scholarly journals Preliminary Clinical Trial of Balance Compensation System for Improvement of Balance in Patients With Spinocerebellar Ataxia

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 284-291
Author(s):  
Ji Seon Hong ◽  
Ji Hyun Kim ◽  
Sang Yeol Yong ◽  
Young Hee Lee ◽  
Sung Hoon Kim ◽  
...  

Objective To determine the immediate and short-term impact of the application of wearable balance compensation system (BCS) on balance impairment in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA).Methods The study enrolled 6 participants with SCA with varying degrees of balance impairment. After adjustment for individual fitting, wearable BCS with up to 3% body weight was placed in a garment on the trunk. Sway direction and magnitude were measured with sensors placed posteriorly at the lumbosacral junction, immediately before and after, and at day 1, day 2, and day 7 after wearing the BCS. Timed Up & Go test (TUG) and 25-foot timed walk test were performed, and static foot pressure was measured.Results A significant improvement in static and dynamic balance was found during the 25-foot timed walk and in static foot pressure measurement results after wearing the BCS, when compared with that at baseline (p=0.044 vs. p=0.011). Anterior and posterior sway showed improvements from baseline after wearing the BCS. Improvement in the lateral swaying movement control was also seen.Conclusion Application of the BCS might be beneficial in the improvement ofthe static and dynamic balance in patients with SCA. Further research on long-term effects and with a larger sample size is indicated.

Author(s):  
Agnieszka D. Jastrzębska

This experiment examined changes in body sway after Wingate test (WAnT) in 19 adolescents practicing alpine skiing, subjected to the same type of training load for 4–5 years (10 girls and nine boys). The postural examinations were performed with eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), and sway reverenced vision (SRV) in the medial-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) planes. The displacement of center of foot pressure (CoP), range of sway (RS), mean sway velocity (MV), way length, and surface area were measured in bipedal upright stance before and after the WAnT to assess the influence of fatigue on postural balance. There were no significant differences in WAnT parameters between girls and boys. Relative peak power (RPP), relative total work (RWtot) were (girls vs. boys) 8.89 ± 0.70 vs. 9.57 ± 1.22 W/kg, p < 0.05 and 227.91 ± 14.98 vs. 243.22 ± 30.24 W/kg, p < 0.05 respectively. The fatigue index (FI) was also on similar level in both genders; however, blood lactate concentration (BLa) was significantly higher in boys (10.35 ± 1.16 mM) than in girls (8.67 ± 1.35 mM) p = 0.007. In the EO examination, statistically significant differences between resting and fatigue conditions in the whole group and after the division into girls and boys were found. In fatigue conditions, significant gender differences were noted for measurements in the ML plane (sway path and RS) and RS in the AP plane. Comparison of the three conditions shows differences between EO vs. EC and SRV in AP plane measured parameters, and for RS in ML plane in rest condition in girls. The strong correlations between FI and CoP parameters mainly in ML plane in the whole group for all examination conditions were noted. By genders, mainly RS in ML plane strongly correlates with FI (r > 0.7). No correlation was found between BLa and CoP parameters (p > 0.06). The presented results indicate that subjecting adolescents of both genders to the same training may reduce gender differences in the postural balance ability at rest but not in fatigue conditions and that girls are significantly superior in postural balance in the ML plane than boys. It was also shown that too little or too much information may be destructive to postural balance in young adolescents.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Sanna ◽  
Paolo Follesa ◽  
Paolo Tacconi ◽  
Mariangela Serra ◽  
Maria Giuseppina Pisu ◽  
...  

