Quantification of Trunk Postural Stability Using Convex Polyhedron of the Time-Series Accelerometer Data

Techniques to quantify postural stability usually rely on the evaluation of only two variables, that is, two coordinates of COP. However, by using three variables, that is, three components of acceleration vector, it is possible to describe human movement more precisely. For this purpose, a single three-axis accelerometer was used, making it possible to evaluate 3D movement by use of a novel method, convex polyhedron (CP), together with a traditional method, based on area of the confidence ellipse (ACE). Ten patients (Pts) with cerebellar ataxia and eleven healthy individuals of control group (CG) participated in the study. The results show a significant increase of volume of the CP (CPV) in Pts or CG standing on foam surface with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) after the EC phase. Significant difference between Pts and CG was found in all cases as well. Correlation coefficient indicates strong correlation between the CPV and ACE in most cases of patient examinations, thus confirming the possibility of quantification of postural instability by the introduced method of CPV.

Download Full-text

Effect of workshops for coaches on the motor ability of balance in children practicing sports in late childhood

BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1186/s13102-021-00388-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

D. Wilczyńska ◽

A. Łysak-Radomska ◽

M. Podczarska-Głowacka ◽

K. Krasowska ◽

E. Perzanowska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vestibular System ◽

Postural Stability ◽

Motor Coordination ◽

Stability Index ◽

Control Group ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Balance Stability

Abstract Background The coach attitude impacts the whole mind and body system of a child athlete from emotional and motivational aspects to motor skills like motor coordination. It translates into the ability to control and stabilize posture. The vestibular system plays an important role in this regulation. This system, next to the visual system and mechanoreceptors, is responsible for balance and control during posture transition. Moreover, the vestibular system is influenced by emotional factors. Therefore the authors of this study focused on the changes in the balance stability of children practicing sport after the implementation of the psychological workshops for coaches. Methods Fifty-nine children at the age of 9–12 practicing soccer, art gymnastic and sport gymnastic were divided into two groups. The experimental group consisted of 31 participants and 28 in the control group. Experimental group children were under the influence of the 3 coaches who attended three workshops over 12 weeks period. Control group children were coached by 5 coaches who attended no workshops. Postural stability tests were performed on children before and after the workshops. Results The statistically significant changes were observed in selected parameters of children’s balance stability after the experiment. The significant difference between the experimental and control group in Overall Stability Index (OSI) (p < 0.0002), Anterior–Posterior Stability Index (AP) (p < 0.01), Medial–Lateral Stability Index (ML) (p < 0.01) with eyes open were observed after the experiment. The results show a significant deterioration in control group contrary to the experimental group where the improvement trend was observed. Moreover, the difference between the groups was observed in OSI parameter (p < 0.005) with eyes closed after the experiment. Conclusion The results obtained by the authors of the current study may support the thesis that educating coaches allows for better results in postural stability of child’s athletes. Nevertheless, this thesis requires further research, with particular emphasis on the age and gender of young athletes.

Download Full-text

Comparison of static and dynamic balance measurements among chronic and episodic migraine patients

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/0004-282x-anp-2020-0319 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 79 (5) ◽

pp. 399-406

Author(s):

Seyhan Dumanlidağ ◽

Aysel Milanlioğlu

Keyword(s):

Chronic Migraine ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Episodic Migraine ◽

Control Group ◽

Balance Performance ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Closed Area ◽

Balance Tests ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Eyes Open

ABSTRACT Background: Migraine is one of the most frequent and incapacitating headaches, with a high degree of impairment of balance control and postural stability. Objective: To investigate the effects of episodic and chronic migraine on postural balance through using static and dynamic balance tests. Methods: The study included 32 chronic and 36 episodic migraine patients and a control group of 36 healthy volunteers. Right/left single-leg static and dynamic balance tests were performed in each group with eyes open and closed using a posturographic balance platform (Techno-body Prokin). Results: No significant difference was found among episodic and chronic migraine patients and control subjects with regard to eyes-open and eyes-closed area values (eyes-open area values: p=0.559, p=0.414 and p=0.906; eyes-closed area values: p=0.740, p=0.241 and p=0.093, respectively). However, the area values were significantly higher in episodic and chronic migraine patients than in the control group, which indicates that migraine patients may have lower balance performance. Perimeter values were relatively higher which supports the idea that migraine patients have lower balance performance. Additionally, the average number of laps was significantly lower among migraine patients than in the control group, which also implies that migraine patients may have lower balance performance. Conclusion: Although no significant difference was detected between chronic and episodic migraine patients and the control group and between chronic and episodic migraine patients with regard to balance performance, chronic migraine patients seemed to have relatively lower performance than episodic migraine patients. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed, to investigate the relationship between these parameters and balance.

