Are the Timed Up and Go Test and Functional Reach Test Useful Predictors of Temporal and Spatial Gait Parameters in Elderly People?

AbstractThe study aim was to analyse the relationships between the results of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the Functional Reach Test (FRT), and the temporal and spatial gait parameters determined with the GAITRite system.The study included 60 healthy, physically active elderly people aged 70.4 ± 5.1 years. The participants’ functional fitness was evaluated with the TUG and FRT, and their temporal and spatial gait parameters – with the GAITRite system.The TUG results correlated inversely with the step length (Basic temporal and spatial parameters of gait at the preferred speed, i.e. velocity, step length, stance time, single support time, swing time, and double support time, explain up to 43% of the TUG outcome variance and 26% of the FRT results variance.

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Unique characteristics of motor adaptation during walking in young children

Journal of Neurophysiology ◽

10.1152/jn.01002.2010 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 105 (5) ◽

pp. 2195-2203 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Kristin E. Musselman ◽

Susan K. Patrick ◽

Erin V. L. Vasudevan ◽

Amy J. Bastian ◽

Jaynie F. Yang

Keyword(s):

Motor Learning ◽

Time Course ◽

Motor Adaptation ◽

Significant Negative Correlation ◽

Step Length ◽

Temporal Coordination ◽

Double Support ◽

Temporal And Spatial ◽

Double Support Time ◽

Support Time

Children show precocious ability in the learning of languages; is this the case with motor learning? We used split-belt walking to probe motor adaptation (a form of motor learning) in children. Data from 27 children (ages 8–36 mo) were compared with those from 10 adults. Children walked with the treadmill belts at the same speed (tied belt), followed by walking with the belts moving at different speeds (split belt) for 8–10 min, followed again by tied-belt walking (postsplit). Initial asymmetries in temporal coordination (i.e., double support time) induced by split-belt walking were slowly reduced, with most children showing an aftereffect (i.e., asymmetry in the opposite direction to the initial) in the early postsplit period, indicative of learning. In contrast, asymmetries in spatial coordination (i.e., center of oscillation) persisted during split-belt walking and no aftereffect was seen. Step length, a measure of both spatial and temporal coordination, showed intermediate effects. The time course of learning in double support and step length was slower in children than in adults. Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between the size of the initial asymmetry during early split-belt walking (called error) and the aftereffect for step length. Hence, children may have more difficulty learning when the errors are large. The findings further suggest that the mechanisms controlling temporal and spatial adaptation are different and mature at different times.

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Physiological and Cognitive Determinants of Dual-Task Costs for Gait Parameters: The Yishun Study

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000514171 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Lay Khoon Lau ◽

Jagadish Ullal Mallya ◽

Wei Jun Benedict Pang ◽

Kexun Kenneth Chen ◽

Khalid bin Abdul Jabbar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dual Task ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Postural Sway ◽

Step Length ◽

Double Support ◽

Immediate Memory ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Primary Determinant ◽

Double Support Time ◽

Support Time

Background: Studies indicate that physiological and cognitive aging are causally related and functionally interdependent. However, the relative contribution of physiological factors and cognition to dual-task costs (DTC) of gait parameters has not been well studied. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the trajectory of DTC of gait parameters across the adult age spectrum for both sexes and identified the contributions of physical and cognitive performance to DTC of gait. Methods: A total of 492 community-dwelling adults, aged 21–90 years, were randomly recruited into the study. Participants were divided into 7 age groups, with 10-year age range for each group. Demographic data, height, body mass, education level, and information on comorbidities were recorded. Cognition was measured using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. Physical performance included visual contrast sensitivity, postural sway, hand reaction time, handgrip strength, knee extensor strength, and single-task and dual-task gait assessments. Stepwise multivariable regression was used to examine the association between physical and cognitive performance with DTC of gait parameters. Results: Women were found to have significantly higher DTC of gait speed (p = 0.01), cadence (p < 0.01), and double support time (p < 0.01) than men. However, significant aging effect on DTC of gait speed (p = 0.01), step length (p = 0.01), and double support time (p = 0.01) was observed in men but not in women. Immediate memory was the primary determinant for the DTC of gait speed (β = −0.25, p < 0.01), step length (β = −0.22, p < 0.01), and cadence (β = −0.15, p = 0.03) in men. Besides immediate memory, postural sway (β = −0.13, p = 0.03) and hand reaction (β = 0.14, p = 0.02) were also significantly associated with DTC of step length and cadence, respectively, in women. Conclusion: There were sex differences in the amplitude and trajectories of DTC of gait parameters. The DTC increased with age in men but not in women. Immediate memory was the primary determinant of DTC of gait parameters in men while immediate memory, postural sway, and reaction time were associated with DTC of gait in women. Future studies should investigate the clinical implications of the sex differences in the DTC with fall risks.

