Effects of balance training on balance performance in youth: role of training difficulty

Abstract Background Cross-sectional studies have shown that balance performance can be challenged by the level of task difficulty (e.g., varying stance conditions, sensory manipulations). However, it remains unclear whether the application of different levels of task difficulty during balance training (BT) leads to altered adaptations in balance performance. Thus, we examined the effects of BT conducted under a high versus a low level of task difficulty on balance performance. Methods Forty male adolescents were randomly assigned to a BT program using a low (BT-low: n = 20; age: 12.4 ± 2.0 yrs) or a high (BT-high: n = 20; age: 12.5 ± 2.5 yrs) level of balance task difficulty. Both groups trained for 7 weeks (2 sessions/week, 30–35 min each). Pre- and post-training assessments included measures of static (one-legged stance [OLS] time), dynamic (10-m gait velocity), and proactive (Y-Balance Test [YBT] reach distance, Functional Reach Test [FRT]; Timed-Up-and-Go Test [TUG]) balance. Results Significant main effects of Test (i.e., pre- to post-test improvements) were observed for all but one balance measure (i.e., 10-m gait velocity). Additionally, a Test x Group interaction was detected for the FRT in favor of the BT-high group (Δ + 8%, p < 0.001, d = 0.35). Further, tendencies toward significant Test x Group interactions were found for the YBT anterior reach (in favor of BT-high: Δ + 9%, p < 0.001, d = 0.60) and for the OLS with eyes opened and on firm surface (in favor of BT-low: Δ + 31%, p = 0.003, d = 0.67). Conclusions Following 7 weeks of BT, enhancements in measures of static, dynamic, and proactive balance were observed in the BT-high and BT-low groups. However, BT-high appears to be more effective for increasing measures of proactive balance, whereas BT-low seems to be more effective for improving proxies of static balance. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN83638708 (Retrospectively registered 19th June, 2020).

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Responsiveness and Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Brief-BESTest in People with COPD after Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/pzab209 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Cátia Paixão ◽

Patrícia Rebelo ◽

Ana Oliveira ◽

Cristina Jácome ◽

Joana Cruz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽

Minimal Clinically Important Difference ◽

Secondary Analysis ◽

Balance Training ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Balance Performance ◽

Balance Test ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Clinically Important Difference ◽

6 Minute Walk Test

Abstract Objective The Brief-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Brief-BESTest) is a comprehensive, reliable, and valid balance test that provides valuable information to guide balance training in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its clinical interpretability is, however, currently limited, as cutoff points to identify clinically relevant changes in people with COPD after pulmonary rehabilitation are still lacking. This study aimed to establish the responsiveness and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the Brief-BESTest in people with COPD after pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Methods A secondary analysis of data from 2 previous studies was conducted. The modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, the 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT), and the Brief-BESTest (0–24 points) were collected in people with COPD pre/post a 12-week PR program including balance training. The MCID was computed using anchor- and distribution-based methods. Changes in the 6-MWT and the mMRC were assessed and used as anchors. The pooled MCID was computed using the arithmetic weighted mean (2/3 anchor- and 1/3 distribution-based methods). Results Seventy-one people with COPD [69 years (SD = 8); 76% male; FEV1 = 49.8%predicted (SD = 18%)] were included. There was a significant improvement in the Brief-BESTest after PR [mean difference = 3 points (SD = 3)]. Significant correlations were found between the Brief-BESTest and the mMRC (r = −.31) and the 6-MWT (r = .37). The pooled MCID was 3.3 points. Conclusion An improvement of at least 3 points in the Brief-BESTest in people with COPD will enhance the interpretability of PR effects on balance performance of this population and guide tailored interventions. Impact The Brief-BESTest outcome measure is comprehensive, easily administered, and simple to interpret in clinical practice. This study represents a significant contribution toward the clinical interpretation of changes in balance in people with COPD following PR.

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RISING FROM THE FLOOR IN PERSONS WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1768 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S474-S475

Author(s):

Dennis W Klima ◽

Jeremy Stewart ◽

Frank Freijomil ◽

Mary DiBartolo

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Performance Measure ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Gait Velocity ◽

Performance Tests ◽

Motor Patterns ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract While considerable research has targeted gait, balance and preventing falls in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD), less in known about the ability to rise from the floor in this population. The aims of this study were to 1) Examine the relationship between locomotion and physical performance tests and the timed supine to stand performance measure and to 2) Identify both the time required and predominant motor patterns utilized by persons with PD to complete to floor rise transition. A cross-sectional design was utilized. Twenty community-dwelling older adults with PD (mean age 74.8+/-9.5 years; 13 men) performed a standardized floor rise test and locomotion tests in a structured task circuit. Subject demographic and anthropometric data were also collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment correlations. Fifteen subjects (75%) demonstrated the crouch kneel pattern and fourteen (70%) used an all-4’s strategy to rise to stand. The mean time to rise from the floor was 14.9 (+/- 7.6) seconds and slower than published norms for persons without PD. Nine subjects required the use of a chair to perform floor recovery. Supine to stand performance time was significantly correlated with the: Dynamic Gait Index (r= - 0.66; p<0.002), Five Times Sit to Stand Test (r=0.78; p<0.001), Timed Up and Go Test (r=0.74; p<0.001), and gait velocity (r= -0.77; p<0.001). Rising from the floor demonstrates concurrent validity with locomotion and physical performance tests. Floor recovery techniques can be incorporated in fall prevention initiatives in conjunction with PD symptom management.

