scholarly journals Multiple game based rehabilitation platform instead of intensified conventional balance training in patients with stroke: pilot study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imre Cikajlo ◽  
Marko Rudolf ◽  
Renato Mainetti ◽  
Nunzio Alberto Borghese
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Functional Restoration ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Clinical Test ◽  
Modern Approach ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Eyes Closed

Abstract Background: People who survive a stroke usually suffer for moderate to severe movement disorders such as uncontrollable movements of the limb, posture and balance disorders. An intensive and repetitive physiotherapy and balance training are often a key to functional restoration of movements. Recently modern rehabilitation centers have offered virtual reality supported balance training with exergames in addition to the conventional therapy. However, the choice of the appropriate exergame is still not straightforward. Methods: We designed a randomized pilot study investigating how different types of balance training in addition to the physiotherapy program influence on functional outcomes. 20 eligible participants were randomized into 2 groups; exergaming vs conventional balance training. Multiple-game platform with exergames supporting single leg exercises, weight shifting, balancing and standing up and equivalent conventional physiotherapy exercises were used. Center of pressure was monitored during exergaming and clinical impact was evaluated with the Four Square Step Test (FSST), Timed Up & Go, 10m Walk Test (10MWT), Romberg, Sharpened Romberg, Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction in Balance in both groups. Statistical tests were used to find statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences and Cohen’s U3 test to examine the effect sizes. Results: Participants of both groups demonstrated substantively and statistically significant improvements of functional balance, in particular the exergaming group (FSST p = 0.009, U3 = 0.9 and 10MWT p = 0.008, U3 = 0.9). . However, significant differences between the groups were found only in tests with eyes closed, Sharpened Romberg test (p = 0.05) and standing on the right leg (p = 0.035). We found a decrease of center of pressure area for up to 20% in the exergaming group. Conclusions: In the exergaming group the participants achieved improved functional balance that could be well targeted by the selection of games and objectively evaluated. The modern approach had a great potential by choosing the appropriate game to target the exercise, but the low statistical power may hinder the equivalence of both additional balance training methods. However, the exergaming provided independent balance training, also feasible without physiotherapist’s strenuous work that may be crucial for future home or telerehabilitation services.

scholarly journals Use of Stabilometric Platform and Evaluation of Methods for Further Measurments – A Pilot Study

2007 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitka Jančová ◽  
Vlasta Tošnerová
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Quiet Standing ◽  
Parallel Testing ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Single Force ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Evaluation Of Methods ◽  
Anterior Posterior

Posture in a still stance has been quantified by changes in the center of pressure (COP), in both anterior-posterior (A/P) and medial-lateral (M/L) directions and measured on a single force platform (Bertec PRO VEC 5.0). The purpose of this study was to estimate the variance in error and the intrasession test-retest reliability, and to determine which measures shall be taken for further measurements, especially with adults age 65 and older. We used two types of approximation for the reliability coefficient. Firstly, we used the equation according to Blahuš (2) and secondly we used the Pearson’s correlation coefficient for test-retest measurements. The findings allow us to say, among other things, that the tests of quiet standing Double Narrow Stance Eyes Open (DNSEO) and Double Narrow Stance Eyes Closed (DNSEC) are parallel, in the sense of parallel testing.

scholarly journals The measurable parameters of balance trainings in case of young healthy adults: Improved balance confidence or better postural stability? A pilot study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Posa ◽  
D. Farkasinszky ◽  
T. Margithazi ◽  
E. Nagy
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Postural Sway ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Healthy Female ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Support Surfaces ◽  
Base Of Support

AbstractPurposeThe objective of this pilot study was to compare the effects of two parallel balance trainings on postural sway and balance confidence. The study was performed in different contexts with stable vs. unstable base of support and balance confidence was measured with a scale modified for young adults with higher functional level.Materials/methodsTwenty healthy female physiotherapist students volunteered for the study and took part in a six-week balance training intervention. They were randomly assigned to two groups training on different support surfaces. Postural sway was recorded under various conditions: on different surfaces (firm, foam) and with different visual conditions (eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC)). Modified Activities-specific Balance Confidence (mABC) scale was self-evaluated.ResultsBoth types of training caused a significant improvement in the mABC scores. The sway path increased after the training in the less challenging balance situations. We found a tendency of decreasing sway path only in the more challenging balance situations, that is standing on foam mounted on force plate with EC.ConclusionsConsidering the improved balance confidence in the case of both groups, we suggest that an increase in sway path after balance training may be the behavioural sign of the higher confidence in the less challenging balance situations.

