The Effect of 4-weeks Perturbation Training on Balance, Movement Function, and Risk of Falling in Blind People

Background and Aims: Perturbation training is a type of exercise in which participants frequently experience loss of balance to practice and improve control of balance reactions. Due to postural control impairment in blind people, this study aimed to investigate the effect of 4-week perturbation-based balance training on risk of falling, movement function, and balance in people with visual impairment. Methods: In the current, 30 men with absolute visual impairment were randomly divided into control (n=15) and experimental (n=15) groups. The experimental group performed perturbation exercises for four weeks and three sessions per week for 60 minutes. To evaluate the static balance of the modified stork test, the dynamic balance of the Berg balance tests, the movement function of the Tinetti test, and the fall risk of the functional reach test before and after the training intervention were used. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance at the level of α=0.05. Results: The results showed that the experimental group had an increase in the mean scores of static balance (P=0.001), dynamic balance (P=0.001), movement function (P=0.001), and decreased risk of falling (P=0.001) and is significantly better than the control group. Also, in the post-test, the findings of intragroup changes showed that the experimental group had a more significant effect on increasing balance, increasing movement function, and decreasing the rate of falling than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, the use of perturbation exercises improves balance, increases the level of movement function, and reduces the risk of falling in blind people. Due to the positive effects of exercises and the benefits of this type of rehabilitation, it is recommended that this rehabilitation program be performed on the blind and visually impaired. Sports instructors are advised to use the balance-based perturbation exercises in this study and other exercises for people with visual impairment to increase their fitness.

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Balance Training with Electromyogram-Triggered Functional Electrical Stimulation in the Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci10020080 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 80

Author(s):

Kyeongjin Lee

Keyword(s):

Muscle Activation ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Balance Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Static Balance ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Ankle Muscle ◽

Balance Ability ◽

Leg Muscle ◽

Experimental Group

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of balance training with electromyogram-triggered functional electrical stimulation (EMG-triggered FES) to improve static balance, dynamic balance, and ankle muscle activation in stroke patients. Forty-nine participants (>6 months after stroke) were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 25) and the control group (n = 24). The experimental group underwent balance training with EMG-triggered FES for 40 min a day, 5 days a week, for a 6-week period in addition to general rehabilitation. The control group underwent balance training without EMG-triggered FES along with conventional therapy. Outcome measures included static balance ability, dynamic balance ability, and leg muscle activation. The static and dynamic balance abilities were significantly improved after intervention in both groups (p < 0.05), although the experimental group showed considerably greater improvement than the control group (p < 0.05). Leg muscle activation on the affected side resulted in significant improvements in the experimental group (p < 0.05) when compared with baseline but not in the control group. Balance training with EMG-triggered FES is an acceptable and effective intervention to improve the static balance, dynamic balance, and ankle muscle activation in stroke patients.

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Proprioceptive Training to Improve Static and Dynamic Balance in Elderly

International Journal of Statistics in Medical Research ◽

10.6000/1929-6029.2021.10.18 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 194-199

Author(s):

Giovanni Esposito ◽

Gaetano Altavilla ◽

Felice Di Domenico ◽

Sara Aliberti ◽

Tiziana D’Isanto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Fear Of Falling ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Step Test ◽

Control Group ◽

Static Balance ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Proprioceptive Training ◽

Risk Of Falls ◽

Experimental Group

Background: The risk of falls is a major cause of disability in older adults. A single fall, for the elderly, increases the risk of frequent falls and often causes an increased fear of falling again, which can become debilitating. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to test the effects of 12 weeks of proprioceptive training on the static and dynamic balance of older adults who have experienced at least one fall without compromising consequences. Method: The sample consisted of older adults, aged 60 to 80 years, randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group, which followed a proprioceptive training protocol at a physiotherapy studio, and a control group, which did not observe any treatment. Static and dynamic balance assessment was performed pre-and post-intervention. The tests administered were the Berg Balance Test for the evaluation of static balance, and the Four-Square Step Test, for dynamic balance. A questionnaire to assess confidence and fear of falling was administered at the end of the protocol. Independent sample t-test was performed to analyze differences between groups and two-way ANOVA to test the null hypothesis of no change different over time between groups (interaction intervention × time). A Chi-Square was performed to analyze perceptions. Conclusions: The results showed that 12 weeks of proprioceptive training effectively improved dynamic and static balance in older adults. The perceptions of the experimental group were more positive than the other one, in terms of the importance of physical activity to prevent the risk of falls, fear of falling again, and experience of falls during the last 12 weeks.

