The Effect of a Senior Jazz Dance Class on Static Balance in Healthy Women Over 50 Years of Age: A Pilot Study

2008 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harvey W. Wallmann ◽  
Carrie B. Gillis ◽  
Patricia T. Alpert ◽  
Sally K. Miller

The purpose of this pilot study is to assess the impact of a senior jazz dance class on static balance for healthy women over 50 years of age using the NeuroCom Smart Balance Master System (Balance Master). A total of 12 healthy women aged 54—88 years completed a 15-week jazz dance class which they attended 1 time per week for 90 min per class. Balance data were collected using the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) at baseline (pre), at 7 weeks (mid), and after 15 weeks (post). An equilibrium score measuring postural sway was calculated for each of six different conditions. The composite equilibrium score (all six conditions integrated to 1 score) was used as an overall measure of balance. Repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to compare the means of each participant's SOT composite equilibrium score in addition to the equilibrium score for each individual condition (1—6) across the 3 time points (pre, mid, post). There was a statistically significant difference among the means, p < .0005. Pairwise (Bonferroni) post hoc analyses revealed the following statistically significant findings for SOT composite equilibrium scores for the pre (67.33 + 10.43), mid (75.25 + 6.97), and post (79.00 + 4.97) measurements: premid (p = .008); prepost (p < .0005); midpost (p = .033). In addition, correlational statistics were used to determine any relationship between SOT scores and age. Results indicated that administration of a 15-week jazz dance class 1 time per week was beneficial in improving static balance as measured by the Balance Master SOT.

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-59
Author(s):  
Dave Elliott ◽  
Dayne Massey

There are many studies showing acute static stretching to be detrimental to power generation. However, the majority have focused upon the impact of stretching the agonist musculature. To date, few have examined the potential benefits of acute antagonist static stretching; none have focused on upper-body power. Utilising a repeated-measures design, 30 male participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups whereupon they performed four bench-throw tests; two control (NO-STRETCH) and two experimental (STRETCH), in a counter-balanced manner. Prior to the experimental measures, participants undertook a series of static antagonist stretches. Mean Pmax (SD) in the NO-STRETCH trials was 862.76 (146)W and 898.50 (144)W, respectively. For STRETCH trial 1, Pmax = 930.10 (146)W and trial 2, Pmax = 953.36 (136)W. When compared to the respective NO-STRETCH trials, antagonist static stretching did have a significant effect on Pmax for both the initial ( P < 0.01, d = 1.33) and the re-stretching procedures ( P < 0.01, d = 1.35). A significant difference was also found between the STRETCH trials ( P < 0.01, d = 0.46). The results have practical implications for those involved in upper-body power activities. Specifically, incorporating upper-body antagonist static stretching into pre-performance routines might offer a simple and effective means of enhancing agonist power.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-125
Author(s):  
Emaley McCulloch ◽  
Audra Cuckler ◽  
Elise Valdes ◽  
M. Courtney Hughes

Abstract Dysphagia is common in individuals with developmental disabilities. Little research exists on the impact of trainings aimed at improving Direct Care Staff's (DCS) use of safe eating and drinking practices. This article presents two studies using pre-and postexperimental design, evaluating online training to improve DCSs' knowledge and ability to identify nonadherence to diet orders. A pilot study (n = 18) informed improvements to the intervention. The follow-up study (n = 64) compared those receiving training with those receiving training plus supervisor feedback. There was no significant difference between groups after training. Both groups increased in knowledge and identification of nonadherence to diet orders. Online training may be an effective tool for training DCS in safe eating and drinking practices.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 907-913 ◽  
Author(s):  
BM Ances ◽  
JA Detre

This pilot study investigated the effect of menstrual cycle phase (late luteal and mid-follicular) on cerebral perfusion changes during photic stimulation in both controls ( n = 5) and true menstrual migraine patients ( n = 5). No significant differences in resting baseline perfusion were observed between the two groups during either phase of the menstrual cycle. During the late luteal phase, changes in perfusion within the occipital lobe due to photic stimulation were similar for both groups. However, during the mid-follicular phase, occipital perfusion during visual stimulation decreased for controls but significantly increased for true menstrual migraine patients ( P < 0.05). A two way repeated measures ANOVA also demonstrated a significant difference between menstrual migraine patients and controls for photic activation ( P < 0.05).


