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 Clinical evaluation of balance in hemiparetic adults: a systematic review

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Bambirra ◽  
Maria Cecília de Betsan Rodrigues ◽  
Christina Danielli Coelho de Morais Faria ◽  
Fátima Rodrigues de Paula
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Balance Assessment ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance Scale ◽  
Functional Reach Test ◽  
Four Square

Introduction Hemiparesis is a common post-stroke impairment often associated with balance deficits. Standardized instruments for balance assessment may be useful in identifying individuals at risk of falling and evaluating intervention outcomes. Objectives To identify instruments with adequate psychometric properties and clinical application to assess balance in hemiparetic cases within the scope of physiotherapy and to verify tools most frequently used in studies that evaluated the effects of therapeutic interventions in order to improve the balance of hemiparetic patients. Methods A search was conducted in the Medline, Lilacs, PEDro, and Web of Science databases by two independent researchers, who selected and analyzed studies that evaluated the reliability and validity of balance assessment instruments and intervention results. Results and discussion The Berg Balance Scale was the most frequently used instrument in the intervention studies. Nine single-task tests (timed up and go, functional reach test, step test, four-square step test, side step test, supported standing balance, standing arm raise, static tandem standing, and weight shifting) and six multiple-task tests (Berg balance scale, Brunel balance assessment, Fugl-Meyer Assessment/balance section, mini balance evaluation systems test, and postural assessment scale for stroke patients) demonstrated adequate psychometric properties and clinical applications to assess balance in hemiparetic individuals. Conclusions The Berg Balance Scale had the most widely studied psychometric properties and was the most frequently used scale in the intervention studies. Further studies are required to validate and adapt other instruments for the Brazilian population.

The effect of foot orthoses on balance, foot function, and mobility in rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552199331
Author(s):  
Juliana Zonzini Gaino ◽  
Manoel Barros Bértolo ◽  
Caroline Silva Nunes ◽  
Cecília de Morais Barbosa ◽  
Síbila Floriano Landim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Foot Orthoses ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance Scale ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Foot Function

Objectives: To compare balance, foot function and mobility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with and without foot orthoses. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient rheumatology clinic. Subjects: A total of 94 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis were randomized; of these, 81 were included in the analyses (Intervention group: 40; Control group: 41). Intervention: The Intervention Group received custom-made foot orthoses while the Control Group received none intervention. Main measure: The “Foot Function Index,” the “Berg Balance Scale,” and the “Timed-up-and-go Test” were assessed at baseline an after four weeks. The chosen level of significance was P < 0.05. Results: Average (standard deviation) participant age was 56.7 (±10.6) years old and average disease duration (standard deviation) was 11.4 (± 7.2) years. Groups were similar at baseline, except for comorbidity index and race. After four weeks, significant interaction group versus time was observed for Foot Function Index (change: Intervention group: −1.23 ± 1.58; Control group: −0.12 ± 1.16 – P = 0.0012) and for Berg Balance Scale (change: Intervention group: 2 ± 3; Control group: 0 ± 3 – P = 0.0110), but not for the Timed-up-and-go Test (change: Intervention group: −1.34 ± 1.99; Control group: −0.84 ± 2.29 – P = 0.0799). Conclusion: Foot orthoses improved foot function and balance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

scholarly journals Effect of home-based Tai Chi, Yoga or conventional balance exercise on functional balance and mobility among persons with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease: An experimental study

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (01) ◽  
pp. 39-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arva Khuzema ◽  
A. Brammatha ◽  
V. Arul Selvan
Keyword(s):  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Balance Scale ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Balance Exercises ◽  
Main Effect