AbstractSpinocerebellar ataxia 38 (SCA 38) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by conventional mutations in the ELOVL5 gene which encodes an enzyme involved in the synthesis of very long fatty acids, with a specific expression in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Three Italian families carrying the mutation, one of which is of Sardinian descent, have been identified and characterized. One session of cerebellar intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) was applied to 6 affected members of the Sardinian family to probe motor cortex excitability measured by motor-evoked potentials (MEPs). Afterwards, patients were exposed to ten sessions of cerebellar real and sham iTBS in a cross-over study and clinical symptoms were evaluated before and after treatment by Modified International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (MICARS). Moreover, serum BDNF levels were evaluated before and after real and sham cerebellar iTBS and the role of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in influencing iTBS effect was explored. Present data show that one session of cerebellar iTBS was able to increase MEPs in all tested patients, suggesting an enhancement of the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathway in SCA 38. MICARS scores were reduced after ten sessions of real cerebellar iTBS showing an improvement in clinical symptoms. Finally, although serum BDNF levels were not affected by cerebellar iTBS when considering all samples, segregating for genotype a difference was found between Val66Val and Val66Met carriers. These preliminary data suggest a potential therapeutic use of cerebellar iTBS in improving motor symptoms of SCA38.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 559-559
Author(s):  
Sara Freed ◽  
Briana Sprague ◽  
Lesley Ross

Abstract Interventions using exercise video games, or exergames, have shown short-term cognitive and physical benefits to older adults, though long-term effects are less promising. Enjoyment of exergames may promote exergame use after the intervention period, though little work has examined older adults’ views of exergames before and after gameplay experience. We invited 20 older adults between 65 and 84 years of age (M=73.30, SD=5.95) to play two Xbox Kinect games, Just Dance and Kinect Sports Rivals, for twenty minutes. In our presentation, we will present qualitative and quantitative findings of this pilot study, including findings that older adults reported that they were not likely to play similar exergames in the future and that they did not find the exergames to be more fun compared to other ways of exercising. We will discuss implications for game design and research relevant to game developers, manufacturers, and researchers. Part of a symposium sponsored by Technology and Aging Interest Group.


Author(s):  
Koen Andre Horstink ◽  
Lucas Henricus Vincentius van der Woude ◽  
Juha Markus Hijmans

AbstractPatients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) usually have reduced somatosensory information and altered perception in feet and ankles. Somatosensory information acts as feedback for movement control and loss of somatosensation leads to altered plantar pressure patterns during gait and stance. Offloading devices are used to reduce peak plantar pressure and prevent diabetic foot ulcers. However, offloading devices can unfortunately have negative effects on static and dynamic balance. It is important to investigate these unwanted effects, since patient with DPN already are at high risk of falling and offloading devices could potentially increase this risk. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the effects of plantar offloading devices used for ulcer prevention on their role in static and dynamic balance control in patients with DPN. PubMed and Embase were systematically searched using relevant search terms. After title selection, abstract selection, and full-text selection only five articles could be included for further analysis. Two articles included static balance measurements, two articles included dynamic balance measurements, and one article included both. Results suggested that static balance control is reduced when rocker bottom shoes and different insole configurations are used, however, toe-only rockers showed less evidence for reduced static balance control. There was no evidence for reduced dynamic balance control in combination with offloading devices. However, these results should be interpreted with care, since the number of studies was very small and the quality of the studies was moderate. Future research should evaluate balance in combination with different offloading devices, so that clinicians subscribing them are more aware of their potential unwanted consequences.


2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 741-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andresa R Marinho-Buzelli ◽  
Alison M Bonnyman ◽  
Mary C Verrier

