scholarly journals Proprioceptive Training to Improve Static and Dynamic Balance in Elderly

Author(s):  
Giovanni Esposito ◽  
Gaetano Altavilla ◽  
Felice Di Domenico ◽  
Sara Aliberti ◽  
Tiziana D’Isanto ◽  
...  

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.

Author(s):  
Kristina Zaičenkovienė ◽  
Renata Rakovaitė

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 80
Author(s):  
Kyeongjin Lee

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A C Martins ◽  
D Francisco ◽  
D Guia

Abstract Introduction Falls remain a major public health issue. The ageing process is characterized by a progressive decrease in muscle strength, reaction time, postural control and changes in sensory systems. Wearable sensor-based biofeedback systems used in physiotherapy, particularly incorporated in exercise programs, are promising strategies to enhance the learning of strength and balance exercises and improve self-efficacy. Objectives To evaluate the effect of the wearable sensor-based Otago Exercise Program (OTAGO) biofeedback in older adults with moderate to high risk. Methodology Sixty participants (84.35 years) were distributed to the experimental group (26) and a control group (34). The EG underwent the OTAGO incorporated in a technological system using pressure and inertial sensors and biofeedback in real-time, administered by a physiotherapist for 5 weeks, with a frequency of 2 times a week. The CG kept doing their regular activities. Outcome measures included handgrip strength (HG), Time Up and Go (TUG), 30 seconds Sit to Stand, 10 meters Walking Speed (10m WS), 4 Stage Balance Test “Modified”, Step test and Questionnaire of Self-efficacy for exercise. Results At baseline, significant differences were observed regarding the 10m WS (p &lt; 0.001), TUG (p = 0.036) and HG (p = 0.001). Relatively to 4SBTM, in post-intervention was seen significant difference (p = 0.008) and in EG there was also substantial results (p &lt; 0.001). The same happens in SEE (p = 0.013 and p = 0.020, respectively). A significant increase was found in EG so that the post-intervention 10m WS was statistically higher compared with the CG (EG: 0.42±0.29; CG: 1.10±0.51; p = 0.003). In the CG worst results were observed in some of the functional tests. Conclusion Biofeedback in real-time facilitates the self-learning of the exercise program, and it is a useful tool for training strength, balance and self-efficacy for exercise, contributing to reducing the risk of falls.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 48-48
Author(s):  
C. Noriega ◽  
G. Pérez-Rojo ◽  
J. López ◽  
C. Velasco ◽  
M.I. Carretero ◽  
...  

IntroductionKayser-Jones (1981) described infantilization as one of the four most frequent types of violence in nursing homes. Older people perceive infantilization as disrespectful and patronizing. In professionals, it can lead to protective behaviors that reduce autonomy and generate more dependency. Despite the importance of this phenomenon, the interventions are scarce and show methodological limitations.ObjectiveThis study analyzed the efficacy of a psychoeducation program for the prevention of infantilization in professionals working in nursing homes. The sample included 154 direct-care workers. The experimental group (N=111) attended a psychoeducational group intervention program while the control group (N=43) did not attend any intervention program. We assessed the infantilized practices the professionals recognized they conducted and the ones observed in the institution before and after the intervention. The intervention lasted 6 hours and included four sessions distributed in two days. These sessions aimed to reduce negative stereotypes, preventing infantilized communication patterns and the use of behaviors or practices that are frequently used with children. We also offered professionals alternative practices that recognize autonomy, decision-making and respect older adults´ dignity and uniqueness. To analyze data, we conducted Repeated measures of ANOVA and one-way ANCOVAs.Results:The scores of infantilization in the experimental group significantly decreased from pre-intervention to post-intervention in the professional, F(1, 85) = 37.184, p = .01, partial η2 = .030, and in the institution, F(1, 84) = 32.128, p = .01, partial η2 = .277, while the control group did not show any changes. There was a statistically significant difference in post-intervention between the experimental and the control group when participants scored their infantilization practices, F(1, 115) = 5.175, p = .03, partial η2 = .043, and infantilization practices observed in the institution, F(1, 115) = 5.810, p = .018, partial η2 = .048.Conclusion:These results reflect the importance of developing interventions focused on preventing infantilization, methodologically rigorous, in which professionals´ training and education are considered key pieces to generate a culture of change. More research is needed to understand this problem in greater depth to develop programs that address this problem at different levels.Funding:This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (grant no. PSI2016-79803-R).


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 588-603
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hani Mansoori ◽  
◽  
Yousof Moghadas Tabrizi ◽  
Mohammad Karimizadeh Ardakani ◽  
Mitra Omidi ◽  
...  

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.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khadijeh Otadi ◽  
Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari ◽  
Shahriar Sharify ◽  
Zahra Fakhari ◽  
Hadi Sarafraz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: It is unknown how diaphragm training combined with electrical stimulation affect balance, core stability, pain, and function in athletes with chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study aimed to explore the effects of combining diaphragm training with electrical stimulation on core stability, dynamic balance, pain, and function in young athletes with nonspecific CLBP.Methods: The design was a randomized clinical trial A total of 24 young adult athletes (12 women, 12 men) with non-specific CLBP were randomly allocated into experimental and control group. The experimental group received diaphragm training plus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), while the control group received only TENS. Both groups underwent 12 sessions over a 4-week period. Static stability, dynamic balance, pain, and function were measured pre- and post-intervention.Results: Significant improvements in pain and function scores were found in both groups after completing the interventions. However, only the experimental group showed significant improvements in the static stability and dynamic balance post-intervention. The experimental group showed greater improvements in pain and static stability. No significant differences in function or dynamic balance were observed between the groups. Conclusions: The present study indicates that diaphragm training plus TENS can improve static stability, dynamic balance, function, and pain in young athletes with non-specific CLBP. It seems beneficial to add diaphragm training to rehabilitation programs for athletes with CLBP.Trial registration: The trial was retrospectively registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on www.irct.ir (Identification number: IRCT20090228001719N8).