scholarly journals A 9-Week Nordic and Free Walking Improve Postural Balance in Parkinson’s Disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. E28-E34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leandro Franzoni ◽  
Elren Monteiro ◽  
Henrique Oliveira ◽  
Rodrigo da Rosa ◽  
Rochelle Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Neuroprotective Effect ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Nordic Walking ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Eyes Open

AbstractAerobic training has a neuroprotective effect in people with Parkinson’s disease. Recent evidence indicates that Nordic walking seems a promising alternative due to positive outcomes in functional mobility. However, the effects of Nordic walking compared to free walking on static and functional balance parameters are still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nine weeks of Nordic and free walking training on static and functional balance. The sample size was 33 individuals with eight dropouts, leaving 25 individuals in the final sample (Nordic Walking, n=14, Free Walking, n=11). The participants underwent two evaluations in the present randomized clinical trial, pre- and post-training, to determine average velocity and root-mean-square values from center of pressure with eyes open and eyes closed. The functional balance showed approximately 5% improvement for the two groups (p=0.04). The results indicate that nine weeks of Nordic and free walking training were enough to induce improvements in the proprioceptive system and functional balance.

scholarly journals Correlation between balance, speed, and walking ability in individuals with chronic hemiparesis

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heloisa Maria Jácome de Sousa Britto ◽  
Luciana de Andrade Mendes ◽  
Cínthia de Carvalho Moreno ◽  
Emília Márcia Gomes de Souza e Silva ◽  
Ana Raquel Rodrigues Lindquist
Keyword(s):  
Gait Speed ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Walking Capacity ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Kolmogorov Smirnov ◽  
Recovery Protocols

Abstract Alterations in balance and gait are frequently present in patients with hemiparesis. This study aimed at determining whether there is a correlation between static and functional balance, gait speed and walking capacity. To that end, 17 individuals with chronic hemiparesis of both sexes (58.8% men and 42.25 women), mean age of 56.3 ± 9.73 years, took part in the study. Static balance was assessed by computerized baropodometry, under two different sensory conditions: eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Functional balance was evaluated by Berg Balance Scale and walking ability by the Functional Ambulation Classification. Gait speed was assessed by kinemetry. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to verify data distribution normality. Parametric variables were correlated by Pearson's test and their non-parametric parameters by Spearman's test. Functional balance showed a positive correlation with gait speed (p=0.005; r=0.64) and walking ability (p = 0.019; r = 0.56). Anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) alterations with EO and EC exhibited negative correlations with gait speed (EO: AP amplitude (p = 0.0049 and r = -0.48); mean ML deviation (p = 0.019 and r =-0.56)/ EC: mean AP deviation (p = 0.018 and r = -0.56) and mean ML deviation (p = 0.032 and r = -0.52); AP amplitude (p = 0.014 and r = -0.57) and ML amplitude (p = 0.032 and r = -0.52); postural instability (p = 0.019 and r = -0.55)) and walking ability (EO: mean AP deviation (p = 0.05 and r = -0.47) and AP amplitude (p = 0.024 and r = -0.54)). The results suggest correlations between static and functional balance and gait speed and walking ability, and that balance training can be an important component of gait recovery protocols.

scholarly journals Revealing posturographic profile of patients with Parkinsonian syndromes through a novel hypothesis testing framework based on machine learning

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0246790
Author(s):  
Ioannis Bargiotas ◽  
Argyris Kalogeratos ◽  
Myrto Limnios ◽  
Pierre-Paul Vidal ◽  
Damien Ricard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Multiple Testing ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Natural Extension ◽  
Parkinsonian Syndromes ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Classical Statistics ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Eyes Open

Falling in Parkinsonian syndromes (PS) is associated with postural instability and consists a common cause of disability among PS patients. Current posturographic practices record the body’s center-of-pressure displacement (statokinesigram) while the patient stands on a force platform. Statokinesigrams, after appropriate processing, can offer numerous posturographic features. This fact, although beneficial, challenges the efforts for valid statistics via standard univariate approaches. In this work, 123 PS patients were classified into fallers (PSF) or non-faller (PSNF) based on the clinical assessment, and underwent simple Romberg Test (eyes open/eyes closed). We developed a non-parametric multivariate two-sample test (ts-AUC) based on machine learning, in order to examine statokinesigrams’ differences between PSF and PSNF. We analyzed posturographic features using both multiple testing with p-value adjustment and ts-AUC. While ts-AUC showed significant difference between groups (p-value = 0.01), multiple testing did not agree with this result (eyes open). PSF showed significantly increased antero-posterior movements as well as increased posturographic area compared to PSNF. Our study highlights the superiority of ts-AUC compared to standard statistical tools in distinguishing PSF and PSNF in multidimensional space. Machine learning-based statistical tests can be seen as a natural extension of classical statistics and should be considered, especially when dealing with multifactorial assessments.