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Changes in Gait Performance in Stroke Patients after Taping with Scapular Setting Exercise

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare8020128 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 128

Author(s):

Shin Jun Park ◽

Seunghue Oh

Keyword(s):

Group Intervention ◽

Step Length ◽

Measurement Unit ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Phase Duration ◽

Gait Performance ◽

Double Support ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Length Step

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined taping with scapular setting exercise on the gait performance of stroke patients. Twenty stroke patients were randomly allocated to two groups: the taping with scapular setting exercise (TSSE) group (n = 10) and scapular setting exercise (SSE) group (n = 10). Intervention was performed for one week, and pre- and postintervention results for TSSE and SSE were compared. Outcomes were determined using the inertia measurement unit, which can measure spatiotemporal gait parameters, and using the timed up-and-go test. Two-way repeated analysis was used to compare pre- and postintervention results. In the TSSE group, intervention significantly improved cadence, gait speed, stride length, step length, gait cycle, swing phase duration, double support duration, and timed up-and-go test results more than in the SSE group. TSSE was found to improve all spatiotemporal gait parameters examined; thus, we recommend TSSE be considered as an intervention to improve gait parameters in stroke patients.

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Split-Belt Treadmill Adaptation Transfers to Overground Walking in Persons Poststroke

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair ◽

10.1177/1545968309332880 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 23 (7) ◽

pp. 735-744 ◽

Cited By ~ 159

Author(s):

Darcy S. Reisman ◽

Robert Wityk ◽

Kenneth Silver ◽

Amy J. Bastian

Keyword(s):

Step Length ◽

Overground Walking ◽

Double Support ◽

Context Switching ◽

Before And After ◽

Partial Transfer ◽

And Gender ◽

Double Support Time ◽

Support Time ◽

Control Locomotion

Background and Objective. Following stroke, subjects retain the ability to adapt interlimb symmetry on the split-belt treadmill. Critical to advancing our understanding of locomotor adaptation and its usefulness in rehabilitation is discerning whether adaptive effects observed on a treadmill transfer to walking over ground. We examined whether aftereffects following split-belt treadmill adaptation transfer to overground walking in healthy persons and those poststroke. Methods. Eleven poststroke and 11 age-matched and gender-matched healthy subjects walked over ground before and after walking on a split-belt treadmill. Adaptation and aftereffects in step length and double support time were calculated. Results. Both groups demonstrated partial transfer of the aftereffects observed on the treadmill ( P < .001) to overground walking ( P < .05), but the transfer was more robust in the subjects poststroke ( P < .05). The subjects with baseline asymmetry after stroke improved in asymmetry of step length and double limb support ( P = .06). Conclusions. The partial transfer of aftereffects to overground walking suggests that some shared neural circuits that control locomotion for different environmental contexts are adapted during split-belt treadmill walking. The larger adaptation transfer from the treadmill to overground walking in the stroke survivors may be due to difficulty adjusting their walking pattern to changing environmental demands. Such difficulties with context switching have been considered detrimental to function poststroke. However, we propose that the persistence of improved symmetry when changing context to overground walking could be used to advantage in poststroke rehabilitation.

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Kinesio taping techniques for ankle stabilisation in patients with stroke: a single-blinded randomised controlled study

International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation ◽

10.12968/ijtr.2019.0082 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Ramazan Kurul ◽

Tamer Cankaya ◽

Necmiye Un Yildirim

Keyword(s):

Barthel Index ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Peroneus Longus ◽

Kinesio Taping ◽

Functional Reach ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Functional Reach Test ◽

Peroneus Brevis

Background/AimsAnkle proprioception and neuromuscular feedback from this region provides the sensory input needed for balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of repeated correction taping applied on the ankle and peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles on balance and gait in patients with stroke.MethodsA total of 61 patients with stroke with a mean age of 62.25 ± 7.04 years were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n=30) received 1 hour of rehabilitation, which took place during weekdays over the course of 2 weeks. The intervention group (n=31) received 1 hour of daily rehabilitation as well as having kinesio tape applied to their ankle. Both groups were assessed with the Balance Evaluating Systems Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test, Tetrax Balance System and Barthel Index. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline, immediately after the first application, 1 week and 2 weeks later, following the first taping.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in the Balance Evaluating Systems and Functional Reach Tests scores between the first and last measurements in favour of the intervention group (P<0.05). There were no significant changes between baseline and immediately after assessment for all measurements (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in Tetrax scores, Timed Up and Go Test and Barthel Index scores (P>0.05).ConclusionsIn this study, it was found that dynamic balance was improved by taping the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles, but the static balance did not change. One week of kinesio taping would be beneficial; however, prolonged use would not provide further improvement.