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 465-471
Author(s):  
Boonsri Kittichittipanich ◽  
Wichitra Kusoom

Background: Accidental falls in older adults cause serious health problems, therefore, Tai Chi exercise (TC) is important to help older adults regain body balance and prevent falls. Objective: This study aimed to assess: 1) the effect of a 12-week TC intervention on lower extremity strength and body balance in older adults, 2) recent falls within 12 weeks, and 3) participants’ satisfaction toward TC exercise. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted, and the participants were older adults, aged 60 and above. One hundred participants were selected by a purposive sampling technique and were divided into 2 groups: the experimental group (n=50) performing the TC exercise, and the control group (n=50) not performing TC. The lower-extremity strength was measured by using a dynamometer, and the body balance was measured by using a timed single leg stance procedure. Results: The findings revealed that lower-extremity strength was not significantly different in three time periods: pre-TC, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks within the experimental group and also after 12 weeks between the experimental group and control group. The body balance within the experimental group in the three time periods was significantly different (p<.001). Multiple pair comparisons by using the Bonferroni test indicated that phase 3 (a 12-week) was significantly higher than phase 1, and phase 2 (p<.05). However, the effect of a 12-week TC intervention on the body balance of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<.001). The number of recent falls and near falls within 12 weeks in the control group was 14%, with 10% falls occurring outdoors and 4% occurring indoors, whereas the experimental group did not report any falls and showed satisfaction towards the TC exercise. Conclusion: The findings of the study confirm that TC exercise improves body balance and helps reduce the risk of falls in older adults, while the group of older adults who did not undergo TC exercise suffered an increased risk of falls. These results should be applied and implemented among older adults and other groups of populations in different geographic locations and other clinical settings who are at the risk of falls. Also, the study on TC exercise should be extended to 6-12 months so that concrete results from improving lower-limb strength and body balance can be observed.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khadijeh Otadi ◽  
Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari ◽  
Shahriar Sharify ◽  
Zahra Fakhari ◽  
Hadi Sarafraz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: there is a lack of evidence about the effects of diaphragm training combined with TENS on balance, pain, and function in athletes with CLBP.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of combining diaphragm training with electrical stimulation on core stability, dynamic balance, pain, and function in young athletes with nonspecific CLBP.Design: Randomized clinical trialMethod: A total of 24 young adult athletes (12 women, 12 men) with non-specific CLBP were randomly allocated into experimental and control group. The experimental group received diaphragm training plus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), while the control group received only TENS. Both groups underwent 12 sessions over a 4-week period. Static stability, dynamic balance, pain, and function were measured pre- and post-intervention.Results: Significant improvements in pain and function scores were found in both groups after completing the interventions. However, only the experimental group showed significant improvements in the static stability and dynamic balance post-intervention. The experimental group showed greater improvements in pain and static stability. No significant differences in function or dynamic balance were observed between the groups. Conclusions: The present study indicates that diaphragm training plus TENS can improve static stability, dynamic balance, function, and pain in young athletes with non-specific CLBP. It seems beneficial to add diaphragm training to rehabilitation programs for athletes with CLBP.The trial was retrospectively registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on www.irct.ir (Identification number: IRCT20090228001719N8).


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 534-540
Author(s):  
Ikhwan Eun ◽  
Seungmin Nam

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 521-522
Author(s):  
Ferdinand Delgado ◽  
Cheryl Der Ananian ◽  
Daniel Peterson

Abstract Older adults with musculoskeletal conditions (MSC), including arthritis and osteoporosis, may have a higher risk of falls and falls-related injuries. Differences in balance between individuals with and without self-reported MSC are not well understood. Therefore, this study compared measures of balance (static and dynamic) and reactive stepping between older adults (N=99) with (75.79±5.38 years, n=38, 82% female) and without (75.93±6.36 years, n=61, 67% female) MSC. A cross-sectional design was used. Static balance was assessed via postural sway area (PSA) and PSA root mean square (PSARMS) during quiet stance. Dynamic balance was assessed with the Timed Up & Go (TUG), a dual-task cognitive TUG (TUG-COG), and the Four Square Step Test (FSST). Reactive stepping was measured as the first step latency, length, width, time, total number of recovery steps, and time until balance recovery after a backward lean and release. Linear regression was used to assess group differences. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and grip strength, there were no significant differences between groups in static balance (PSA (p=0.884); PSARMS (p=0.246)) and reactive stepping outcomes (first step latency (p=0.184); total number of steps (p=0.423); step width (p=0.964)). The other reactive step outcomes are not reported since explained variance was not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). With dynamic balance, significant group differences showed individuals with MSC took more time to complete TUG (p=0.011) and TUG-COG (p=0.005), but not the FSST (p=0.493). Our findings suggest improving dynamic balance, especially with a walking component, in older adults with self-reported MSC is needed.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document