scholarly journals A VARIANT OF EXPERT ASSESSMENT OF BALANCE AND GAIT FUNCTIONS IN PATIENTS AFTER STROKE

Author(s):  
S. V Prokopenko ◽  
Mariya V. Abros’kina ◽  
V. S Ondar ◽  
S. A Kaygorodtseva

The article presents the results of approbation of the complex of objective evaluation of equilibrium and walking functions, including such functional scales as Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, hardware methods of computer stabilometry and laser analyzer of kinematic parameters of walking in groups of patients with poststroke vestibulo-atactic syndrome and hemiparesis syndrome. The proposed complex allows objectively and informatively to assess the state of static and dynamic balance, the risk of falls during walking, changes in the walking pattern in neurological patients. The complex is recommended for the dynamic assessment of patients’ condition during neurorehabilitation.

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Gervasoni ◽  
Davide Cattaneo ◽  
Angelo Montesano ◽  
Johanna Jonsdottir

Purpose. People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) tent to have increased levels of fatigue which can impact on their balance and increase risk of falls. However, the relationship between fatigue and balance is poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to assess if an experimentally induced fatigue had an immediate effect on balance. Methods. 37 inpatients with multiple sclerosis were recruited; the mean age (standard deviation) was 48.7 (9.6) years. The average onset of the pathology was 15.3 (9.8) years before the start of the study. The median (1°–3° quartile) Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 5.5 (4.5–6.0). Before and after a fatiguing treadmill, session, subjects were assessed with the Berg Balance Scale and Dynamic Gait Index. Results. After the treadmill, no statistically significant differences were found in balance before and after a treadmill session (monopodalic stance: before 5.3s (10.3) and after 7.7s (13.9); walk with horizontal head turns: before 11.6 (6.9) seconds and after 11.3 (7.7)). There was no correlation between the EDSS score and the difference in balance skills before and after treadmill. Conclusion. After treadmil PwMS were mentally and physically fatigued; however, their balance performance did not change, indicating no increase in risk of falling with fatigue.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-16
Author(s):  
Wildja De Lima Gomes ◽  
Thais Botossi Scalha ◽  
Lucas Brino Mota ◽  
Viviane Almeida Kuroda ◽  
Juliana Cintra Garrafa ◽  
...  

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on static and dynamic balance after the use of textured insoles. Method: Fifteen subjects with multiple sclerosis were evaluated before using the insoles, after using them for 1 month, and after 2 months without using, them using the following measuring instruments: the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, and 10-meter Walk Test, a means of functional gait assessment. Results: Improvement was observed in the Berg Balance Scale and Dynamic Gait Index scores, walking time, number of steps and step length after using the insoles for 1 month. The improvement in Berg Balance Scale score remained after two months without the insoles and there were no changes in gait speed. Conclusion: The use of textured insoles was effective as an intervention to improve static and dynamic balance in patients with multiple sclerosis.


Healthcare ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tapan Mehta ◽  
Hui-Ju Young ◽  
Byron Lai ◽  
Fuchenchu Wang ◽  
Yumi Kim ◽  
...  

Background: Recent clinical guidelines for adults with neurological disabilities suggest the need to assess measures of static and dynamic balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) as core outcome measures. Given that the BBS measures both static and dynamic balance, it was unclear as to whether either of these instruments was superior in terms of its convergent and concurrent validity, and whether there was value in complementing the BBS with the DGI. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the concurrent and convergent validity of the BBS and DGI by comparing the performance of these two functional balance tests in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Baseline cross-sectional data on 75 people with MS were collected for use in this study from 14 physical therapy clinics participating in a large pragmatic cluster-randomized trial. Convergent validity estimates between the DGI and BBS were examined by comparing the partial Spearman correlations of each test to objective lower extremity functional measures (Timed Up and Go (TUG), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) test) and the self-reported outcomes of physical functioning and general health using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Concurrent validity was assessed by applying logistic regression with gait disability as the binary outcome (Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) as the criterion measure). The predictive ability of two models, a reduced/parsimonious model including the BBS only and a second model including both the BBS and DGI, were compared using the adjusted coefficient of determinations. Results: Both the DGI and BBS were strongly correlated with lower extremity measures overall as well as across the two PDSS strata with correlations. In PDDS ≤ 2, the difference in the convergence of BBS with TUG and DGI with TUG was −0.123 (95% CI: −0.280, −0.012). While this finding was statistically significant at a type 1 error rate of 0.05, it was not significant (Hommel’s adjusted p-value = 0.465) after accounting for multiple testing corrections to control for the family-wise error rate. The BBS–SF-36 physical functioning correlation was at least moderate and significant overall and across both PDDS strata. However, the DGI–physical functioning score did not have a statistically significant correlation within PDDS ≤ 2. None of the differences in convergent and concurrent validity between the BBS and DGI were significant. The additional variation in 6MWT explained by the DGI when added to a model with the BBS was 7.78% (95% CI: 0.6%, 15%). Conclusions: These exploratory analyses on data collected in pragmatic real-world settings suggest that neither of these measures of balance is profoundly superior to the other in terms of its concurrent and convergent validity. The DGI may not have any utility for people with PDDS ≤ 2, especially if the focus is on mobility, but may be useful if the goal is to provide insight on lower extremity endurance. Further research leveraging longitudinal data from pragmatic trials and quasi-experimental designs may provide more information about the clinical usefulness of the DGI in terms of its predictive validity when compared to the BBS.