Background: Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) invariably experience functional decline in a number of motor and non-motor domains affecting posture, balance and gait. Numerous clinical studies have examined effects of various types of exercise on motor and non-motor problems. But still much gap remains in our understanding of various therapies and their effect on delaying or slowing the dopamine neuron degeneration. Recently, Tai Chi and Yoga both have gained popularity as complementary therapies, since both have components for mind and body control. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether eight weeks of home-based Tai Chi or Yoga was more effective than regular balance exercises on functional balance and mobility. Methods: Twenty-seven individuals with Idiopathic PD (Modified Hoehn and Yahr stages 2.5–3) were randomly assigned to either Tai Chi, Yoga or Conventional exercise group. All the participants were evaluated for Functional Balance and Mobility using Berg Balance Scale, Timed 10[Formula: see text]m Walk test and Timed Up and Go test before and after eight weeks of training. Results: The results were analyzed using two-way mixed ANOVA which showed that there was a significant main effect for time as F (1, 24) [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] for overall balance in Berg Balance Scale. There was also significant main effect of time on mobility overall as F(1, 24) [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] in Timed up and Go test and F(1, 24) [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] for 10[Formula: see text]m Walk test. There was a significant interaction effect for [Formula: see text] with F(2, 24) [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] for balance. With respect to mobility, the values F(2, 24) [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] in Timed Up and Go test and F(2, 24) [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] in 10[Formula: see text]m Walk test showed a significant interaction. But there was no significant main effect between the groups for both balance and mobility. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that Tai Chi as well as Yoga are well adhered and are attractive options for a home-based setting. As any form of physical activity is considered beneficial for individuals with PD either Tai Chi, Yoga or conventional balance exercises could be used as therapeutic intervention to optimize balance and mobility. Further studies are necessary to understand the mind–body benefits of Tai Chi and Yoga either as multicomponent physical activities or as individual therapies in various stages of PD.

scholarly journals Locomotor Performance During Rehabilitation of People With Lower Limb Amputation and Prosthetic Nonuse 12 Months After Discharge

2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (7) ◽  
pp. 985-994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline E. Roffman ◽  
John Buchanan ◽  
Garry T. Allison
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Clinical Utility ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Lower Limb Amputation ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Locomotor Performance ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Four Square

AbstractBackgroundIt is recognized that multifactorial assessments are needed to evaluate balance and locomotor function in people with lower limb amputation. There is no consensus on whether a single screening tool could be used to identify future issues with locomotion or prosthetic use.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine whether different tests of locomotor performance during rehabilitation were associated with significantly greater risk of prosthetic abandonment at 12 months postdischarge.DesignThis was a retrospective cohort study.MethodData for descriptive variables and locomotor tests (ie, 10-Meter Walk Test [10MWT], Timed “Up & Go” Test [TUGT], Six-Minute Walk Test [6MWT], and Four Square Step Test [FSST]) were abstracted from the medical records of 201 consecutive participants with lower limb amputation. Participants were interviewed and classified as prosthetic users or nonusers at 12 months postdischarge. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze whether there were differences in locomotor performance. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to determine performance thresholds, and relative risk (RR) was calculated for nonuse.ResultsAt 12 months postdischarge, 18% (n=36) of the participants had become prosthetic nonusers. Performance thresholds, area under the curve (AUC), and RR of nonuse (95% confidence intervals [CI]) were: for the 10MWT, if walking speed was ≤0.44 ms−1 (AUC=0.743), RR of nonuse=2.76 (95% CI=1.83, 3.79; P&lt;.0001); for the TUGT, if time was ≥21.4 seconds (AUC=0.796), RR of nonuse=3.17 (95% CI=2.17, 4.14; P&lt;.0001); for the 6MWT, if distance was ≤191 m (AUC=0.788), RR of nonuse=2.84, (95% CI=2.05, 3.48; P&lt;.0001); and for the FSST, if time was ≥36.6 seconds (AUC=0.762), RR of nonuse=2.76 (95% CI=1.99, 3.39; P&lt;.0001).LimitationsMissing data, potential recall bias, and assessment times that varied were limitations of the study.ConclusionsLocomotor performance during rehabilitation may predict future risk of prosthetic nonuse. It may be implied that the 10MWT has the greatest clinical utility as a single screening tool for prosthetic nonuse, given the highest proportion of participants were able to perform this test early in rehabilitation. However, as locomotor skills improve, other tests (in particular, the 6MWT) have specific clinical utility. To fully enable implementation of these locomotor criteria for prosthetic nonuse into clinical practice, validation is warranted.

