Effects of dual task balance training on dual task performance in elderly people: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To investigate the effects of dual task balance training in the elderly on standing postural control while performing a cognitive task. Design: A randomized two-group parallel controlled trial. Participants: Forty-three subjects (all >65 years old) were enrolled in the study and were assigned randomly to either an experimental group ( n = 21) or a control group ( n = 22). Interventions: Subjects in the experimental group were given strength and balance training while performing cognitive tasks simultaneously. Subjects in the control group were given strength and balance training only. The training was administered twice a week for three months. Measurements: The Chair Stand Test, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and Trail Making Test were measured. The sway length of the centre of gravity was measured during standing while performing the Stroop task. The rate of Stroop task was also measured. All measurements were collected at baseline and after the training period. Results: There were no significant differences in Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and sway length at baseline and after training between the two groups. However, the rate of Stroop task ( P < 0.05) was significantly higher after training in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that dual task balance training in elderly people improves their dual task performance during standing postural control.

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Comparing the Effects of Single-Task versus Dual-Task Balance Training on Gait Smoothness and Functional Balance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2020-0523 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Samira Javadpour ◽

Ehsan Sinaei ◽

Reza Salehi ◽

Shahla Zahednejad ◽

Alireza Motealleh

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Dual Task ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Balance Training ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Training Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

To compare the effects of single- versus dual-task balance training on the gait smoothness and balance of community-dwelling older adults, 69 volunteers were randomized to single-, dual-task training, and control (no intervention) groups. Exercises were received in 18 sessions through 6 weeks. The gait smoothness was measured by the harmonic ratio of trunk accelerations using a triaxial accelerometer. Balance performance was assessed through the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale, Timed Up and Go test, Activities-specific Balance Confidence, and gait speed. After the trial, all variables improved significantly in the training groups. Moreover, differences in the mean change of all variables, except the Timed Up and Go test, were statistically significant between the interventional groups and the control group, but no significant difference was reported between the two training groups. This study suggests that balance training can improve gait smoothness as well as balance status in healthy older adults.

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Exergames for women with fibromyalgia: a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effects on mobility skills, balance and fear of falling

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.3211 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. e3211 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Daniel Collado-Mateo ◽

Francisco J. Dominguez-Muñoz ◽

Jose C. Adsuar ◽

Eugenio Merellano-Navarro ◽

Narcis Gusi

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Fear Of Falling ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Exercise Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Functional Reach ◽

Functional Reach Test ◽

Mobility Skills

Background Exergames are a new form of rehabilitation that combine the characteristics of physical exercise and the benefits of non-immersive virtual reality (VR). Effects of this novel therapy in women fibromyalgia are still unknown. The objective was to evaluate the effects of exergame-based intervention on mobility skills, balance and fear of falling in women with fibromyalgia. Methods This study was a randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation. Seventy-six women with fibromyalgia were divided into two groups: the exercise group received an eight week intervention based on exergames, while the control group continued their usual activities. Mobility skills were evaluated using the timed up and go test, while balance was assessed using the functional reach test, and the CTSIB protocol. Fear of falling was evaluated on a scale of 0–100 (0, no fear; 100, extreme fear). Measurements were performed before and after the intervention. A repeated-measures linear mixed model was used to compare the effects of the intervention between the two groups. Results The exercise group was significantly quicker than the control group in the timed up and go test (MD, −0.71; 95% CI [−1.09–0.32]; p < 0.001). There were also significant improvements in functional reach and a reduced fear of falling (MD, 4.34; 95% CI [1.39–7.30]; p = 0.005 and MD, −9.85; 95% CI [−0.19–−0.08]; p = 0.048, respectively). Discussion The improved TUG observed herein was better than the smallest real difference. Based on the results on mobility skills, balance and fear of falling, exergames may be an effective tool as a therapy for women with fibromyalgia.

