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 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 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 Functional Balance Assessment of Older Community Dwelling Adults: A Systematic Review of the Literature

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicity Langley ◽  
Shylie Mackintosh
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Concurrent Validity ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Balance Assessment ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Balance Scale ◽  
Balance Tests ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background: For allied health professionals wishing to assess the functional balance of older adults living in the community, the vast number of functional balance tests available makes it difficult to decide which assessment is most appropriate. Objective: To identify the reliability, concurrent validity and clinical practicality of functional balance tests with community dwelling older adults. Methods: A systematic review of published literature relevant to 17 functional balance tests was undertaken. The 17 functional balance tests were identified by a preliminary literature search and through consultation with an expert in the field of functional balance assessment. Studies published in English before January 2007, assessing the use of these functional balance tests with community dwelling adults aged 65 years or above were included. The CINAHL, MEDLINE, Ageline, Amed, PubMed, Cochrane library, PEDro and Joanna Briggs Institute databases were searched. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using a checklist criteria adapted from the Cochrane Working Group for Screening and Diagnostic Tests. Results: Eight databases were searched and 21 studies were included. The majority of studies demonstrated low to moderate methodological quality scores. Despite limitations reported for clinical application with community dwelling older adults, the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test have been most rigorously tested. Reliability and concurrent validity of the Balance Screening Tool and the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale had also been established in this population, however only one study was retrieved for each. Conclusion: The Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go Test have published reliability, validity with community dwelling older adults. Further testing of other functional balance tests is required to establish their reliability and validity in this target population.

scholarly journals Usefulness of the Berg Balance Scale in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (5) ◽  
pp. 559-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Blum ◽  
Nicol Korner-Bitensky
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Stroke Rehabilitation ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Balance Scale ◽  
Stroke Population ◽  
Functional Reach Test ◽  
Ceiling Effects

Background In a recent study of 655 physical therapists working with a stroke population, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was identified as the most commonly used assessment tool across the continuum of stroke rehabilitation. Given the widespread popularity of the BBS, it is important to critically appraise the BBS for its use with a stroke population. Objective The purposes of this study were to conduct a systematic review of the psychometric properties of the BBS specific to stroke and to identify strengths and weaknesses in its usefulness for stroke rehabilitation. Results Twenty-one studies examining the psychometric properties of the BBS with a stroke population were retrieved. Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach alpha=.92–.98) as was interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs]=.95–.98), intrarater reliability (ICC=.97), and test-retest reliability (ICC=.98). Sixteen studies focused on validity and generally found excellent correlations with the Barthel Index, the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients, Functional Reach Test, the balance subscale of Fugl-Meyer Assessment, the Functional Independence Measure, the Rivermead Mobility Index (except for weight shift and step-up items), and gait speed. Berg Balance Scale scores predicted length of stay, discharge destination, motor ability at 180 days poststroke, and disability level at 90 days, but these scores were not predictive of falls. Eight studies focused on responsiveness; all reported moderate to excellent sensitivity. Three studies found floor or ceiling effects. Discussion and Conclusion The BBS is a psychometrically sound measure of balance impairment for use in poststroke assessment. Given the floor and ceiling effects, clinicians may want to use the BBS in conjunction with other balance measures.

scholarly journals Measurements of Balance: Comparison of the Timed "Up and Go" Test and Functional Reach Test with the Berg Balance Scale

2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Bennie ◽  
Kathryn Bruner ◽  
Allan Dizon ◽  
Holly Fritz ◽  
Bob Goodman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance Scale ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Functional Reach Test

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

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.

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 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.

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