Download Full-text

The Postural Control Indexes during Unipodal Support in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/7936095 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Aneta Dąbrowska ◽

Marzena A. Olszewska-Karaban ◽

Anna K. Permoda-Białozorczyk ◽

Dominika A. Szalewska

Keyword(s):

Idiopathic Scoliosis ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Stability Index ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Trunk Rotation ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Eyes Open ◽

The Stability

Proper posture provides the best balance and body stability at minimal muscular effort. It is constantly controlled by the central nervous system, which integrates the stimuli from the proprioceptors (deep feeling sensors), vision receptors, and balance receptors through the subcortical structures. The main purpose of the study was to describe single stance stability and its correlation with the degree of scoliosis and trunk rotation among patients suffering from idiopathic scoliosis and in the control group without scoliosis. The study included 80 patients (69 girls and 11 boys) and 40 healthy children without scoliosis (21 girls and 19 boys). The Cobb angle technique was used to determine the magnitude of the deformity. All subjects were divided into three subgroups according to Bogdanov’s classification. Single stance stability with eyes open and eyes closed was assessed with an electronic postural station—Delos Postural Proprioceptive System (DPPS). In case of multiple group comparisons for variables with normal distribution ANOVA with Scheffe, post hoc test was used or Kruskal-Wallis test was used as the nonparametric equivalent. The relationship between the two continuous variables was investigated using either Pearson product-moment correlation or Spearman’s rank correlation. In all these calculations, the statistical significance level was set to p<0.05. The single stance test showed a significant difference between the stability index with eyes open and stability index with eyes closed in study and control groups. The character of these alterations is influenced by the degree of trunk rotation. The degree of scoliosis according to Bogdanov classification does not determine the decrease in stability indexes. In summary, significantly lower values of the stability index during one-leg standing with eyes closed indicated balance impairment, which is mainly connected with inadequate functioning of the proprioceptive system.

Download Full-text

Impaired Balancing Function in Patients of Chronic Mechanical Ankle Instability

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011417s000405 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 2473011417S0004

Author(s):

Bibo Wang

Keyword(s):

Ankle Instability ◽

Assessment System ◽

Ligament Injury ◽

Control Group ◽

Stress Tests ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Trajectory Length ◽

Eyes Open ◽

Anterior Posterior

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a disease entity commonly seen after ankle ligament injury. It is divided into mechanical ankle instability (MAI) and functional ankle instability (FAI), with different pathological conditions. The purpose of this study was to test the balancing ability of MAI and FAI patients. Methods: 30 CAI patients and 10 normal subjects were included according to the injury history, clinical symptom and MRI presentation. Stress tests were given under fluoroscopy to find out those with mechanical instability in CAI patients. Among them there were 18 MAI and 12 FAI patients. All patients were tested on a customized balancing ability assessment system developed by Shanghai Jiaotong University. Subjects were asked to stand on the platform for 30 seconds for both feet, 10 seconds for single foot, with eyes open. And 30 seconds for both feet, 5 seconds for single foot, with eyes closed. Each condition was tested for 3 trials and results were averaged. Parameters of balance like the swaying trajectory length and speed at both medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions, the trajectory length per unit were obtained. Results were compared among three groups. Results: The MAI group presented significantly greater imbalance in both medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions compared with that in the control group while standing on the single diseased foot, with eyes open or closed. While in the FAI group, no significant difference was found in postural sway compared with that in the control group. The MAI group presented significantly greater imbalance in both medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions than the FAI group while standing on the single diseased foot with eyes open or closed. No significant difference in balancing was found of the contralateral ankle in the two groups. Conclusion: The balancing ability of MAI patients was impaired and then make them vulnerable to falling. Thus either balance training program or reconstructive surgery is needed to restore the balancing ability in those patients.