Objective:To summarize evidence on the effects of aquatic therapy on mobility in individuals with neurological diseases.Data sources:MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CENTRAL, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, PsycBITE and OT Seeker were searched from inception to 15 September 2014. Hand-searching of reference lists was performed in the selected studies.Review methods:The search included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies that investigated the use of aquatic therapy and its effect on mobility of adults with neurological diseases. One reviewer screened titles and abstracts of retrieved studies from the search strategy. Two reviewers independently examined the full texts and conducted the study selection, data extraction and quality assessment. A narrative synthesis of data was applied to summarize information from included studies. The Downs and Black Scale was used to assess methodological quality.Results:A total of 116 articles were obtained for full text eligibility. Twenty studies met the specified inclusion criteria: four Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), four non-randomized studies and 12 before-and-after tests. Two RCTs (30 patients with stroke in the aquatic therapy groups), three non-randomized studies and three before-and-after studies showed “fair” evidence that aquatic therapy increases dynamic balance in participants with some neurological disorders. One RCT (seven patients with stroke in the aquatic therapy group) and two before-and-after tests (20 patients with multiple sclerosis) demonstrated “fair” evidence on improvement of gait speed after aquatic therapy.Conclusion:Our synthesis showed “fair” evidence supporting the use of aquatic therapy to improve dynamic balance and gait speed in adults with certain neurological conditions.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 298-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique Vibert ◽  
John H.J. Allum ◽  
Martin Kompis ◽  
Simona Wiedmer ◽  
Christof Stieger ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in balance control for stance and gait tasks in patients 2 years before and after vestibular neurectomy (VN) performed to alleviate intractable Meniere’s disease. Amplitudes of trunk sway in roll and pitch directions were measured for stance and gait tasks in 19 patients using gyroscopes mounted at the lower-back. Measurements before VN and 2 years later were compared to those of healthy age-matched controls (HC). We also examined if changes in trunk sway amplitudes were correlated with patients’ subjective assessment of disability using the AAO-HNS scale. For patients with low AAO-HNS scores 0–2 (n = 14), trunk roll and pitch sway velocities, standing eyes closed on foam, increased 2 years post VN compared to HC values (p < 0.01). Trunk sway amplitudes remained at levels of HC for simple gait tasks, but task durations were longer and therefore gait slower. For complex gait tasks (stairs), balance control remained impaired at 2 years. In patients with AAO-HNS high scores level 6 (n = 5), balance control remained abnormal, compared to HC, 2 years postoperatively for all stance, several simple and all complex gait tasks. Trunk sway in the pitch and roll directions for stance tasks was correlated with clinical (AAO-HNS) scores (p ≤ 0.05). These results indicate that VN leads to chronic balance problems for stance and complex gait tasks. The problems are greater for patients with high compared to low AAO-HNS scores, thereby explaining the different symptoms reported by these patients. The lack of balance recovery in VN patients to levels of HCs after 2 years contrasts with the 3 months average recovery period for acute vestibular neuritis patients and is indicative of the effects of neurectomy on central compensation processes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 179
Author(s):  
Ömer Özer

Maximal strength, muscular endurance, maximal aerobic power, and anaerobic capabilities, power are needed to have victory for wrestlers in a wrestling competition.The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of acute muscular fatigue on static and dynamic balance performances in elite wrestlers. Ten elite male wrestlers (25 &plusmn; 2.3 years, 181 &plusmn; 6.5 cm, 84 &plusmn; 4.2 kg) participated in the study voluntarily. Participants were undertaken dynamic and static balance test before fatigue exercise (in Cybex) and immediately after fatigue exercise, theywere undertaken dynamic and static balance test again. SPSS packet program was used to evaluate the data. There were no statistically significant differences in static and dynamic balance before and after fatigue. The results show that wrestlers&rsquo; balance is not affected by muscular fatigue, so there is no need for balance exercise after fatigue at least according to this study.


2007 ◽  
Vol 135 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 310-316
Author(s):  
Dragana Stamatovic ◽  
Nada Bokan-Erdeljan

Introduction: Monitoring of peak expiratory flow (PEF) is recommended in numerous guidelines for management of asthma. Improvements in calibration methods have demonstrated the inaccuracy of original Wright scale of peak flowmeter. A new standard, EN 13826 that was applied to peak flowmeter was adopted on 1st September 2004 by some European countries. Correction of PEF readings obtained with old type devices for measurement is possible by Dr M. Miller?s original predictive equation. Objective. Assessment of PEF correction effect on the interpretation of measurement results and management decisions. Method. In children with intermittent (35) or stable persistent asthma (75) aged 6-16 years, there were performed 8393 measurements of PEF by Vitalograph normal-range peak flowmeter with traditional Wright scale. Readings were expressed as percentage of individual best values (PB) before and after correction. The effect of correction was analyzed based on The British Thoracic Society guidelines for asthma attack treatment. Results. In general, correction reduced the values of PEF (p<0.01). The highest mean percentage error (20.70%) in the measured values was found in the subgroup in which PB ranged between 250 and 350 l/min. Nevertheless, the interpretation of PEF after the correction in this subgroup changed in only 2.41% of measurements. The lowest mean percentage error (15.72%), and, at the same time, the highest effect of correction on measurement results interpretation (in 22.65% readings) were in children with PB above 450 l/min. In 73 (66.37%) subjects, the correction changed the clinical interpretation of some values of PEF after correction. In 13 (11.8%) patients, some corrected values indicated the absence or a milder degree of airflow obstruction. In 27 (24.54%) children, more than 10%, and in 12 (10.93%), more than 20% of the corrected readings indicated a severe degree of asthma exacerbation that needed more aggressive treatment. Conclusion. Correction of PEF values obtained by peak flowmeters with traditional Wright scale shows a possibility of overtreatment in younger or short stature children and undertreatment in older or taller ones if we use old type of metres. The correction of peak flowmeter for non-linear error is a prerequisite in the application of asthma guidelines in PEF measurements. .