scholarly journals Balance Training and Center-of-Pressure Location in Participants With Chronic Ankle Instability

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 343-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abby Mettler ◽  
Lisa Chinn ◽  
Susan A. Saliba ◽  
Patrick O. McKeon ◽  
Jay Hertel
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Chronic Ankle Instability ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Balance Task ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Data Points

Context Chronic ankle instability (CAI) occurs in some people after a lateral ankle sprain and often results in residual feelings of instability and episodes of the ankle's giving way. Compared with healthy people, patients with CAI demonstrated poor postural control and used a more anteriorly and laterally positioned center of pressure (COP) during a single-limb static-balance task on a force plate. Balance training is an effective means of altering traditional COP measures; however, whether the overall location of the COP distribution under the foot also changes is unknown. Objective To determine if the spatial locations of COP data points in participants with CAI change after a 4-week balance-training program. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants Thirty-one persons with self-reported CAI. Intervention(s) Participants were randomly assigned to a 4-week balance-training program or no balance training. Main Outcome Measure(s) We collected a total of 500 COP data points while participants balanced using a single limb on a force plate during a 10-second trial. The location of each COP data point relative to the geometric center of the foot was determined, and the frequency count in 4 sections (anteromedial, anterolateral, posteromedial, posterolateral) was analyzed for differences between groups. Results Overall, COP position in the balance-training group shifted from being more anterior to less anterior in both eyes-open trials (before trial = 319.1 ± 165.4, after trial = 160.5 ± 149.5; P = .006) and eyes-closed trials (before trial = 387.9 ± 123.8, after trial = 189.4 ± 102.9; P &lt; .001). The COP for the group that did not perform balance training remained the same in the eyes-open trials (before trial = 214.1 ± 193.3, after trial = 230.0 ± 176.3; P = .54) and eyes-closed trials (before trial = 326.9 ± 134.3, after trial = 338.2 ± 126.1; P = .69). Conclusions In participants with CAI, the balance-training program shifted the COP location from anterolateral to posterolateral. The program may have repaired some of the damaged sensorimotor system pathways, resulting in a more optimally functioning and less constrained system.

scholarly journals The Effects of Exergaming Training on Balance in Healthy Elderly Women—A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1412
Author(s):  
Anna Brachman ◽  
Wojciech Marszałek ◽  
Anna Kamieniarz ◽  
Justyna Michalska ◽  
Michał Pawłowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Quiet Standing ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Standing Test ◽  
Objective Outcomes ◽  
Kendall’S W

Our aim was to observe, through objective testing using an assessment module incorporated in a new exergaming system, whether elderly people’s static and functional balance is improved by a balance exergaming training program based on movements performed in everyday life. Thirteen healthy elderly women participated in 12 sessions of balance-based exergaming training (three times a week, 30 min per session). All objective outcomes, the quiet standing test, functional balance test (FBT), and limit of stability (LOS) test, were measured on three occasions: before intervention, after six training sessions, and after the completion of the four-week program. The results showed a significant improvement in LOS performance after the intervention. In FBT, participants exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.01; Kendall’s W = 0.5) in the average time to target hit after six trainings. The average center of pressure velocity increased after six and 12 sessions, however did not reach significance (p = 0.053); nevertheless the size of the effect was large (ηp2 = 0.22). The parameters of the quiet standing test were not significantly affected by the training. The results support the need for more definite and objective studies assessing exergaming for balance in elderly.

