Balance Exercises Research Articles

Physical activity and symmetry following total knee arthroplasty: Results of a pilot randomized trial

ObjectiveThis pilot trial examined a Physical Activity and Symmetry (PAS) intervention focused on common deficits of physical inactivity and joint loading asymmetry following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). DesignParticipants (n ​= ​60) were enrolled during routine physical therapy (PT) following TKA and randomized to the PAS intervention or an attention (ATT) control group. The PAS intervention included physical activity counseling and balance exercise to address joint loading symmetry; content was delivered during 2 sessions at the end of routine PT plus supplemental sessions 4-weeks and 8-weeks following PT. The ATT control condition included supplemental sessions at 4-weeks and 8-weeks focused on general evaluation of surgical recovery benchmarks. Primary outcomes were weekly minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), measured with an accelerometer, and peak force loading symmetry (limb symmetry index; LSI) during a 10 ​m walk, measured with a 3-sensor in-shoe device. General linear mixed models compared changes in outcomes between randomized groups at 3-month and 6-month follow-up. ResultsBoth PAS and ATT groups increased MVPA, but there were no clinically meaningful between-group differences at 3- or 6-month follow-up (p ​> ​0.05). There were also no clinically meaningful between-group differences LSI at 3- or 6-month follow-up (p ​> ​0.05). ConclusionThe PAS intervention did not yield improvements beyond ATT control. It is possible that PAS components were being delivered as part of routine PT, and a more intensive intervention (e.g., more visits, guidance for exercise progression) or targeted approach (e.g., those with deficits at end of routine care) may be needed to further improve outcomes.

Identifying Clinically Meaningful Muscle Power Enhancements and Their Functional Correlates in Hospitalized Older Patients.

This study aimed to determine the threshold of muscle power and strength enhancements that lead to functional gains after exercise intervention in an acute care unit. A total of 302 older patients (intervention: 169, control: 133) from 2 randomized clinical trials were included (mean age: 86.7 years). We measured maximal strength (1RM) and muscle power via a velocity transducer during leg press exercise at 30% and 60% of 1RM. A multicomponent exercise program, including power training, balance, and gait exercises performed over 3 to 6 consecutive days, served as the intervention. We used an anchor-based method to correlate muscle function increases with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and gait velocity (GVT) to define clinically meaningful improvements. In the intervention group, marked differences were found in maximal power at 30% of 1RM between SPPB responders and nonresponders (relative 83.5% vs 34.8%; absolute 33.0 vs 12.8 W; p < .05) and at 60% of 1RM (relative 61.1% vs 22.4%; p < .05). GVT responders demonstrated significantly greater improvements in both relative and absolute maximal power than nonresponders at both 30% and 60% of 1RM (p < .05), as well as greater absolute 1RM gains (21.2 vs 15.2kg, p < .05). Clinically meaningful improvements for muscle power based on SPPB and GVT ranged from 30.2% to 48.7%, whereas for 1RM, it was 8.2% based on GVT. Muscle power gains were most notable in patients with improvements in the SPPB and GVT, highlighting the critical role of muscle power in functional recovery in these patients.

Effects of Pilates Exercise Training on Static Balance and Lower Limbs Proprioception in Adult Females With and Without Flexible Flatfeet.

It is well known that flatfeet are associated with a higher incidence of lower limb injuries in different populations. Thus, we examine how Pilates exercise training affects static balance and ankle and knee proprioception in females with and without flexible flatfeet. Study Design. Case series; Level of evidence. This quasi-experimental study involves 91 healthy 18- to 25-year-old female university students. The Navicular Drop Test was used to diagnose flatfeet. Pilates included core strength, balance, and flexibility exercises for 16 weeks. Static balance was assessed using the sharpened Romberg test and ankle and knee joint proprioception were measured using joint position reproduction tests. The Wilcoxon test indicated within-group pre-post improvements in static balance, and ankle and knee joint proprioception in the Pilates and the healthy control group (P < .05). The between-group comparisons at post-test showed significant differences for joint position reproduction test of the dorsiflexion (P < .05, η2 = 0.10) and the plantarflexion (P < 0.05, η2 = 0.08) in favor of the healthy controls group. Joint proprioception of ankle and knee was positively correlated with increasing static balance in the healthy control group. The results showed that Pilates has the potential to improve static balance, and ankle and knee proprioception. However, it did not improve postural control and proprioception in individuals with flatfeet. Our findings advise combining Pilates with other interventions to develop flexible flatfeet in females. Level I.