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Effectiveness of balance training programme in reducing the frequency of falling in established osteoporotic women: a randomized controlled trial

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215516628616 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 31 (2) ◽

pp. 217-224 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Ibolya Mikó ◽

Imre Szerb ◽

Anna Szerb ◽

Gyula Poor

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Balance Training ◽

Training Programme ◽

Exercise Programme ◽

Berg Balance Scale ◽

Control Group ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Randomized Controlled

Objective: To investigate the effect of a 12-month sensomotor balance exercise programme on postural control and the frequency of falling in women with established osteoporosis. Design: Randomized controlled trial where the intervention group was assigned the 12-month Balance Training Programme and the control group did not undertake any intervention beyond regular osteoporosis treatment. Subjects: A total of 100 osteoporotic women – at least with one osteoporotic fracture – aged 65 years old and above. Main measures: Balance was assessed in static and dynamic posture both with performance-based measures of balance, such as the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test, and with a stabilometric computerized platform. Interventions: Patients in the intervention group completed the 12-month sensomotor Balance Training Programme in an outpatient setting, guided by physical therapists, three times a week, for 30 minutes. Results: The Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test showed a statistically significant improvement of balance in the intervention group ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Balance tests using the stabilometer also showed a statistically significant improvement in static and dynamic postural balance for osteoporotic women after the completion of the Balance Training Programme. As a consequence, the one-year exercise programme significantly decreased the number of falls in the exercise group compared with the control group. Conclusion: The Balance Training Programme significantly improved the balance parameters and reduced the number of falls in postmenopausal women who have already had at least one fracture in the past.

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Balance a few years after total hip replacement

10.21203/rs.2.11747/v1 ◽

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

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The Effect of Cognitive and Motor Dual-task Training on Improvement of Balance and Some Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in People With Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease

Caspian Journal of Neurological Sciences ◽

10.32598/cjns.5.19.190 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 190-198

Author(s):

Tahereh Pourkhani ◽

◽

Hassan Daneshmandi ◽

Ali Asghar Norasteh ◽

Babak Bakhshayesh Eghbali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dual Task ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Training Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Yahr Stage ◽

Single Task ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Task Training ◽

Dual Task Training

Background: Parkinson disease (PD) is characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms that affect patients’ functions, especially while performing dual-tasks a critical factor in everyday living. However, many controversies exist about the benefits of dual-task training in patients with PD. Objectives: This study assessed the efﬁcacy of motor and cognitive dual-task training in improving balance and gait parameters in people with idiopathic PD. Materials & Methods: A single-blind controlled trial was conducted on PD patients living in Guilan Province of Iran, in 2018-2019. A total of 30 PD patients (Hoehn and Yahr stage II-III while on medication) were assigned to the cognitive dual-task training group (n=10), motor dual-task training group (n=10), and single-task control group (n=10). All groups received 30 sessions of different exercises for 10 consecutive weeks. The patients’ balance and some spatiotemporal gait parameters were respectively assessed with timed up and go test and HD VideoCam-Kinovea before and after training and then 1 month later. Results: Both dual-task and single-task trainings improved the outcome measures (timed up and go test (F=535.54; P=0.000), stride length (F=87.41; P=0.00), stride time (F=102.11; P=0.00), cadence (F=286.36; P=0.00), swing time (F=48.90; P=0.00), and stance time (F=40.56; P=0.00)). These improvements were maintained at 1-month follow-up, although the effect slightly reduced. No signiﬁcant differences were found between the study groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Motor/cognitive dual-task training and single-task training were found to be significantly and equally effective in improving balance and gait parameters in people with PD.