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Effects of Fresnel prism glasses on balance and gait in stroke patients with hemiplegia: A randomized controlled trial pilot study

Technology and Health Care ◽

10.3233/thc-191973 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 28 (6) ◽

pp. 625-633

Author(s):

Sun-Young Ha ◽

Yun-Hee Sung

Keyword(s):

Visual Perception ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Gait Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Unilateral Neglect ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Functional Reach Test ◽

Before And After ◽

Experimental Group

BACKGROUND: Fresnel prism shifts the field of view and converts object position in space, but its effect on stroke patients without unilateral neglect has not been examined. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of Fresnel prism glasses on balance and gait in stroke patients with hemiplegia. METHODS: This study included 17 stroke patients with hemiplegia without unilateral neglect. Balance and gait training were applied in the control group (n= 9), and Fresnel prism glasses were applied with balance and gait training in the experimental group (n= 8). In all groups, interventions were done for 30 min/day for 5 times/week for 4 weeks. Motor-free visual perception test for visual perception (MVPT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and functional reach test (FRT) for dynamic balance ability, and gait were performed. Measurements were done before and after interventions. RESULTS: MVPT showed no significant difference between the groups (p> 0.05). A significant increase in BBS and FRT results was found before and after interventions in the experimental group (p< 0.05). Gait variables showed significant difference in the experimental group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fresnel prism glasses may effectively improve dynamic balance and gait functions by shifting body weight to the affected side of stroke patients with hemiplegia without vision loss.

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Effects of Affected Side One Leg Standing Training with PNF Sprinter and Skater Patterns on the Balance and Gait Function in Hemiplegic Patients

WSEAS TRANSACTIONS ON SYSTEMS AND CONTROL ◽

10.37394/23203.2021.16.50 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 ◽

pp. 534-540

Author(s):

Ikhwan Eun ◽

Seungmin Nam

Keyword(s):

Functional Performance ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Control Group ◽

Static Balance ◽

Balance Function ◽

Rehabilitation Hospital ◽

Affected Side ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Gait Function ◽

Experimental Group

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of affected side one leg standing training with PNF sprinter and skater patterns, which have a pattern like that of actual gait, on the balance function and gait function of chronic hemiplegic patients due to stroke. 23 inpatients diagnosed with stroke due to hemiplegia at a rehabilitation hospital located in South Korea. The patients were randomly divided into a experimental group and a control group. The experimental group performed PNF Sprinter and Skater Pattern training, and the control group performed balance pad training. Each group was trained for 30 minutes three times a week for six weeks. Static balance was measured using Biorescue, while dynamic balance was measured using the TUG. Gait function was measured using 10MWT, 6MWT. Both groups exhibited statistically significant improvements in static and dynamic balance function after the training (p<.05). The experimental group exhibited statistically significant increases in gait function after training (p<.05). A significant difference was observed between the two groups (p<.05). One leg standing training on the affected side using the PNF sprinter and skater patterns resulted in significant improvement in both balance and functional performance of gait in hemiplegic patients due to chronic stroke.

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Does Motor Training of the Nonparetic Side Influences Balance and Function in Chronic Stroke? A Pilot RCT

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1155/2014/769726 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Shanta Pandian ◽

Kamal Narayan Arya ◽

Dharmendra Kumar

Keyword(s):

Functional Performance ◽

Berg Balance Scale ◽

Chronic Stroke ◽

The Body ◽

Control Group ◽

Therapy Program ◽

Functional Reach Test ◽

Double Blinded ◽

And Function ◽

Experimental Group

Background. Balance and functional abilities are controlled by both sides of the body. The role of nonparetic side has never been explored for such skills.Objective. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of a motor therapy program primarily involving the nonparetic side on balance and function in chronic stroke.Method. A randomized controlled, double blinded trial was conducted on 39 poststroke hemiparetic subjects (21, men; mean age, 42 years; mean poststroke duration, 13 months). They were randomly divided into the experimental group(n=20)and control group(n=19). The participants received either motor therapy focusing on the nonparetic side along with the conventional program or conventional program alone for 8 weeks (3 session/week, 60 minutes each). The balance ability was assessed using Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Functional Reach Test (FRT) while the functional performance was measured by Barthel Index (BI).Result. After intervention, the experimental group exhibited significant(P<0.05)change on BBS (5.65 versus 2.52) and BI (12.75 versus 2.16) scores in comparison to the control group.Conclusion. The motor therapy program incorporating the nonparetic side along with the affected side was found to be effective in enhancing balance and function in stroke.