Download Full-text

Relevance of lactate level detection in migrane and fibromyalgia

European Journal of Translational Myology ◽

10.4081/ejtm.2019.8202 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Patrizia Proia ◽

Alessandra Amato ◽

Valentina Contrò ◽

Alessandra Lo Monaco ◽

Jessica Brusa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Postural Stability ◽

Path Length ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Control Group ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Dynamic Coordination ◽

Eyes Open ◽

Lactate Levels ◽

And Control ◽

Blood Lactate Levels

The aim of this study was to determine the blood lactate levels in healthy and pathological subjects, particularly with migraine and fibromyalgia. Moreover we investigated the possible correlation between lactate concentration, postural stability and balance disorders; the composition of the groups were: migraine (n = 25; age 49.7 ± 12.5), fibromyalgia (n = 10; age 43.7 ± 21.2), control group (n = 16 age 28.52 ± 2.4). The results showed that patients with fibromyalgia (FG) had higher lactate levels compared to migraine (MG) and control group (CG) (mean ± sd: FG = 1.78 ± 0.9 mmol/L; MG = 1.45±1 mmol/L; CG = 0,85 ± 0,07 mmol/L). The same situation was highlighted about the sway path length with eyes closed (FG = 518 ± 195 mm; MG = 465 ± 165 mm; CG = 405 ± 94,72 mm) and with eyes open (FG = 430 ± 220 mm; MG = 411 ± 143 mm; CG = 389 ± 107 mm). This can be explained by the fact that energy-intensive postural strategies must be used to optimize both static and dynamic coordination, in particular with repeated contractions of tonic oxidative muscle cells responsible for postural control.

Download Full-text

Postural stability, risk of falls and fear of falling in elderly with diabetic neuropathy who do therapeutic exercises

Fisioterapia e Pesquisa ◽

10.1590/1809-2950/41121022014 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 127-132

Author(s):

Hudson Azevedo Pinheiro ◽

Karla Helena Coelho Vilaça ◽

Gustavo de Azevedo Carvalho

Keyword(s):

Diabetic Neuropathy ◽

Postural Stability ◽

Fear Of Falling ◽

Control Group ◽

Therapeutic Exercise ◽

Disability Score ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Therapeutic Exercises ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Risk Of Falls

This study aimed to analyze postural stability, the risk of falls and fear of falling in elderly with diabetic neuropathy (DNP) that perform therapeutic exercises. The authors conducted the screening of elderly patients with DNP using the instruments Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS) and the Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS). The 50 selected patients were divided into two groups: 24 of G1 (who were performing therapeutic exercises) and 26 of G2 (the control group). To assess postural stability, risk of falls and fear of falling among groups used the pressure platform, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I). There was no significant difference in the outcome of BBS scales (p=0.16) and FES-I (p=0.15) between the G1 and G2; by the pressure platform, we found differences between G1 and G2 in parameters path length (PL) and stability medio-lateral (ML), with both eyes closed (EC). Elderly people with DNP who perform therapeutic exercise have better stability and ML and PL with EC that sedentary elderly; however, there was no association with therapeutic exercise, risk of falls and fear of falling.

Download Full-text

Effect of participating in fitness classes on postural stability of young women

Biomedical Human Kinetics ◽

10.1515/bhk-2015-0005 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Aleksandra Truszczyńska ◽

Agnieszka Jarmuziewicz ◽

Justyna Drzał-Grabiec

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Postural Stability ◽

Balance Control ◽

Control Group ◽

Stability Testing ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Eyes Open ◽

The Mean ◽

Control Balance ◽

Positive Effect

Summary Study aim: the aim of the study was to compare the postural stability and ability to control balance in active women who attend fitness classes versus inactive women. Material and methods: the study included 41 women who exercise regularly (mean age 28.64±5.26 years). The control group consisted of 42 women not engaged in regular physical activity (mean age 28.55±5.05 years). In each subject, postural stability testing was performed using the Stabilometric Platform CQStab2P (the 2-platform version). Authors analysed the mean, median and standard deviation for each parameter of the stabilogram and statokinesiogram. Results: for most of the studied parameters, the statistical analysis showed a positive effect of exercising on the level of fitness compared to the control group, for both the test with eyes open and the test with eyes closed. Conclusions: attending fitness classes significantly affects postural stability and balance control in young women, and leads to lesser dependence on sight to maintain it.

Download Full-text

The Influence of Proprioceptive Training with the Use of Virtual Reality on Postural Stability of Workers Working at Height

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s20133731 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (13) ◽

pp. 3731

Author(s):

Magdalena Cyma-Wejchenig ◽

Jacek Tarnas ◽

Katarzyna Marciniak ◽

Rafał Stemplewski

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Dual Task ◽

Postural Stability ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Force Plate ◽

Control Group ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Proprioceptive Training ◽

Eyes Open ◽

The Impact

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of proprioceptive training with the use of virtual reality (VR) on the level of postural stability of high–altitude workers. Twenty-one men working at height were randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG) with training (n = 10) and control group (CG) without training (n = 11). Path length of the displacement of the center of pressure (COP) signal and its components in the anteroposterior and medial–lateral directions were measured with use of an AccuGaitTM force plate before and after intervention (6 weeks, 2 sessions × 30 min a week). Tests were performed at two different platform heights, with or without eyes open and with or without a dual task. Two–way ANOVA revealed statistically significant interaction effects for low–high threat, eyes open-eyes closed, and single task-dual task. Post-training values of average COP length were significantly lower in the EG than before training for all analyzed parameters. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the use of proprioceptive training with use of VR can support, or even replace, traditional methods of balance training.