The effects of age at cochlear implantation on balance in children: A pilot study

2020 ◽  
pp. 039139882096736
Author(s):  
Banu Mujdeci ◽  
Sevginar Önder ◽  
Serpil Alluşoğlu ◽  
Süleyman Boynuegri ◽  
Oguzhan Kum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implantation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Clinical Test ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Static Conditions

Aim: The evaluation of the effects of age at cochlear implantation on balance in children. Research design: Cross-sectional study. Study sample: Twenty children who received their cochlear implants (CI) before the chronologic age of 48 months (Early CI Group), and 20 children who received their CI at 48 months chronologic age or later (Late CI Group). Intervention: All children underwent Tandem Romberg (TR) test, Single-Leg stance (SLS) test, Pediatric Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction for Balance (P-CTSIB), Pediatric Balance scale (PBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Data collection and analysis: The scores of TR, SLS and P-CTSIB and TUG tests and PBS were recorded. Mann Whitney U test and Independent-samples t-test were used to compare data between groups. Results: TR (eyes opened-EO), SLS (EO), PBS, and TUG scores and incidence in dizziness symptoms did not show significant differences between the groups ( p > 0.05). Duration of TR and SLS tests (eyes closed-EC), P-CTSIB-positions 5, and 6 were significantly longer in the Early CI Group than the Late implanted group( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Although the age of cochlear implantation did not affect functional balance for children, it has been found to cause impaired balance performance in difficult static conditions and increased frequency of dizziness.

scholarly journals Comparison of Static Balance and the Role of Vision in Elite Athletes

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raouf Hammami ◽  
David G Behm ◽  
Mokhtar Chtara ◽  
Aymen Ben Othman ◽  
Anis Chaouachi
Keyword(s):  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Quiet Standing ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Clinical Test ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Rugby Players

AbstractWhen prescribing balance exercises to athletes in different sports, it may be important to recognize performance variations. Indeed, how athletes from different sports perform on balance tests is not well understood. The goal of the present study was to compare static balance and the role of vision among elite sprinters, jumpers and rugby players. The modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance (mCTSIB) was used to assess the velocity of the center-of-pressure (CoP) on a force platform during a 30 s bipedal quiet standing posture in 4 conditions: firm surface with opened and closed eyes, foam surface with opened and closed eyes. Three-factor ANOVA indicated a significant main effect for groups (F=21.69, df=2, p<0.001, η2 = 0.34). Significant main effect of vision (F=43.20, df=1, p<0.001, η2 = 0.34) and surface (F=193.41, df=1, p<0.001, η2 = 0.70) as well as an interaction between vision (eyes open, eyes closed) and surface (firm and foam) (F=21.79, df=1, p=0.001) were reported in all groups. The subsequent Bonferroni-Dunn post hoc test indicated that rugby players displayed better static balance than sprinters and jumpers (p=0.001). The comparison of sprinters and jumpers did not reveal significant differences (p>0.05). The nature of the sport practiced and the absence of visual control are linked to modify static balance in elite athletes. Coaches and strength and conditioning professionals are recommended to use a variety of exercises to improve balance, including both exercises with opened and closed eyes on progressively challenging surfaces in order to make decisions about tasks and sensory availability during assessment and training.

Evaluation of a New Clinical Test of Fusion Status: A Pilot Study

2019 ◽  
pp. 113-118
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Ohio State University ◽  
Background Suppression ◽  
Clinical Test ◽  
State University ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Central Fusion ◽  
Eye Examination ◽  
The Ohio State University ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

Background Suppression is associated with binocular vision conditions such as amblyopia and strabismus. Commercial methods of testing fusion often only measure central fusion or suppression at near. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess a new iPad picture fusion test that assesses foveal and central fusion at near. Methods Participants aged 5 years and older presenting for eye examination at The Ohio State University College of Optometry were enrolled. Results from visual acuity, dry and wet refraction/retinoscopy, stereopsis and cover testing were recorded from the patient chart. The iPad picture fusion test, Worth four-dot, Worth type test with foveal letter targets, and Polarized four-dot were performed by one examiner in a randomized order at 40 cm. Testing was repeated with the anaglyphic filters reversed. Crosstabulation and McNemar chi-square analysis were used to compare the results between fusion testing devices. Results Of the fifty participants (mean age = 17.5), twelve reported suppression and one reported diplopia. Testability was excellent for all tests (98% to 100%). There were no significant differences between tests in reported results (P ≥ 0.22 for all comparisons). No difference in reported fusion or suppression status was observed with change in orientation of the anaglyphic filters. Six participants reported foveal suppression alone at near which was not identified with Worth four-dot at near. Conclusion The iPad picture fusion test provided excellent testability and agreement with commonly used tests of fusion and allowed testing of both central and foveal fusion at near. Nearly half (46%) of participants with suppression reported foveal suppression, supporting the importance of testing for foveal suppression.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document