2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (10) ◽  
pp. 714-725
Author(s):  
Heinz Reichmann ◽  
Martin Gerber ◽  
Markus Reckhardt ◽  
Fritjof Reinhardt

ZusammenfassungDie erfolgreiche Haltungskontrolle setzt eine effektive und effiziente Interaktion aller posturalen Systeme voraus, die sowohl aktiv als auch reaktiv mittels muskulärer Kräfte den Körper im Gleichgewicht halten. Eine Störung dieses komplexen Posturalsystems auf sensorischer, zentraler oder motorischer Ebene führt in der Folge zu einer zunehmenden Instabilität und zu einer erhöhten Sturzneigung. Insofern scheinen die zuverlässige Erhebung der posturalen Kontrolle und die damit verbundene Sturzprävalenz ein wichtiges Element der ambulanten und stationären Versorgung zu sein. Die motorisch-funktionellen Assessments, die sich aus verschiedenen Gleichgewichts- und Stabilitätsaufgaben ergeben, stellen noch immer den Goldstandard zur Quantifizierung der posturalen Kontrolle dar. Diese Verfahren sind jedoch oftmals nicht in der Lage, die Gleichgewichtsfähigkeit eines Patienten vollumfänglich abzubilden, oder sind aufgrund der subjektiven Bewertung oder unzureichender Standardisierung nur bedingt vergleichbar. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war daher die Entwicklung eines quantitativen Messverfahrens zur Überprüfung der posturalen Kontrolle, basierend auf dem neuroorthopädischen Therapiegerät Posturomed®. Das Messsystem wurde in Form eines reaktiven Screeningverfahrens ausgeführt. Bei diesem werden mechanische Perturbationen erzeugt mittels Elektromagneten, die an der Unterstützungsfläche des Probanden appliziert werden. Der Eignungsnachweis dieses Systems für eine Quantifizierung der posturalen Kontrolle erfolgte durch eine zweiarmige Querschnittsstudie mit 115 gesunden Probanden (Referenzgruppe) und 149 neurologischen Patienten.Die Gruppe der neurologischen Patienten setzte sich zusammen aus– 69 Patienten mit zerebraler Mikroangiopathie (ZMA) mit in den letzten 12 Monaten klinisch eher leichter, aber chronisch progredienter Symptomatik,– 31 Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson Stadium I bis III nach Hoehn & Yahr als chronisch progrediente, multilokuläre Netzwerkerkrankung und – 49 Patienten mit klinisch vordergründig restierender Hemiparese bei Zustand nach zerebraler Embolie (Kraftgrad des betroffenen Beins 4/5 oder latente Parese) außerhalb der Subakutphase. Die Ergebnisse der Studie belegen, dass Perturbationsversuche zur Quantifizierung der posturalen Kontrolle für ein breites Spektrum neurologischer Patienten geeignet sind. Die Validität des Verfahrens konnte durch eine hohe inhaltliche Übereinstimmung zwischen der dynamischen Posturografie und den konvergenten Maßen der Motorik (Berg Balance Scale; Dynamic Gait Index) nachgewiesen werden. Das vorgestellte System erscheint folglich geeignet, das reaktive Gleichgewicht als eine Eigenschaft der motorischen Standkontrolle zu bestimmen. Die dynamische Posturografie auf Basis eines Perturbationsversuchs kann im klinischen und therapeutischen Umfeld zur Quantifizierung der posturalen Kontrolle eingesetzt werden. Zielgruppenlimitationen und damit verbundene Einschränkungen der Generalisierbarkeit von motorisch-funktionellen Testverfahren werden mit ihm überwunden. Darüber hinaus können auf der Basis der reaktiven posturalen Kompetenz individuelle Rückschlüsse auf das Sturzrisiko gezogen werden. Die Prognosegüte dieser Sturzrisikobewertung entspricht denen der motorisch-funktionellen Testverfahren und ist je nach Zielgruppe teilweise sogar besser. Für Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson konnte für den Dämpfungskoeffizienten bei einem Grenzwert von Δτ = − 0,45 s die höchste Güte ermittelt werden. Eine Sensitivität von 79 % und Spezifität von 78 % lassen eine gute Verwendung als sturzbezogenes Assessment erkennen. Der routinemäßige klinische Einsatz zur Quantifizierung der Sturzgefährdung, z. B. im Rahmen einer Krankenhausaufnahme, erscheint auf Grundlage der Ergebnisse empfehlenswert. Eine Grundvoraussetzung dafür, dass sich ein Assessment für eine Verlaufsbestimmung im Rahmen von Behandlungen einer Erkrankung eignet, ist seine ausreichende Reliabilität. Die laterale Perturbation und dann die Wertung von mittlerer Schwingungsgeschwindigkeit und Schwingungsdistanz sind geeignet für die Beurteilung der posturalen Stabilität im Verlauf neurologischer Erkrankungen und damit auch für eine quantitative Erfassung auftretender Therapieeffekte.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sana Batool ◽  
Hamayun Zafar ◽  
Syed Amir Gilani ◽  
Ashfaq Ahmad ◽  
Asif Hanif

