Kurul ◽  
Tamer Cankaya ◽  
Necmiye Un Yildirim
Keyword(s):  
Barthel Index ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Peroneus Longus ◽  
Kinesio Taping ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Functional Reach Test ◽  
Peroneus Brevis

Background/AimsAnkle proprioception and neuromuscular feedback from this region provides the sensory input needed for balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of repeated correction taping applied on the ankle and peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles on balance and gait in patients with stroke.MethodsA total of 61 patients with stroke with a mean age of 62.25 ± 7.04 years were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n=30) received 1 hour of rehabilitation, which took place during weekdays over the course of 2 weeks. The intervention group (n=31) received 1 hour of daily rehabilitation as well as having kinesio tape applied to their ankle. Both groups were assessed with the Balance Evaluating Systems Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test, Tetrax Balance System and Barthel Index. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline, immediately after the first application, 1 week and 2 weeks later, following the first taping.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in the Balance Evaluating Systems and Functional Reach Tests scores between the first and last measurements in favour of the intervention group (P<0.05). There were no significant changes between baseline and immediately after assessment for all measurements (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in Tetrax scores, Timed Up and Go Test and Barthel Index scores (P>0.05).ConclusionsIn this study, it was found that dynamic balance was improved by taping the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles, but the static balance did not change. One week of kinesio taping would be beneficial; however, prolonged use would not provide further improvement.

The Effects of a Divided-Attention Timed Stepping Accuracy Task on Balance, Strength, Endurance, and Functional Performance in Healthy Older Adults: A Pilot Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 521-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan J. Leach ◽  
Joyce R. Maring ◽  
Ellen Costello
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Divided Attention ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Stepping Accuracy

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a 6-week Divided-Attention Stepping Accuracy Task (DATSAT) intervention improved the primary outcome measure, maximal step length; other balance measures (Berg Balance scale and Timed Up and Go test); leg strength; endurance (6-min walk test); and functional tasks in 15 community-dwelling healthy older adults (age: 71.5 years, female: 46.7%) compared with 15 community-dwelling healthy older adults in a Bike and Strength (B&S) program (age: 73.8 years, female: 33.3%). Participants trained 3× per week, 30–60 min per session. Stepping-group differences were significant for all measures. B&S group improved in maximal step length (anterior and lateral), strength, and one functional task. Stepping group outperformed B&S group in Timed Up and Go and maximal step length posterior. B&S group outperformed stepping group in two strength measures. Exertion scores were lower for the stepping group. Overall, Divided-Attention Timed Stepping Accuracy Task training resulted in more within-group improvements and two between-group measures with less perceived effort and shorter intervention times.

scholarly journals SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF NON-VR EXERGAMING ON MOBILITY OUTCOMES OF OLDER ADULTS LIVING IN LONG-TERM CARE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S473-S474
Author(s):  
Charlene H Chu ◽  
Renee Biss ◽  
Afroza Sultana ◽  
Amelie Gauthier-Beaupré ◽  
Arezoo Talebzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Complex Needs

Abstract Introduction: Institutionalized older adults have high-rates of mobility decline resulting in reduced quality of life and increased dependency. Given the ageing population, there has been a proliferation of exergaming technology targeting older adults to maintain their physical activity (PA) levels and prevent decline. However, it is unclear if exergaming is effective to maintain or improve the PA of institutionalized older adults. Method: Four databases (MEDLINE/CINAHL/PsycINFO/Compendex) were systematically searched (key terms like “nursing homes”, exergaming”). Quantitative manuscripts examining the effects of exergaming on PA measures of institutionalized older adults published in English between 2006-present were eligible. Virtual reality was excluded from the search. No meta-analysis was conducted due to hetereogeneity of the results. Results: 11 studies were included from a search that yielded 208 results. The exergaming platforms that were used the most were the Kinect and Wii. The most commonly used PA measures were the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed-up-and-Go (n=4 studies) with no other measures being used in more than one study. Interventions ranged in exercise (e.g. cognitive-motor training, strength training, balance, etc), frequency, duration, and modality. Study designs were also heterogeneous. Articles were of very poor to poor quality. There was minimal reporting on adverse events. Older adults with cognitive impairment were commonly excluded. Challenges in current technology and studying this group are highlighted. Conclusion: Exergaming may be promising to maintain PA but more robust research is needed. More exergaming technology designed for long-term care to meet the specific complex needs of this population is warranted.

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