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PERBANDINGAN KECEPATAN BERJALAN PADA PASIEN NYERI PUNGGUNG BAWAH MEKANIK SUBAKUT DAN KRONIK MENGGUNAKAN TIMED UP AND GO TEST

e-CliniC ◽

10.35790/ecl.3.1.2015.6755 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Patricia Kalangi ◽

Engeline Angliadi ◽

Joudy Gessal

Keyword(s):

Patient Group ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

T Test ◽

Medical Rehabilitation ◽

Gait Velocity ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Consecutive Sampling ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to know and compare the gait velocity between subacute and chronic mechanical low back pain patients using Timed Up and Go Test at Installation Medical Rehabilitation Hospital Prof. Dr R.D. Kandou Manado. This research used observational analytic design with cross-sectional study. The samples choosen using consecutive sampling technique. Data obtained from the gait velocity measurement using Timed Up and Go Test conducted by researcher. From this research obtained the average gait velocity in patient group of subacute mechanical LBP is 18.92 seconds and the average gait velocity in patient group of chronic mechanical LBP is 17.17 seconds. The results of independent t-test hypothesis testing showed that there is a significant difference between gait velocity in subacute and chronic mechanical LBP patients (p = 0.034). Conclusion, gait velocity in chronic mechanical LBP patients is better than subacute mechanical LBP patients.Keywords: Gait velocity, mechanical LBP, TUG testAbstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan membandingkan kecepatan berjalan antara pasien nyeri punggung bawah (NPB) mekanik subakut dan kronik menggunakan Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test di Instalasi Rehabilitasi Medik RSUP Prof. Dr. R.D. Kandou Manado. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain penelitian analitik observasional dengan pengamatan sewaktu (studi cross sectional). Penentuan sampel dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik consecutive sampling. Data diperoleh dari hasil pengukuran kecepatan berjalan menggunakan Timed Up and Go Test yang dilakukan sendiri oleh peneliti. Dari penelitian ini diperoleh kecepatan berjalan rata-rata pada kelompok pasien NPB mekanik subakut adalah 18,92 detik dan kecepatan berjalan rata-rata pada pasien NPB mekanik kronik adalah 17,17 detik. Hasil uji hipotesis independent t-test menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan bermakna antara kecepatan berjalan pada pasien NPB mekanik subakut dengan kecepatan berjalan pada pasien NPB mekanik kronik (p = 0,034). Kesimpulan, kecepatan berjalan pasien NPB mekanik kronik lebih baik dibandingkan kecepatan berjalan pada pasien NPB mekanik subakut.Kata kunci: Kecepatan berjalan, NPB mekanik, tes TUG

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Single-Leg Balance Performance in Sub-Elite Young Soccer Players and Swimmers as a Function of Age and Sports Experience

Journal of Motor Learning and Development ◽

10.1123/jmld.2018-0055 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 374-388 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Peter Leinen ◽

Thomas Muehlbauer ◽

Stefan Panzer

Keyword(s):

Center Of Pressure ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Age Groups ◽

Force Plate ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Functional Specialization ◽

Balance Performance ◽

Balance Test ◽

Balance Task ◽

Anterior Posterior

The present study investigated if accumulated, advanced, regular soccer practice (balance-demanding exercise) compared to regular swim practice (non-balance–demanding exercise) induces a more pronounced functional specialization in postural control. Therefore, single-leg balance performance in sub-elite young soccer players (under 13 [U13]: n = 16; U15: n = 18; U19: n = 15), and sub-elite young swimmers (U13: n = 7; U15: n = 4; U19: n = 5) was tested in different balance task conditions (i.e., static and dynamic balance on firm and foam surface). All athletes practiced 3–10 times per week. Single-leg balance of the dominant and non-dominant leg was measured using a force plate. The standard deviation of the center of pressure displacements in anterior-posterior and medio-lateral directions were used as dependent variables. Irrespective of age groups and type of sport, the results failed to indicate significant leg differences in single-leg balance performance. The soccer players showed significant better single-leg balance performance in anterior-posterior direction in the dynamic balance test on the firm and foam surface compared to the swimmers. Functional specialization was accompanied by the type of sport but not by accumulated practice.

