scholarly journals Moving with Ease: Feldenkrais Method Classes for People with Osteoarthritis

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Webb ◽  
Luis Eduardo Cofré Lizama ◽  
Mary P. Galea
Keyword(s):  
Community Setting ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Stair Climbing ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Feldenkrais Method ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Four Square ◽  
6 Minute Walk Test

Objective. To investigate the effects of Feldenkrais Method classes on gait, balance, function, and pain in people with osteoarthritis.Design. Prospective study with pre-/postmeasures.Setting. Community.Participants. Convenience sample of 15 community-dwelling adults with osteoarthritis (mean age 67 years) attending Feldenkrais Method classes.Intervention. Series of Feldenkrais Method classes, two classes/week for 30 weeks. Main outcome measures: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis scale, Human Activity Profile, stair climbing test, 6-minute walk test, timed up-and-go test, Four Square Step Test (4SST), gait analysis, and assessment of quality of life (AQoL).Results. Participants improved on the 4SST and on some gait parameters. They also reported a greater ease of movement.Conclusions. A 30-week series of Feldenkrais classes held twice per week was feasible in the community setting. The lessons led to improvements in performance of the four square step test and changes in gait.

scholarly journals Feldenkrais Method Balance Classes Improve Balance in Older Adults: A Controlled Trial

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karol A. Connors ◽  
Mary P. Galea ◽  
Catherine M. Said
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Feldenkrais Method

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Feldenkrais Method balance classes on balance and mobility in older adults. This was a prospective non-randomized controlled study with pre/post measures. The setting for this study was the general community. A convenience sample of 26 community-dwelling older adults (median age 75 years) attending Feldenkrais Method balance classes formed the Intervention group. Thirty-seven volunteers were recruited for the Control group (median age 76.5 years). A series of Feldenkrais Method balance classes (the 33312Getting Grounded Gracefully33313 series), two classes per week for 10 weeks, were conducted. Main outcome measures were Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) questionnaire, Four Square Step Test (FSST), self-selected gait speed (using GAITRite instrumented gait mat). At re-testing, the Intervention group showed significant improvement on all of the measures (ABC,P= .016, FSST,P= .001, gait speed,P< .001). The Control group improved significantly on one measure (FSST,P< .001). Compared to the Control group, the Intervention group made a significant improvement in their ABC score (P= .005), gait speed (P= .017) and FSST time (P= .022). These findings suggest that Feldenkrais Method balance classes may improve mobility and balance in older adults.

scholarly journals The Effect of Pilates Training on the Balance of Elderly

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Zaičenkovienė ◽  
Renata Rakovaitė
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Four Square ◽  
And Control

Research background. Falling is one of the most important problems in the elderly’s mobility disorder, which is most often affected by the loss of balance. It is known that Pilates exercises could help to increase the deep muscle strength, improve posture and proprioception, which affects the improvement of the balance. Objective – to evaluate the effects of Pilates exercises on the elderly’s static and dynamic balance. Methodology. The study population consisted of 20 volunteers, men and women, who were divided into Pilates exercises (n = 10, age 65.1 ± 2.6) and control (n = 10, age 68.6 ± 4.9) groups. The study group participated in Pilates classes 2 times per week for six weeks (session duration 60 minutes). The control group did not participate in any physical activity, but they were physically active as usually in their daily life. The main outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention. The static balance was assessed by measuring posturographic parameters using the force platform, dynamic balance was measured with the Timed up and Go Test (TUG) and the Four Square Step Test (FSST). Results. The results showed signifcant improvement in static balance of the experimental group after the Pilates exercises during standing tests when the feet were apart, eyes opened and closed and when the feet together with eyes opened, and when the foot was in front of the other foot. The results of the control group did not differ during both tests. The results of both groups did not differ in the static balance tests before and after the study, but after the Pilates exercises, the results of the Pilates group signifcantly differed from the control group test results when the feet were in shoulder line with open eyes. The results of the dynamic balance after Pilates exercises signifcantly improved in both tests in the study group. Before the study, there were not statistically signifcant differences in the dynamic balance results between the groups. Conclusions. Six-week Pilates exercises had a positive effect on the elderly’s static and dynamic balance.Keywords: Pilates training, static balance, dynamic balance.

scholarly journals Ability of the Four-square Step Test to Predict Falls among Community-dwelling Frail Elderly

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 615-620
Author(s):  
Isao SUGETA ◽  
Kazuhiro HARADA ◽  
Chie HORIKAWA ◽  
Yuki WATANABE ◽  
Chika SUZUKI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Frail Elderly ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Four Square

scholarly journals Testes de mobilidade funcional são preditores de risco de queda em idosos praticante de atividade física?