Abstract Background: The Dynamic Gait Index is a useful scale that has been evaluated for its reliability in patients with vestibular disorder, elderly people and, in chronic stroke population but its reliability has not been evaluated yet in sub-acute stroke patients with eye movement disorders. So the purpose of this study was to evaluate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the Dynamic gait index to measure the dynamic balance, gait and risk of fall in sub-acute stroke population with eye movement disorders.Methods: A total of 30 (18 male, 12 females) stroke patients in the sub-acute phase suffering from eye movement disorders were recruited for this reliability study. Two experienced Physical therapists assessed the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the Dynamic gait index in two testing sessions three days apart. In the later session, two raters assessed the patients’ performance simultaneously on the Dynamic gait index. Data analysis was done at 95% confidence interval using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC2, 1). A significance level was set at P-value <0.05.Results: Mean tests scores by rater 1 in the first and second assessment were 17.4±2.04 and 18.0±2.05. Mean tests score by rater 2 in the second assessment were 18.6±2.06. Intra-rater (ICC=0.86, CI=0.73-0.93) and inter-rater (ICC=0.91, CI=0.83-0.96) reliability of total DGI scores was found good to excellent while intra-rater (ICC=0.73-0.91) and inter-rater (ICC=0.73-0.93) reliability of individual items of DGI scores were ranged from moderate to good. Item 8 (steps) showed lowest reliability (ICC=0.73). The significant difference was seen in total and individual scores (P<0.001) of DGI scale in both intra-rater and inter-rater reliability.Conclusions: The Dynamic gait index is found clinically a reliable tool to objectively measure dynamic balance, gait and risk of fall in sub-acute stroke individuals with eye movement disorders. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the total DGI scores was found good to excellent; whereas intra-rater and inter-rater reliability for individual items of DGI were varied from moderate to good.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 99-105
Author(s):  
Alice Haniuda Moliterno ◽  
Isabela Bortolim Frasson ◽  
Silas de Oliveira Damasceno ◽  
Caroline Nunes Gonzaga ◽  
Isabella Cristina Leoci ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of virtual reality-based (VR) therapy on balance training of patients after stroke. 10 hemiparetic participants received twelve individual physical therapy sessions using the VR therapeutic, through Nintendo Wii® Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort™. The analysis revealed that the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) instrument, responsible for evaluating the dynamic balance, obtained significant difference (p=0.0085) between the basal (17.30±3.59) and final (20.30±2.94) evaluation. The Penguin Slide game had no significance between the scores (p=0.918), but there was a moderate correlation between the DGI instrument (r=0.662; p=0.037). This study obtained favorable results related to dynamic balance and also suggests that VR therapy as in general influenced the improvement of dynamic balance in individuals with hemiparesis after stroke.


2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (11) ◽  
pp. 1598-1606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D. Bishop ◽  
Tara S. Patterson ◽  
Sergio Romero ◽  
Kathye E. Light

Background Low fall-related efficacy is associated with the number and severity of future falls in older adults with balance disorders. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine whether improvements in clinical measures of balance after an intervention program were associated with changes in efficacy. Design A prospective, nonexperimental, pretest-posttest design was used. Methods Sixty-three people (43 men, 20 women; mean [±SD] age=76.6±4.9 years) with a history of at least 2 falls in the previous 12 months were enrolled between 2004 and 2008 to participate in a 12-week home exercise program. Balance deficits were identified using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and participants were evaluated monthly. Hierarchical linear regression was used to assess the relationship between measures of balance (BBS and DGI) and efficacy (Falls Efficacy Scale) before intervention. A second model examined the relationship between changes in balance and changes in efficacy after participation in the program. Results Preintervention scores of efficacy were significantly associated with age, depression, and BBS and DGI scores. After controlling for age, depression, and strength (force-generating capacity), BBS and DGI scores together accounted for 34% of the variance in preintervention efficacy. Significant improvements were noted in efficacy, BBS and DGI scores, and depression after intervention. When controlling for preintervention efficacy and changes in depression, the changes in DGI and BBS scores together explained 11% of the variance in the change in fall-related efficacy; however, only DGI scores contributed uniquely. Limitations These results are tempered by the absence of a control group to examine the role of time on changes in efficacy. Conclusions The results suggest that increased emphasis on mobility during rehabilitation leads to improved confidence to perform activities of daily living without falling.


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