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Effects of six weeks of stable versus unstable multi-dimensional surfaces balance training on passing skills and balance performance in young male basketball players

10.31083/jomh.2021.073 ◽

2021 ◽

Keyword(s):

Upper Extremity ◽

Balance Training ◽

Training Model ◽

Stability Test ◽

Kinetic Chain ◽

Balance Performance ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Balance Test ◽

Stable Surface ◽

The Us

Background and objective: Adolescence is a period when balance and coordination decrease as a result of rapid musculoskeletal growth. These changes may affect various sports-speciﬁc skills, including balance. This study aimed to examine the changes in balance performance and basketball passing speed in male youth basketball players following six weeks of balance training performed on unstable versus stable surfaces. Methods: Twenty-ﬁve male basketball players, mean age 15.53 ± 0.57 years, participated in balance training on different surfaces (unstable surface (US, n = 13); stable surface (SS, n = 12)) for six weeks (2 days/week; 35 to 50 min/day, incrementally). Their physical characteristics, passing skills (passing accuracy and speed test) and balance performance (Y-Balance Test and The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test) were measured. Results: The improvement rates for passing accuracy (effect size (ES) = 0.86, moderate, P < 0.001), lower extremity (ES right = 0.94, moderate, P < 0.001; ES left = 0.88, moderate, P < 0.001) and upper extremity (ES right = 1.01, moderate, P < 0.001; ES left = 0.94, moderate, P < 0.001) balance scores, upper extremity stability test power (ES = 0.89, P ≤ 0.001) and the normalized scores (ES = 1.20, moderate, P < 0.001) of the US group were higher than those of the SS group. Passing speed signiﬁcantly increased only in the US group (P < 0.028). Conclusion: A multi-dimensional surface training model improved balance performance and passing accuracy skills compared to a stable surface training model for male basketball players. US balance training may be used as a complementary training model to increase dynamic balance and passing accuracy skills for male basketball players.

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Factors predicting fear of falling avoidance behavior in parkinsonisms

Neurorehabilitation ◽

10.3233/nre-210267 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Jason K. Longhurst ◽

John V. Rider ◽

Kameron Eckard ◽

Ryan Hammar ◽

Franjo. Vukojevic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Severity ◽

Avoidance Behavior ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Fear Of Falling ◽

Freezing Of Gait ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Gait Velocity ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Disease Rating

BACKGROUND: Fear of falling avoidance behavior (FFAB) is common in parkinsonisms and results in potentially mitigable downstream consequences. OBJECTIVE: Determine the characteristics of individuals with parkinsonisms most associated with FFAB. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from medical records data of 142 patients with parkinsonisms. These data included: demographics (age, sex), disease severity (Movement Disorders Society –Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III (MDS-UPDRS III), years since diagnosis), fall history (number of fall injuries in previous year), and gait and balance function (five times sit to stand, MiniBESTest, Timed Up and Go (TUG), dual-task TUG, ten-meter walk test (10MWT), observed freezing of gait (FOG) (MDS-UPDRS III item 11)). RESULTS: 10MWT (p < .001) and MDS-UPDRS III item 11 (p < .014) were significantly associated with FFAB above and beyond disease severity, which also contributed significantly to the overall model (ps < .046). Fall history was not associated with FFAB. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the largest portion of variability in FFAB is explained by gait velocity and FOG; however, disease severity also explains a significant portion of the variability of FFAB. Further investigation into factors predictive of FFAB and mitigation of downstream consequences, using more robust designs, is warranted.

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Effect of Newly Developed Balance Training System in Patients with Stroke

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.373-375.1943 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 373-375 ◽

pp. 1943-1948 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Myoung Hwan Ko ◽

Byung Hyun Park ◽

Woo Suk Chong ◽

Sun Yeon Lee ◽

Tae Kyu Kwon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Balance Training ◽

Training System ◽

Assistive Devices ◽

Balance Test ◽

Walking Test ◽

Post Evaluation ◽

Functional Reach ◽

Functional Reach Test ◽

The Status ◽

Three Phases

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of newly developed balance training system (I balance S®) in chronic hemiplegic patients. Thirty chronic (more than 6 months) hemiplegic patients who were capable of standing without assistive devices participated in this study. The study started with “pre-evaluation” such as Berg balance test (BBT), 10 m walking test (10mWT) and Functional reach test (FRT). After pre-evaluations, balance training was applied for 4 weeks. And then, three phases of post-evaluation were performed, just after (post 1), 1 week (post 2), and 4 weeks (post 3) after treatment. All subjects showed a significant improvement in BBT (52.19±3.87 (pre), 53.12±3.14 (post 1), 53.38±2.99 (post 2), 53.65±2.90 (post 3)), 10m WT (9.93±2.36 sec, 9.56±2.53 sec, 9.30±2.25 sec, 9.16±2.62 sec, respectively) and FRT (19.33±4.99 cm, 21.55±4.57 cm, 21.98±4.69 cm, 21.83±4.84 cm, respectively) after training compared to the status before training. The hemiplegic patients trained by I balance S® showed a significant improvement in BBT, 10mWT and FRT after training. In addition, this effect lasted for 4 weeks. Therefore, newly developed balance training system (I balance S®) is considered to be a useful tool for balance training of chronic hemiplegic patients.