2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 422-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nerrolyn Ramstrand ◽  
Christina Björk Andersson ◽  
David Rusaw

This study aimed to investigate if prolonged use of shoes incorporating an unstable sole construction could facilitate improvements of balance in a sample of developmentally disabled children. Ten children (six male and four female) aged between 10 and 17 years participated in the study. Children were fitted with shoes incorporating an unstable sole (Masai Barefoot Technology®) and instructed to wear them for a minimum of two hours per day for eight weeks. A within subjects repeated measures design was used. Children were tested prior to receiving the shoes, four weeks after receiving the shoes and eight weeks after receiving the shoes. A force plate capable of rotating about a single axis (NeuroCom International Inc, Oregon) was used to test static balance, reactive balance and directional control. Static balance was not found to be influenced by prolonged use of the footwear; however, significant improvements were noted in children's reactive balance both with the shoes and barefoot. Results suggest that reactive balance can be improved by prolonged and regular use of shoes incorporating an unstable sole construction.


Author(s):  
Liaquat R. Johnson ◽  
Ramiz Raja

Background: Empathy is integral to professionalism, but is lacking in medical students. There are few interventions that promote empathy. This pilot study describes the first use of a novel intervention to promote empathy.Methods: A novel social interaction game was developed and administered to first MBBS students. It provided an experiential simulation of persons belonging to lower socioeconomic strata over 4 simulated ‘days’. This cross-sectional study assessed the impact of the intervention on empathy using a 5-point Likert scale to score self-perceptions across several domains. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA).Results: There was a statistically significant decline in scale scores on all days following Day 1 (p<0.05). This was true across all domains. Cronbach’s alpha for internal reliability was 0.91 for Day 1; and 0.97 for Day 1 through Day 4. Open ended comments indicated empathic feelings were generated due to the intervention.Conclusions: A simulation experience like the social interaction game described here, may be used to improve the attitudes and empathy of medical students towards persons from low socioeconomic backgrounds.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harish Chander ◽  
Sachini N. K. Kodithuwakku Arachchige ◽  
Christopher M. Hill ◽  
Alana J. Turner ◽  
Shuchisnigdha Deb ◽  
...  

Background: Virtual reality (VR) is becoming a widespread tool in rehabilitation, especially for postural stability. However, the impact of using VR in a “moving wall paradigm” (visual perturbation), specifically without and with anticipation of the perturbation, is unknown. Methods: Nineteen healthy subjects performed three trials of static balance testing on a force plate under three different conditions: baseline (no perturbation), unexpected VR perturbation, and expected VR perturbation. The statistical analysis consisted of a 1 × 3 repeated-measures ANOVA to test for differences in the center of pressure (COP) displacement, 95% ellipsoid area, and COP sway velocity. Results: The expected perturbation rendered significantly lower (p < 0.05) COP displacements and 95% ellipsoid area compared to the unexpected condition. A significantly higher (p < 0.05) sway velocity was also observed in the expected condition compared to the unexpected condition. Conclusions: Postural stability was lowered during unexpected visual perturbations compared to both during baseline and during expected visual perturbations, suggesting that conflicting visual feedback induced postural instability due to compensatory postural responses. However, during expected visual perturbations, significantly lowered postural sway displacement and area were achieved by increasing the sway velocity, suggesting the occurrence of postural behavior due to anticipatory postural responses. Finally, the study also concluded that VR could be used to induce different postural responses by providing visual perturbations to the postural control system, which can subsequently be used as an effective and low-cost tool for postural stability training and rehabilitation.


Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Bassi ◽  
Vivian M Arakelian ◽  
Renata G Mendes ◽  
Flavia C Caruso ◽  
José C Bonjorno Júnior ◽  
...  

Background: The prevalence of diabetes have increased globally to epidemic proportions; glycemic control and treatment remains a challenge. Concurrent aerobic and resistance training programs (CART) have been widely recommended as an important strategy to improve physiologic and functional performance. Objective: The impact of CART programs on metabolic profile, glycemic control and exercise capacity status in patients with diabetes requires additional study, which is the primary aim of the current study. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 41 patients (15 female and 19 male, 50.8±7 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of diabetes. The subjects were randomized in two groups: sedentary group (SG) and CART group (CART-G). CART was performed 12 weeks, 3 times a week for approximately 1 hour per session (30 minutes aerobic and 30 minutes resistance). Body habitus was assessed by body mass index, waist circumference, and skinfolds. Peripheral muscular strength was evaluated by an isokinetic dynamometer and pulmonary gas exchange was measured breath-by-breath, using a portable telemetric system during maximal incremental exercise testing on a cycle ergometer. Statistical analysis included Shapiro-Wilk test follow by ANOVA two way repeated measures. Results: We observed a decrease in HbA1c (8.1±1.6 to 7.3±1.2%), cholesterol (198.38.1±50.3 to 186.8±35.1 mg/dL) and HOMA IR (6.4±6.8 to 5.0±1.4) in the CART-G compared to the SG. There was no significant difference in fasting plasma glucose. Although body weight did not significantly change after training, skinfold measurements indicated decreased body fat in the CART-G only. CART significantly enhanced muscle strength (p<0.05) (peak torque: 135.5±4 to 159.7±47.7 N.m) compared to the SG (Peak torque: 145.3±47.9 to 143±42.2 N.m). CART was also associated with a significant increase in peak oxygen consumption, from 22.9±6.1 to 27.2±4.7 ml•kg –1 •min –1 compared to the SG, from 21.7±4.5 to 21±3.3 ml•kg –1 •min –1 as well as the maximal workload (124.6±29.1 to 149.9±29 watts) compared to the SG (123.6±36.9 to 122.1±32.9 watts). Conclusion: We concluded that CART is an important intervention strategy, producing both physiologic and functional improvements, in patients with diabetes.


2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (04) ◽  
pp. 314-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Doettl ◽  
Patrick N. Plyler ◽  
Devin L. McCaslin

Background: Accurate measurement of oculomotor function using videonystagmography (VNG) is imperative for diagnosis and management of patients with reported dizziness. The oculomotor evaluation during VNG utilizes video-oculography providing valuable information regarding the central structures and pathways that control eye movements. Artifact may have an effect on the overall validity and reliability of VNG oculomotor tracings and can result from patient and/or recording errors. It is postulated that artifact could occur more frequently in the pediatric population due to both patient and equipment factors. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the occurrence and impact of artifact on saccades, smooth pursuit, and optokinetic (OPK) testing in normal pediatric and adult subjects using commercially available clinical VNG equipment and standard clinical protocols for oculomotor testing. Research Design: The present study utilized a retrospective analysis of a repeated measures design. Study Sample: Oculomotor results from a total of 62 participants were analyzed. Portions of these data have been presented in a previous research study. Group 1 consisted of twenty-nine 4- to 6-yr-olds with an average age of 4.86 (SD = 0.88) yr. Group 2 consisted of thirty-three 22- to 44-yr-olds with an average age of 25.2 (SD = 5.34) yr. Data Collection and Analysis: Raw oculomotor recordings were analyzed “offline” by a single masked, trained investigator. Each tracing was evaluated for instances of artifact including eye blinks, eye closure, eyes moving in opposite direction of the target, eye tracking software problems, and overall poor morphology. The number of instances of artifact were noted and recorded for each participant in both groups. Individual eye movements not affected by artifact were included for final analysis. Artifact rejection techniques were also compared. Results: The results indicated increased artifact for the pediatric group for saccade and smooth pursuit testing. Additionally, a significant decrease in instances of artifact was noted with an increase in age in months for both saccade and smooth pursuit findings. OPK results did not indicate any significant difference in instances of artifact between the pediatric and adult groups or any decrease in instances of artifact with increasing age in the pediatric group. Artifact rejection technique did not have a significant effect on oculomotor measures for either age group. Conclusions: Pediatric patients exhibit increased instances of artifact during VNG oculomotor testing, specifically during saccade and smooth pursuit testing, at least for the 4- to 6-yr-old population. A general age effect was also noted in this age group, with decreased artifact noted with increasing age. Artifact rejection technique was not a significant factor suggesting standard compared based strategies may be sufficient for use in the pediatric population. Additional study into the effect of artifact on oculomotor results for infants to age 3 yr and ages 7- to 18-yr-old, in the disordered population, and with additional equipment manufacturers is needed to confirm these results and further describe the impact of artifact on oculomotor findings in the pediatric population.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 29-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany N. Kiefer ◽  
Kyle E. Lemarr ◽  
Christopher C. Enriquez ◽  
Kristin A. Tivener ◽  
Todd Daniel