Metronome-Guided Balance Exercises to Aid in Dynamic Balance and Postural Control in a Novel Genetic Presentation of Niemann–Pick Disease Type C: A Case Report

Abstract Niemann–Pick disease type C is a rare progressive lysosomal lipid storage disorder. The disorder is characterized by a range of neurological consequences and complications at different points of its progression including spasticity, incoordination, ataxia, supranuclear gaze palsy, asthenia, and balance impairment, with a higher risk of falls. Among various approaches to managing such a debilitating condition, the role of physical therapy in managing the symptoms of such patients is often limited or underreported in the literature. A combination of spasticity and ataxia leads to impaired timing of agonist–antagonist control. Therefore, balance loss and falls are the most prevalent symptoms. We advocated a 12-week metronome-guided balance training program. Niemann–Pick type C disease is a rare genetic phenomenon that often presents with multi-system changes at structural and functional levels for the patient. Metronome-guided balance training is beneficial for improving dynamic balance variables, including movement velocity, center of gravity sway velocity, and step width.

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Quadratus LumborumStretching with Swiss Ball and Theraband Exercises in ChronicLowBack Pain: An Experimental Study

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Quadratus LumborumStretching with Swiss Ball and Theraband Exercises in ChronicLowBack Pain: An Experimental Study

Effects of aerobic exercise at different intensities on articular cartilage in mice.

Maintaining intrinsic articular cartilage homeostasis is essential for the health of cartilage. However, the impact of aerobic exercise of varying intensities on the articular cartilage homeostasis has never been studied. This study aims to elucidate the influence of different aerobic exercise intensities on the anabolic and catabolic processes within articular cartilage. Forty-eight male C57BL/6J mice, aged 7 weeks, were divided into 4 aerobic exercise groups and 1 control group. The aerobic exercise groups were subjected to both acute and chronic exercise protocols with varying intensities of 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 mmin-1. Total RNA from the knee joint cartilage was extracted in both phases to quantify mRNA of anabolic (Sox9, Col2a1, and Acan) and catabolic (MMP-13 and ADAMTS5) markers. In the chronic exercise, articular cartilage thickness and chondrocyte density were histologically assessed. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining quantified relevant molecules involved in cartilage metabolism. Inthe acute exercise, the 8 m min-1 group exhibited reduced ADAMTS5 expression compared to the control, 16 m min-1, and 24 m min-1 groups. Chronic exercise showed enhanced articular cartilage thickness in both the 8 and 12 m min-1 groups relative to the control group. Moreover, the 8 m min-1 group demonstrated elevated aggrecan levels in comparison to both the control and 24 m min-1 groups. Additionally, the 24 m min-1 group exhibited significantly higher ADAMTS5 levels than the control group. Our findings suggest that consistent low-intensity aerobic exercise suppresses catabolic molecule expression in articular cartilage, thereby fostering anabolic activity. Conversely, continuous high-intensity aerobic exercise can potentially disrupt cartilage homeostasis by enhancing catabolic processes. This dichotomy underscores the need for balanced exercise regimens to maintain cartilage health.