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Balance Performance Is Task Specific in Older Adults

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2017/6987017 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Ayelet Dunsky ◽

Aviva Zeev ◽

Yael Netz

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Field Tests ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Static Balance ◽

Balance Performance ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Balance Test ◽

Balance Tests ◽

Balance Ability

Balance ability among the elderly is a key component in the activities of daily living and is divided into two types: static and dynamic. For clinicians who wish to assess the risk of falling among their elderly patients, it is unclear if more than one type of balance test can be used to measure their balance impairment. In this study, we examined the association between static balance measures and two dynamic balance field tests. One hundred and twelve community-dwelling older adults (mean age 74.6) participated in the study. They underwent the Tetrax static postural assessment and then performed the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the Functional Reach (FR) Test as dynamic balance tests. In general, low-moderate correlations were found between the two types of balance tests. For women, age and static balance parameters explained 28.1–40.4% of the variance of TUG scores and 14.6–24% of the variance of FR scores. For men, age and static balance parameters explained 9.5–31.2% of the variance of TUG scores and 23.9–41.7% of the variance of FR scores. Based on our findings, it is suggested that a combination of both static and dynamic tests be used for assessing postural balance ability.

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Six weeks of balance or power training induce no generalizable improvements in balance performance in healthy young adults

BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1186/s13102-019-0146-4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Louis-Solal Giboin ◽

Markus Gruber ◽

Andreas Kramer

Keyword(s):

Fall Prevention ◽

Peak Power ◽

Balance Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Power Training ◽

Balance Performance ◽

Acquisition Rate ◽

Task Specificity ◽

Time Interaction ◽

Balance Task

Abstract Background Training programs for fall prevention often fail to induce large general effects. To improve the efficacy of fall prevention programs, it is crucial to determine which type of training is most effective in inducing generalizable effects, i.e., improvements in untrained situations. Two likely candidates are balance and resistance training. Here, we assessed whether either varied balance training or a training program aiming to increase leg power would improve performance and acquisition rate of a novel balance task. Methods Forty-two healthy recreationally active subjects (16 females, age 24 ± 3y) were assigned to a control group, a varied practice balance group or a loaded squat and plyometrics power group, training for 6 weeks (twice per week, 40 min per session). Before and after the training, we measured peak power in countermovement jumps and balance performance in two different untrained balance tasks (10 trials pre and 50 trials post-training). Results After training, the performance and the acquisition rate in the two untrained tasks were similar for all groups (no group x time interaction), i.e., no generalization of learning effect was induced by either form of training. Peak power in the countermovement jump did not change significantly in any of the groups. Conclusions Neither a six-week power training nor a varied balance training improved performance or acquisition of an untrained balance task. This underpins the task-specificity principle of training and emphasizes the need for studies that assess the mechanisms of transfer and generalization, thus helping to find more effective intervention programs for fall prevention.

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Comparison of Static and Dynamic Balance in Male Football and Basketball Players

Foot & Ankle Specialist ◽

10.1177/1938640019850618 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 228-235 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Farzin Halabchi ◽

Ladan Abbasian ◽

Maryam Mirshahi ◽

Reza Mazaheri ◽

Mohammad Hosein Pourgharib Shahi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ankle Sprain ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Surface Group ◽

Balance Performance ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Balance Test ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of ◽

Group 2

Introduction. The aim of the present study was to compare static and dynamic balance among professional athletes in football and basketball. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 47 professional, male football and basketball players from Pro League in Iran participated. They were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 included 16 participants with history of grade 1 or 2 single ankle sprain within the past 6 months. Group 2 included 17 participants with recurrent ankle sprain. Group 3 included 14 participants without history of ankle sprain. Static and dynamic balance were measured by the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and modified Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), respectively. Results. For the single-leg stance on a firm surface, group 2 scored errors with a high mean value of 3.94 compared with the other 2 groups, and the difference was statistically significant (P = .03). Significant differences in BESS scores are observed on both surfaces across the tandem limb between groups 2 and 3. Conclusion. The measures from the SEBTs may not reflect the balance performance especially in well-trained athletes who have a better balance when performing sport-related skills. However, BESS includes static postures, and it may reflect postural deficits better than dynamic tests in the more experienced athlete. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level IV

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