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 Revisão de dois instrumentos clínicos de avaliação para predizer risco de quedas em idosos

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 177-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Hotta Ansai ◽  
Soraia Fernandes das Neves Glisoi ◽  
Tamara de Oliveira ◽  
Aline Thomaz Soares ◽  
Kelem de Negreiros Cabral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance Scale

Introdução: Quedas são um problema clínico comum nos idosos, que pode reduzir sua mobilidade e independência. O uso de instrumentos simples para detecção do risco de quedas é fundamental para prevenção e tratamento de tais eventos. Não há, porém, consenso quanto aos testes mais adequados para cada situação. Objetivo: Revisar estudos sobre eficácia, sensibilidade e especificidade dos testes Timed Up and Go Test e Berg Balance Scale, a fim de verificar qual é o mais apropriado para predizer quedas em idosos. Métodos: Realizou-se revisão bibliográfica nas bases de dados MEDLINE, PubMed, ISI, LILACS e Portal de Periódicos CAPES, entre os anos de 2001 e 2011. Resultados: Foram selecionados 37 artigos, sendo 17 sobre a Berg Balance Scale e 20 sobre o Timed Up and Go Test. A revisão mostrou que os dois testes podem ser bons preditores de quedas, mas os artigos diferiram quanto à definição de queda e caidor, tipo de estudo, quantidade e característica da amostra e avaliação de quedas, levando a diferentes resultados quanto a nota de corte, sensibilidade, especificidade e predição de quedas. Há controvérsias quanto à capacidade de predição em perfis específicos, como os idosos ativos. Conclusão: Os testes avaliados são eficazes para predição de quedas, desde que adaptados para cada perfil. Novos estudos devem ser realizados com metodologia homogênea, a fim de favorecer a comparação de resultados sobre a eficácia desses testes.

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 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 Аналіз наявних інструментів оцінювання впливу фізичної терапії на осіб з хворобою Паркінсона

2021 ◽  
pp. 84-91
Author(s):  
В. Брушко ◽  
Р. Баннікова ◽  
А. Ковельська
Keyword(s):  
Dual Task ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Walk Distance ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Minute Walk Distance ◽  
Minute Walk ◽  
Disease Questionnaire ◽  
10 Meter Walk Test