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Effect of Posture Training with Weighted Kypho-Orthosis (WKO) on Improving Balance in Women with Osteoporosis

Journal of Aging Research ◽

10.1155/2014/427903 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Seyed Ahmad Raeissadat ◽

Leyla Sedighipour ◽

Safura Pournajaf ◽

Reza Vahab Kashani ◽

Shahram Sadeghi

Keyword(s):

Weight Bearing ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Control Group ◽

Controlled Clinical Trial ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Training Support ◽

Functional Reach ◽

Balance Tests ◽

Functional Reach Test

Objectives.To determine the effect of weighted kypho-orthosis (WKO) on improving balance in women with osteoporosis. In this nonrandomized controlled clinical trial, 31 patients with osteoporosis were included. The patients were assigned to two groups: (1) control group who received 4-week home-based daily exercise program including weight bearing, back strengthening, and balance exercises and (2) intervention group (WKO) who performed aforementioned exercises and wore WKO for one hour twice a day. Patients were assessed using clinical balance tests (timed up and go test, functional reach test, and unilateral balance test) before and 4 weeks after start of treatment.Results.Functional reach and timed up and go test were improved significantly in both groups compared to baseline. The improvement in intervention group was more significant in comparison to control group (P<0.05).Discussion.Posture training with WKO together with exercise program improved two clinical balance tests in women with osteoporosis.Conclusion.Posture training support (PTS) applied as WKO together with back extension exercises can be prescribed as an intervention in elderly women in order to reduce the risk of falling.

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Effects of plantar perception training on standing posture balance in the old old and the very old living in nursing facilities: a randomized controlled trial

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215510395792 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 25 (11) ◽

pp. 1011-1020 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Shu Morioka ◽

Hiroyuki Fujita ◽

Makoto Hiyamizu ◽

Hiroshi Maeoka ◽

Atsushi Matsuo

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Standing Position ◽

Control Group ◽

Nursing Facilities ◽

Very Old ◽

Centre Of Gravity ◽

Functional Reach ◽

Functional Reach Test ◽

Perception Training

Objective: To determine whether plantar perception training using a hardness discrimination task efficiently improves stabilization of standing posture balance in the old old as well as the very old. Design: A randomized two-group parallel controlled trial. Setting: Nursing homes. Participants: Forty-six elderly persons 75 years of age or older living in nursing facilities were randomly assigned evenly to either an intervention or a control group. Intervention: The intervention group was given a task to discriminate hardness differences while standing on foam rubber of different levels of hardness, while the control group was given the task to simply remain standing on foam rubber. The tasks were imposed for 10 successive days. Outcome measures: Outcome assessment was made by determinations of centre-of-gravity sway in the standing position and the Functional Reach Test. Results: Planter perception was significantly improved and centre-of-gravity sway in the standing position was also significantly reduced in the intervention group after the intervention. In the control group, however, there were no significant changes in perception or in sway ( P < 0.01) There was a significant difference in the Functional Reach Test values between the two groups: an increment of 12.3 ± 10.1 cm in the intervention group vs. 2.3 ± 5.8 cm in the control group ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: These results suggested that plantar perception exercises might efficiently stabilize standing postural balance in the old old as well as the very old.

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The Effect of Specific Balance Training Exercises for Preventing Falls among Elderly Women

Reabilitacijos mokslai slauga kineziterapija ergoterapija ◽

10.33607/rmske.v1i6.863 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (6) ◽

Author(s):

Ieva Kvietkutė ◽

Vilma Dudonienė

Keyword(s):

Elderly Women ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Balance Training ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Berg Balance Scale ◽

Control Group ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Balance Scale ◽