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Effects of proprioception training program on balance among patients with diabetic neuropathy: a quasi experimental trial

Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association ◽

10.47391/jpma.286 ◽

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...

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Vertical ground reaction force shape is associated with gait parameters, timed up and go, and functional reach in elderly females

Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine ◽

10.1080/16501970310018297 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

pp. 42-45 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Toshiaki Takahashi ◽

Kenji Ishida ◽

Daisuke Hirose ◽

Yasunori Nagano ◽

Kiyoto Okumiya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ground Reaction Force ◽

Reaction Force ◽

Vertical Ground Reaction Force ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Functional Reach ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Vertical Ground

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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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Gait performance of the elderly under dual-task conditions: Review of instruments employed and kinematic parameters

Revista Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia ◽

10.1590/1809-9823.2016.14159 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 165-182 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Gisele de Cássia Gomes ◽

Luci Fuscaldi Teixeira-Salmela ◽

Flávia Alexandra Silveira de Freitas ◽

Maria Luísa Morais Fonseca ◽

Marina de Barros Pinheiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

The Elderly ◽

Elderly Persons ◽

Step Width ◽

Kinematic Parameters ◽

Time Step ◽

Double Support ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Task Conditions ◽

Double Support Time ◽

Support Time

Introduction The physiological deterioration associated with ageing exposes elderly persons to greater risks of falls, especially during the performance of simultaneous tasks during gait. Objectives To evaluate the effects of dual tasks (DT) on spatiotemporal gait parameters and to identify the tools and tasks most commonly used to assess the performance of DT among the elderly. Method Searches of the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and SciELO databases were conducted. Observational studies, which evaluated gait changes during the performance of DT, published up to April 2014, were selected. Results A total of 385 articles were found, of which 28 were selected. Decreases in speed and increases in stride variability, stride time, step width, and double support time were observed under DT conditions. Motion analysis systems, such as the GAITRite walkway(r) system were the mostly commonly used instruments for the analyses of kinematic parameters (16 studies). DT was most commonly assessed by arithmetic calculations in 20 studies, followed by verbal fluency, in nine studies. The gait parameters most commonly assessed were speed (19 studies), followed by stride variability (14 studies). Conclusion The elderly showed changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters under DT conditions. Gait speed and stride variability were often assessed and, together, were considered good indicators of risks of falls.

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Equilibrium and muscle flexibility in elderly people subjected to physiotherapeutic intervention

Acta Scientiarum Health Sciences ◽

10.4025/actascihealthsci.v38i2.28836 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 38 (2) ◽

pp. 129 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mariane Fernandes Ribeiro ◽

Lislei Jorge Patrizzi ◽

Vicente de Paula Antunes Teixeira ◽

Ana Paula Espindula

Keyword(s):

Physical Therapy ◽

Elderly People ◽

Therapy Group ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Gait Training ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Breathing Exercises ◽

Functional Reach Test ◽

Before And After

To evaluate the equilibrium and flexibility of elderly people submitted to a training program involving physical therapy exercises. Six elderly people were selected, average age 69.66 years. Wells’s Bench and the Functional Reach Test (FRT) plus Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) were employed respectively to assess muscle flexibility and balance analysis. Tests were performed before and after the exercise program which consisted of thirty-five 50 min physical therapy group sessions, twice a week, with stretching exercises, gait training, active exercises, postural correction exercises and breathing exercises. Statistical analysis was done with Sigma-Stat® 3.5. Assessments occurred before and after sessions, and the final test was undertaken after 35 sessions. There was a statistically significant increase in the flexibility of the posterior muscle chain. In the TUG test, the group achieved a shorter time after treatment, with statistical significance between tests. There was a statistically significant increase in the average FRT after the sessions. Current study showed better results in the execution of tests evaluated after the program of physiotherapy activities, contributing towards the improvement of muscle flexibility and balance of elderly people.

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