Резюме. Правильний і обґрунтований вибір інструментальних методів оцінювання функціо-нального стану пацієнта є обов’язковою умовою адекватної фізичної терапії. Особливе місце цей аспект займає в системі нейрореабілітації пацієнтів з хворобою Паркінсона в Україні, оскільки на сьогодні кількість осіб, що потребують систематичної фізичної терапії, сягає 23 900 тис. Наростаюча маніфестація моторних і немоторних симптомів при хворобі Паркін-сона, від яких часто вирішальною мірою залежить тяжкість стану пацієнта, негативно впливає на якість його життя. Наявні функціональні порушення, які є самостійними проявами хвороби Паркінсона, вимагають специфічного підходу до комплексного інструментального досліджен-ня цих порушень для визначення диференційно-діагностичних критеріїв та оцінювання впливу фізіотерапевтичного втручання. Мета. Проаналізувати наявні інструменти оцінювання впливу фізичної терапії на осіб з хворобою Паркінсона. Методи. Теоретичний аналіз та узагальнення зарубіжних даних спеціальної науково-методичної літератури з питань застосування інстру-ментів оцінювання при хворобі Паркінсона та їх інформативності і надійності у фізичній терапії. Результати. Представлені дані свідчать, що ефективність запроваджених заходів фізичної терапії при хворобі Паркінсона залежить від правильно підібраних інструментів оцінювання, які дозволяють оцінити моторні і немоторні проблеми через призму життєдіяльності і якості життя пацієнта. Основним інструментом оцінювання для вирішення цього питання вважаєть-ся Уніфікована рейтингова шкала хвороби Паркінсона MDS-UPDRS, яка дозволяє об’єктивно оцінити моторні і немоторні аспекти життя пацієнта і його рухову активність. Оскільки наявні моторні й аксіальні рухові порушення негативно впливають на повсякденну функціональну активність пацієнта, для верифікації цих порушень пропонують використовувати тест для оці-нювання часу підйому і ходьби (Timed Up and Go (TUG)); тест з подвійним завданням (Dual-Task TUG (TUG-DT)) та шкалу рівноваги Берга (Berg Balance Scale (BBS)). Але виходячи з того, що ці тести недостатньо чутливі до невеликих змін у рухливості при хворобі Паркінсона, особливо на середніх і пізніх стадіях захворювання, їх доцільно поєднувати з одним із кількісних тестів для оцінювання ходьби: 10-метровим тестом ходьби (10 Meter Walk Test (10MW)) та 6-хвилинним тестом ходьби (Six Minute Walk Distance (6MWT)). Поняття «життєдіяльність» включає в себе не тільки переміщення, її оцінювання має бути доповнено аналізом ступеня впливу наявних по-рушень на повсякденну діяльність, тобто на якість життя пацієнта. Найбільш інформативними інструментами для проведення цього аналізу є універсальні і специфічні при хворобі Паркінсо-на опитувальники з метою оцінювання стану здоров’я SF-36, EuroQOL (EQ-5D) і PDQ-39 (The Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire). Результати аналізу та узагальнення даних науково-мето-дичної літератури дають підставу встановити, що маніфестація порушень та їх варіабельність при хворобі Паркінсона стають серйозною проблемою у досягненні кінцевого результату за-проваджених заходів фізичної терапії на всіх стадіях захворювання. Використання в комплексі стандартної експертно-реабілітаційної діагностики спеціальних інструментів оцінювання дозволяє об’єктивізувати оцінювання клінічної інформації та стимулює розроблення особисто-орієнтованих реабілітаційних стратегій із застосуванням заходів фізичної терапії, спрямованих на покращення якості життя пацієнтів з хворобою Паркінсона. Ключові слова: хвороба Паркінсона, фізична терапія, якість життя, інструменти оцінювання, достовірність, надійність, валідність.

scholarly journals Community Delivery of a Comprehensive Fall-Prevention Program in People with Multiple Sclerosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cinda L. Hugos ◽  
Debra Frankel ◽  
Sara A. Tompkins ◽  
Michelle Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Balance Scale ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Confidence Scale

Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) fall frequently. In 2011, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society launched a multifactorial fall-prevention group exercise and education program, Free From Falls (FFF), to prevent falls in MS. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of participation in the FFF program on balance, mobility, and falls in people with MS. Methods: This was a retrospective evaluation of assessments from community delivery of FFF. Changes in Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale scores, Berg Balance Scale scores, 8-foot Timed Up and Go performance, and falls were assessed. Results: A total of 134 participants completed the measures at the first and last FFF sessions, and 109 completed a 6-month follow-up assessment. Group mean scores on the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (F1,66 = 17.14, P &lt; .05, η2 = 0.21), Berg Balance Scale (F1,68 = 23.39, P &lt; .05, η2 = 0.26), and 8-foot Timed Up and Go (F1,79 = 4.83, P &lt; .05, η2 = 0.06) all improved significantly from the first to the last session. At the 6-month follow-up, fewer falls were reported (χ2 [4, N = 239] = 10.56, P &lt; .05, Phi = 0.21). Conclusions: These observational data suggest that the FFF group education and exercise program improves balance confidence, balance performance, and functional mobility and reduces falls in people with MS.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document