Functional Reach Test ◽

Training Exercises

All European countries are experiencing significant ageing of the population. As the lifespan of the population increases, so does the prevalence of falls. Falls in older adults are a major public health concern and a main cause of morbidity and disability. More than one-third of persons 65 years of age or older fall each year, and in half of such cases the falls are recurrent. It is very important to maintain physical activity and independence in daily activities in elderly persons as well as to apply appropriate preventive means as soon as possible. Various interventions may be used to promote health, enhance quality life and reduce falls in elderly people: exercises, home modifications, appropriate footwear and walking aids. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of specific balance training exercises for preventing falls among elderly women. Twenty eight women aged 55–75 years participated in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: exercise (n = 14, mean age 67.9 ± 6.13 years) and control (n = 14, mean age 68.9 ± 5.31). Exercise group women performed specific – Cawthorne-Cooksey balance training exercises for 4 weeks, 5 times a week. Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises consisted of moving head in sitting and standing positions with eyes open or closed, exercises on a balance platform, and walking around. One training session lasted for 30-35 minutes. No exercise was performed in the control group. Static and dynamic balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, and Tinetti Balance Scale, walking speed was assessed using Timed Up and Go Test. Risk for falls was assessed using Desmond Fall Risk Questionnaire [4]. Subjects were evaluated twice: before and after applying exercise program. More than 50% of women have had a fall in the past years, difficulty walking in the dark or on uneven surfaces, they have experienced loss of balance or a light-headed feeling standing up, and they could not walk a straight line. Only 29% of subjects participated in a regular exercise programme. The results of Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Tinetti Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test did not differ between groups before applying specific exercise program. Specific exercises significantly improved patients’ static and dynamic balance, reach functions and walking speed, while in the control group the results of all performed tests had tendency to decline. Specific Cawthorne-Cooksey balance training exercises are effective (p < 0.05) in improving balance and preventing falls in elderly women.Keywords: falls, elderly age, balance, risk of falls.

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Efficacy of axial TheraTogs on gait pattern in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial

Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy ◽

10.1186/s43161-021-00030-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Shamekh Mohamed El-Shamy ◽

Ehab Mohamed Abd El Kafy

Keyword(s):

Cerebral Palsy ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Muscle Tone ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Gait Pattern ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Experimental Group

Abstract Background TheraTogs promotes proprioceptive sense of a child with cerebral palsy and improves abnormal muscle tone, posture alignment, balance, and gait. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of TheraTogs orthotic undergarment on gait pattern in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Thirty children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy were selected for this randomized controlled study. They were randomly assigned to (1) an experimental group that received TheraTogs orthotic undergarment (12 h/day, 3 days/week) plus traditional physical therapy for 3 successive months and (2) a control group that received only traditional physical therapy program for the same time period. Gait parameters were measured at baseline and after 3 months of intervention using Pro-Reflex motion analysis. Results Children in both groups showed significant improvements in the gait parameters (P < 0.05), with significantly greater improvements in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusions The use of TheraTogs may have a positive effect to improve gait pattern in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Trial registration This trial was registered in the ClinicalTrial.gov PRS (NCT03037697).

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Does soft tissue mobilization assist static stretching to improve hamstring flexibility? A randomized controlled trial

Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine ◽

10.1515/jcim-2019-0288 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shibili Nuhmani

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Knee Extension ◽

Repeated Measure ◽

Control Group ◽

Static Stretching ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Hamstring Flexibility ◽

Soft Tissue Mobilization ◽

Experimental Group

AbstractObjectivesObjective of the study is to investigate whether Soft tissue mobilization (STM) can assist with static stretching to improve hamstring flexibly.MethodsThe design of the study was repeated measure design. The study was conducted at the physical therapy laboratory of Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi. Participants included 78 healthy males with hamstring tightness, randomly assigned to either the control group (static stretching) or the experimental group (STM and static stretching). The experimental group received five sets of four different STM techniques, followed by two sets of 30-s static stretches 3 days per week over the course of 12 weeks. The control group received 5 min of sham ultrasound with an inactive probe prior to static stretching. Active knee extension test (AKE) was the outcome measure.ResultsBoth groups showed significant improvement in AKE compared with the baseline measurements. With ingroup analysis showed a significant difference in AKE across all measured time periods (weeks 4, 8, and 12) with pre-test in both groups (p<0.05). No significant difference in AKE improvement was found between groups (p>0.05).ConclusionThe results of this study show that STM prior to static stretching does not significantly improve hamstring flexibility among healthy individuals. Although this study cannot be generalized, the results may be useful for evidence-based practice in the management of hamstring tightness.

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