Download Full-text

Postural stability assessment in flatfoot subjects trough lyapunov exponent analysis

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckab120.113 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

Joel Marouvo ◽

Maria António Castro ◽

Nelson Azevedo ◽

Filipa Sousa ◽

Orlando Fernandes

Keyword(s):

Lyapunov Exponent ◽

Postural Stability ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Chaotic Behavior ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Control Group ◽

Posture Analysis ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Pressure Feedback

Abstract Background Flatfoot subjects presents an increase plantar foot area related to a plantar pressure feedback impairment. The Lyapunov Exponent is considered a nonlinear parameter used to characterize a signal chaotic behavior measuring the information rate loss from time series, i.e., for the Center of Pressure data. This exponent is used to quantify and measure the capability and resistance of subjects to several perturbations. The study purpose was to investigate the postural stability differences among foot posture condition through the Lyapunov Exponent analysis. Methods The sample of the observation descriptive study consisted of 31 participants (23.26 yo ± 4.43 SD) comprising a total of 62 feet, where 15 integrated into the experimental group with bilateral flatfoot condition and the remaining 16 in the control group with the bilateral neutral foot condition. Subjects were screened, before posture analysis, using the Navicular Drop Test and Resting Calcaneal Stance Position test, to characterize each group. All participants were subjected to a bipedal weight-bearing stance posture stability analysis a force platform, both in eyes-open and closed condition. The Lyapunov Exponent was calculated using the Matlab-R2020b (MathWorks Inc., USA) software. Results Regarding the Center of Pressure outcomes, only the Lyapunov Exponent value upon the Antero-Posterior component regarding groups in the eyes closed condition (diff = 3.09°, p = .016) presented a significant result. Conclusion Flatfoot subjects present a significant difference compared to neutral foot participants, in bipedal weight-bearing stance, in the eyes closed condition regarding the Lyapunov Exponent. This relates to increase variability and decrease stability regarding the Antero-Posterior component.

Download Full-text

Stabilometric assessment of static balance and postural stability in multicanal vertigo post vestibular rehabilitation: a clinical case report

Research Society and Development ◽

10.33448/rsd-v10i11.10188 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. e92101110188

Author(s):

Lucas Marques Fortunato ◽

Lucelia Luna Melo-Diaz

Keyword(s):

Case Report ◽

Postural Stability ◽

Vestibular Rehabilitation ◽

Rehabilitation Program ◽

Mean Deviation ◽

Static Balance ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Eyes Open ◽

The Mean

Introduction: Multicanal vertigo is a rare disorder and vestibular rehabilitation is one of the treatment methods, aiming to stimulate the neuroplasticity of the central nervous system. Objective: To examine the effect of a vestibular rehabilitation program on static balance and postural stability in an individual with vertigo. Case report: Male patient, 58 years old, with clinical diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo for 12 years, with frequent episodes of vertigo, loss of balance and falls. The assessment of balance and postural stability were performed using the Romberg test with eyes open and closed, on a S-Plate v.14 – Medicapteurs – France, force platform, analysing data at a risk of p<0.05 level. After the Epley´s Maneuver, the vestibular rehabilitation program was started. It consisted of Cawthorne-Cooksey vestibular exercises, the Brandt-Daroff modified maneuver, and the Norre´s vestibular habituation training, twice a week, for a total of 10 sessions. Results: The tests performed with eyes open, did not show a statistically significant difference between pre and post treatment. However, in the stabilometric analysis, the wave width, the mean deviation, and the mean speed in the anteroposterior (A/P) and latero-lateral (L/L) displacements in mm/s, as well as the postural stability for the eyes closed tests had a statistically significant improvement. Conclusion: Vestibular rehabilitation was effective in improving static balance and postural stability in this case report, scientifically corroborating the importance of the chosen rehabilitation method as a viable option for the treatment of peripheral vestibulopathy.

Download Full-text