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 363-376
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina Silva de Souza Moreira ◽  
Mariluce Poerschke Vieira ◽  
Giovana Zarpellon Mazo ◽  
Fernando Luiz Cardoso
Keyword(s):  
Step Test ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Four Square

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a validade de critério dos testes de mobilidade funcional para detectar o risco de queda em idosos. Participaram 557 idosos; destes, 180 idosos não praticantes de atividade física supervisionada (AFS) e 377 praticantes de AFS. Foram aplicados os testes timed up and go; timed up and go cognitive; timed up and go manual; teste apoio unipodal; alcance funcional; 5 repetitive chair test; step test; fl oor transfer; 360º turn ; four square step test; e ordered multi-stepping over hoop. Os testes apresentaram capacidade discriminativa entre idosos caidores e não caidores na amostra geral e no grupo de idosos não praticantes de AFS. No entanto, os testes apresentaram baixa acurácia, sensibilidade e especifi cidade na amostra geral e boa sensibilidade e baixa especifi cidade nos idosos não praticantes de AFS. Os resultados sugerem que os instrumentos devem ser adequadamente testados antes de ser utilizados em ambientes ou perfi l amostral de idosos.

The benefits of using a vacuum-assisted socket system to improve balance and gait in elderly transtibial amputees

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Beatriz Samitier ◽  
Lluis Guirao ◽  
Maria Costea ◽  
Josep M Camós ◽  
Eulogio Pleguezuelos
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance Scale ◽  
Four Square ◽  
Transtibial Amputees

Background:Lower limb amputation leads to impaired balance, ambulation, and transfers. Proper fit of the prosthesis is a determining factor for successful ambulation. Vacuum-assisted socket systems extract air from the socket, which decreases pistoning and probability of soft-tissue injuries and increases proprioception and socket comfort.Objectives:To investigate the effect of vacuum-assisted socket system on transtibial amputees’ performance-based and perceived balance, transfers, and gait.Study design:Quasi-experimental before-and-after study.Methods:Subjects were initially assessed using their prosthesis with the regular socket and re-evaluated 4 weeks after fitting including the vacuum-assisted socket system. We evaluated the mobility grade using Medicare Functional Classification Level, Berg Balance Scale, Four Square Step Test, Timed Up and Go Test, the 6-Min Walk Test, the Locomotor Capabilities Index, Satisfaction with Prosthesis (SAT-PRO questionnaire), and Houghton Scale.Results:A total of 16 unilateral transtibial dysvascular amputees, mean age 65.12 (standard deviation = 10.15) years. Using the vacuum-assisted socket system, the patients significantly improved in balance, gait, and transfers: scores of the Berg Balance Scale increased from 45.75 (standard deviation = 6.91) to 49.06 (standard deviation = 5.62) ( p < 0.01), Four Square Step Test decreased from 18.18 (standard deviation = 3.84) s to 14.97 (3.9) s ( p < 0.01), Timed Up and Go Test decreased from 14.3 (standard deviation = 3.29) s to 11.56 (2.46) s ( p < 0.01). The distance walked in the 6-Min Walk Test increased from 288.53 (standard deviation = 59.57) m to 321.38 (standard deviation = 72.81) m ( p < 0.01).Conclusion:Vacuum-assisted socket systems are useful for improving balance, gait, and transfers in over-50-year-old dysvascular transtibial amputees.Clinical relevanceThis study gives more insight into the use of vacuum-assisted socket systems to improve elderly transtibial dysvascular amputees’ functionality and decrease their risk of falls. The use of an additional distal valve in the socket should be considered in patients with a lower activity level.

scholarly journals Activities-Specific Balance Confidence in People with Multiple Sclerosis

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ylva Nilsagård ◽  
Anna Carling ◽  
Anette Forsberg
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Four Square