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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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The Effect of Pilates Training on the Balance of Elderly

Reabilitacijos mokslai slauga kineziterapija ergoterapija ◽

10.33607/rmske.v1i16.745 ◽

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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Rethinking the neurological examination I: static balance assessment

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/s0004-282x2011000700021 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 69 (6) ◽

pp. 954-958 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Péricles A. Maranhão-Filho ◽

Eliana Teixeira Maranhão ◽

Marcos Martins da Silva ◽

Marco Antônio Lima

Keyword(s):

Elderly Patients ◽

Neurological Examination ◽

Sensory Integration ◽

Static Equilibrium ◽

Static Balance ◽

Clinical Test ◽

Balance Assessment ◽

Risk Of Falling ◽

Functional Reach ◽

Functional Reach Test

The authors advocate a modernization of the neurologic exam with regard to the evaluation of static equilibrium through the application of some easily performed and interpreted bedside maneuvers like the Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance - modified and the Functional Reach Test. The authors also believe that these and other assessments, such as that of the risk of falling for elderly patients, should be incorporated into the routine neurological examination.

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Effects of a core stabilization training program on balance ability in persons with Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled trial

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215520918631 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 34 (6) ◽

pp. 764-772

Author(s):

Irene Cabrera-Martos ◽

Ana Teresa Jiménez-Martín ◽

Laura López-López ◽

Janet Rodríguez-Torres ◽

Araceli Ortiz-Rubio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Core Stability ◽

Control Group ◽

Balance Confidence ◽

Balance Ability ◽

Experimental Group

Objective: To explore the effects of an eight-week core stability program on balance ability in persons with Parkinson’s disease. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: A local Parkinson’s association. Subjects: A total of 44 participants with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease were randomly assigned to an experimental ( n = 22) or control group ( n = 22). Intervention: The experimental group received 24 sessions of core training, while the control group received an intervention including active joint mobilization, muscle stretching, and motor coordination exercises. Main measures: The primary outcome measure was dynamic balance evaluated using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test. Secondary outcomes included the balance confidence assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale and standing balance assessed by the maximal excursion of center of pressure during the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance and the Limits of Stability test. Results: After treatment, a significant between-group improvement in dynamic balance was observed in the experimental group compared to the control group (change, 2.75 ± 1.80 vs 0.38 ± 2.15, P = 0.002). The experimental group also showed a significant improvement in confidence (change, 16.48 ± 16.21 vs 3.05 ± 13.53, P = 0.047) and maximal excursion of center of pressure in forward (change, 0.86 ± 1.89 cm vs 0.17 ± 0.26 cm, P = 0.048), left (change, 0.88 ± 2.63 cm vs 0.07 ± 0.48 cm, P = 0.010), and right (change, 1.63 ± 2.82 cm vs 0.05 ± 0.17 cm, P = 0.046) directions of limits of stability compared to the control group. Conclusion: A program based on core stability in comparison with non-specific exercise benefits dynamic balance and confidence and increases center of mass excursion in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

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Effects of an Interactive Computer Game Exercise Regimen on Balance Impairment in Frail Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20090205 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 91 (10) ◽

pp. 1449-1462 ◽

Cited By ~ 84

Author(s):

Tony Szturm ◽

Aimee L. Betker ◽

Zahra Moussavi ◽

Ankur Desai ◽

Valerie Goodman

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Video Game ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Day Hospital ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Balance Exercises ◽

Experimental Group

Background Due to the many problems associated with reduced balance and mobility, providing an effective and engaging rehabilitation regimen is essential to progress recovery from impairments and to help prevent further degradation of motor skills. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and benefits of physical therapy based on a task-oriented approach delivered via an engaging, interactive video game paradigm. The intervention focused on performing targeted dynamic tasks, which included reactive balance controls and environmental interaction. Design This study was a randomized controlled trial. Setting The study was conducted in a geriatric day hospital. Participants Thirty community-dwelling and ambulatory older adults attending the day hospital for treatment of balance and mobility limitations participated in the study. Interventions Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group or an experimental group. The control group received the typical rehabilitation program consisting of strengthening and balance exercises provided at the day hospital. The experimental group received a program of dynamic balance exercises coupled with video game play, using a center-of-pressure position signal as the computer mouse. The tasks were performed while standing on a fixed floor surface, with progression to a compliant sponge pad. Each group received 16 sessions, scheduled 2 per week, with each session lasting 45 minutes. Measurements Data for the following measures were obtained before and after treatment: Berg Balance Scale, Timed “Up & Go” Test, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance, and spatiotemporal gait variables assessed in an instrumented carpet system test. Results Findings demonstrated significant improvements in posttreatment balance performance scores for both groups, and change scores were significantly greater in the experimental group compared with the control group. No significant treatment effect was observed in either group for the Timed “Up & Go” Test or spatiotemporal gait variables. Limitations The sample size was small, and there were group differences at baseline in some performance measures. Conclusion Dynamic balance exercises on fixed and compliant sponge surfaces were feasibly coupled to interactive game-based exercise. This coupling, in turn, resulted in a greater improvement in dynamic standing balance control compared with the typical exercise program. However, there was no transfer of effect to gait function.

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