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 807-814
Author(s):  
Hilal Kılınç ◽  
Hacı Bayram Temur ◽  
Hacalet Mollaoğulları

Bu çalışma 8-10 yaş arası erkek çocuklarda yüzme egzersiz ve bosu çalışmalarının dinamik dengeye etkisini incelemek amacıyla yapıldı. Yaşları ortalaması 8,9333±,78492 yıl olan 30 katılımcı veli ve antrenörlerinden gönüllü katılımları ile ilgili aydınlanmış̧ onamları alınarak çalışmaya dahil edildi. Bunların 20' si egzersiz grubu diğer 10'u da kontrol grubudur. Egzersiz grubunun en az 1 yıl yüzme eğitimi almış olmalarına ve haftada 3 gün düzenli olarak yüzme antrenmanı yapıyor olmalarına dikkat edildi. Egzersiz grubu rastgele yöntemle 2 gruba ayrıldı. Birinci gruba yüzme ve bosu çalışmaları, ikinci gruba ise sadece yüzme egzersizleri yaptırıldı. Bu çalışma 10 hafta süreyle uygulandı. Katılımcıların antropometrik ölçümler ile dinamik denge ölçümleri planlanan antrenman programı öncesi ve sonrası olmak üzere iki defa alındı. Çalışma Van Olimpik yüzme havuzunda uygulandı. Verilerin analizinde SPSS 21 paket programı kullanıldı.  Analizler sonucunda yüzme eğitimi alan grubun A (Anterior), PM (Posteromedial) ve PL (Posterolateral) ön test - son test ölçüm  değerleri arasında anlamlı (p<0,01) fark olduğu saptandı. Yine yüzme ve bosu eğitimi alan grubun PM ve PL ön test - son test ölçüm  değerleri arasında anlamlı (p<0,01) fark olduğu belirlendi. Seçilmiş değişkenlerin ön test- son test ölçüm değerleri arasındaki farkların gruplar arasında anlamlı (p<0,05)  bir farklılığın olmadığı görüldü.   ​Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file.   Özet This study was carried out to investigate the effect of swimming exercise and bosu studies on dynamic equilibrium in 8-10 years old boys. They were included in the study by taking their enlightened consent about their voluntary participation from 30 participants parents and coaches with an average age of 8,9333 ±, 78492 years. 20 of them were exercise group and 10 of them were control group. The exercise group had at least 1 year of swimming training and swimming training 3 days a week was paid attention to be doing regularly. The exercise group was randomly divided into two groups. The first group had swimming and bosu exercises and the second group had only swimming exercises. This study was performed for 10 weeks. The participants' anthropometric measurements and dynamic balance measurements were taken twice before and after the planned training program. The work was carried out at the Olympic swimming pool in Van. SPSS 21 package program was used to analyze the data. As a result of the analyzes, it was found that there was a significant difference (p<0.01) between the A (Anterior), PM (Poateromedial) and PL (Poaterolateral) pre-test and post-test measurements of the swimming group. It was determined that there was a significant difference (p <0.01) between the PM and PL pretest - posttest measurements of the group receiving swimming and bosu training. There was no significant difference (p <0.05) between the pre-test and post-test values ​​of the selected variables.


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