Objective. To evaluate the validity of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC) in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).Design. A multicentre, cross-sectional study.Setting. Six rural and urban Swedish sites, including specialized units at hospitals and primary care centers.Participants. A sample of 84 PwMS with subjective gait and balance impairment but still able to walk 100 m (comparable with EDSS 1–6).Outcome Measures. Timed Up and Go, Timed Up and Gocog, 25-foot Timed Walk Test, Four Square Step Test, Dynamic Gait Index, Chair Stand Test, 12-item MS Walking Scale, self-reported falls, and use of assistive walking device were used for validation.Results. The concurrent convergent validity was moderate to good (0.50 to −0.75) with the highest correlation found for the 12-item MS Walking Scale. The ABC discriminated between multiple fallers and nonfallers but not between men and women. Ecological validity is suggested since ABC discriminated between users of assistive walking device and nonusers. The internal consistency was high atα=0.95,and interitem correlations were between 0.30 and 0.83.Conclusion. This study supports the validity of the ABC for persons with mild-to-moderate MS. The participants lacked balance confidence in many everyday activities, likely restricting their participation in society.

scholarly journals Is there a Difference between the Timed Up and Go Test and Physical Function due to the Difference in Perception of Slip?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuki Kubo ◽  
Yuta Suto ◽  
Shin Okazaki ◽  
Yuko Takahashi ◽  
Tonny Dian Effendi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Extension ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Wood Flooring ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Functional Reach Test ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Group 2

The purpose of this study was to examine whether there are differences in the timed up and go (TUG) test results and physical functions due to the differences in slip recognition when performing TUG on wood flooring. The study consisted of 30 community-dwelling elderly subjects, aging over 65 years old. The differences in the perception of floor slippage before and after TUG were as follows: (1) slippery-slipped group (S-S group), (2) slippery-not slipped group (S-N group), and (3) not slippery-not slipped group (N-N group). The modified falls efficacy scale, grip strength, knee extension strength, one-leg standing time, functional reach test, Trail Making Test (TMT), two-step test were used in this study. The results showed no statistically significant difference in TUG test. However, statistically significant difference was observed in TMT between the S-S and N-N groups (p = 0.019, r = 0.51, respectively) and between the S-S and S-N groups (p = 0.003, r = 0.65, respectively). It was found that there was no statistically significant difference in TUG results due to the recognition differences of slippage. However, it was suggested that the subject who reported a history of slippage had a high attention function and could pay attention to the floor environment.

Gait Parameters of Older Adults according to Their Fall History and Functional Capacity While Walking at Different Speeds

Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Letícia Pophal da Silva ◽  
Natália Boneti Moreira ◽  
Paulo Barbosa de Freitas ◽  
Gleber Pereira ◽  
André Luiz Felix Rodacki
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Spatiotemporal Parameters ◽  
Walking Speeds

Introduction: It is believed that functional capacity and fall history are factors capable of influencing the gait parameters of older adults. Thus, the objective of this study was to verify whether gait parameters of community-dwelling older adults differ according to their functional capacity and fall history when walking at self-selected walking speed (SSWS) and fast walking speed (FWS) using principal component analysis (PCA). Methods: Two hundred ninety-five participants (82.3% women and 17.7% men) were allocated in four groups according to their fall history and functional capacity: non-fallers with higher functional capacity (NFHFC, n = 94; 69.3 ± 5.5 years), non-fallers with lower functional capacity (NFLFC, n = 114; 72.0 ± 8.1 years), fallers with higher functional capacity (FHFC, n = 29; 70.0 ± 6.0 years), and fallers with lower functional capacity (FLFC, n = 58; 72.5 ± 8.2 years). Fall history, anthropometric data, functional capacity by short physical performance battery and mobility by Timed Up and Go (TUG), and spatiotemporal gait parameters were evaluated. Results: Data analysis indicated that FLFC presented the lowest scores, especially in the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test and TUG. The PCA showed that the first principal component (PC1) explained the most substantial amount of the data variability in both walking speeds (SSWS and FWS), predominantly including temporal parameters. PC2 composed by spatial outcomes (stride and step length and walking speed) showed the highest effect size. PC1 and PC2 were able to differentiate functional status, regardless of fall history. Conclusions: Functional capacity showed great importance when analyzing gait parameters at different walking speeds (SSWS and FWS), regardless of fall history. Older adults with high functional capacity demonstrate better performance during gait. Besides, spatiotemporal parameters are the main factors explaining gait variability, both in SSWS and FWS.

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