Even though adaption of the Voodoo Floss Band is gaining momentum, evidence-based literature on its effectiveness remains sparse. The purpose of this quantitative observational design study was to investigate the effects of the Voodoo Floss Band on soft-tissue flexibility and perception of movement. A repeated-measures ANOVA with between-subjects factor demonstrated both groups significantly improved GH flexion range of motion from pretest to post-test but there was not a statistically significant difference between the groups. Perceptions of flexibility increased more for the Voodoo Floss Band group, demonstrating a psychological increase in GH flexion, but not a physical increase.


CJEM ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S66-S67
Author(s):  
W. Cheung ◽  
N. Dudek ◽  
T.J. Wood ◽  
J.R. Frank

Introduction: Barriers to completing high quality work-based assessments (WBAs) include relational factors such as the episodic and fragmented interaction that often exists between clinical supervisors and trainees. In an effort to increase supervisor-trainee continuity, the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Ottawa created Clinical Teaching Teams (CTT) in which a resident and clinical supervisor work matched shifts together throughout the year. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of supervisor-trainee continuity on the quality of assessments documented on Daily Encounter Cards (DECs). Methods: DECs completed by 20 clinical supervisors were collected and sorted into three groups representing differing degrees of supervisor-trainee continuity (Group 1: CTT emergency resident; Group 2: non-CTT emergency resident; Group 3: non-CTT off-service resident). DECs were scored using the Completed Clinical Evaluation Report Rating (CCERR), a 9-item instrument that has been shown to have reliable ratings and the ability to discriminate the quality of completed DECs. Scores were analyzed using a univariate ANOVA with “mean CCERR score” as the dependent variable and “continuity group” and “supervisor” as between-subject variables. The relationship between CCERR scores and number of CTT encounters over time was examined using a repeated measures ANOVA with “encounter number” as the within-subject factor. Results: Mean CCERR scores for the CTT (21.0, SD=5.8), non-CTT (21.9, SD=4.2), and off-service (20.7, SD=4.0) groups differed (p=0.019). A subsequent pairwise comparison demonstrated a statistically significant difference in means between the non-CTT and off-service groups (p=0.04); however, this 1.2 difference on the 45-point CCERR scale is unlikely to be of any educational significance. The number of repeated encounters did not have a statistically significant effect on CCERR scores (p=0.43) indicating that DEC quality did not improve with greater supervisor-trainee interaction. Conclusion: DEC quality as scored by the CCERR was low for all three groups. Increasing supervisor continuity alone did not result in higher quality assessments of clinical performance. Additional research focusing on the educational alliance that develops between supervisor and trainee may hold greater promise.


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