Exercise for fall prevention in older adults

Background: Global population aging has significantly increased fall-related incidents among older adults, which is associated with major health risks and challenges for healthcare systems. Falls are a leading cause of injury, disability, and mortality in South Korea, which has shown rapid expansion of the elderly population. Development of effective fall-prevention strategies, including exercise-based interventions is important to address this issue.Current Concepts: Exercise-based fall prevention programs include several key types such as strength and functional movement training and balance exercises. Strength training includes resistance exercises and weightbearing activities to enhance muscle strength, which is essential for stability and fall prevention. Balance exercises improve stability and coordination, including standing on one leg and heel-to-toe walking. Functional movement training includes exercises that simulate daily activities and help individuals to improve their ability to safely perform routine tasks. Programs such as the Otago Exercise Program integrate these elements and offer a comprehensive approach to fall prevention. Such regimens combined with training in safe falling techniques are important to reduce fall risk and improve outcomes. Assessment tools, including the timed up-and-go and senior fitness tests, are useful to identify at-risk individuals and tailor interventions accordingly.Discussion and Conclusion: An effective fall prevention exercise program requires a multifaceted approach that combines various exercise types and focuses on improving muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and functional skills, as well as safe falling and floor recovery techniques. Tailoring these interventions to individual needs and regular risk assessments can enhance their usefulness.

Improved heart rate variability in postmenopausal women following short-term combined exercise training

Imbalances in cardiac autonomic nervous systems are associated with cardiovascular risk factors and poor cardiac outcomes. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a practical and reproducible measure of cardiac autonomic nervous system function. Exercise training promotes positive adjustments in HRV. However, previous studies have reported mixed results. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of short-term combined exercise training on heart rate variability in post-menopausal women. Thirty-four women aged 50-80 years, at least 12 months post-menopause, were divided into a control (CON) group and an exercise (EX) training group. The participants in the exercise group underwent a 2-week of combined exercise program consisting of aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises. HRV was recorded using an Actiheart device, before and after the final exercise intervention in a sitting position. The significant main effects of time and group were found in the parameter of SDNN (p time = 0.039; p group = 0.026). Post-hoc analysis showed a borderline increase in SDNN in the EX group (POST: 48.79 ± 17.88 VS 44.54 ± 17.39, p = 0.055). No significant change was observed in the CON group (POST: 35.55 ± 13.51 VS 33.17 ± 8.74, p = 0.288). Statistical analysis of other HRV components revealed no significant results (all P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, a 2-week of combined exercise training program, including aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises improves global cardiac autonomic function in post-menopausal women. Keywords: combined exercise training, heart rate variability, blood pressure, menopause, and women

Comparative Analysis of Dual-Task and Single- Task Balance Exercises in Improving Static Balance in Individuals with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Introduction: Various balance exercises have been employed to enhance functional stability and balance in individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction; however, no study has explored the use of dual-task balance exercises for these patients. This study compares the effects of dual motor task balance exercises and single-task exercises on the static balance indices of individuals with ACL reconstruction. Materials and Methods: In a single-blind randomized controlled trial, 27 subjects who had undergone ACL reconstruction were randomly divided into two groups: Dual-task and single- task balance exercises. Both groups performed their exercises three days a week for one month. Static balance indicators were assessed at the beginning and end of the treatment. Results: The results demonstrated that after the treatment, there was a statistically significant decrease in various center of pressure variables, including mean displacement in the anterior- posterior and medial-lateral directions, total path length, mean velocity of displacement, root mean square of displacement, and velocity. Furthermore, the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score significantly increased in both groups (P&lt;0.05). However, when comparing the two groups, no significant difference was observed after the treatment (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Dual-task and single-task motor exercises improve static stability and knee function levels in patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of these exercise types does not significantly differ from each other.

Is Really Birth Ball Sitting Effective on Labour Outcomes Among Prim Mothers?

Birthing ball exercises are one of the non-pharmacological methods for speeding the start of labour. Exercises with birth balls have the potential to reduce discomfort by relaxing muscles and improving blood flow to the uterus. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of birth ball use on labour outcomes among primi mothers at a selected hospital in Salem. A quantitative research approach with a quasi-experimental post-test control group design was used. The sample size was 60; each 30 in the experimental group and control group were selected by using the non-probability purposive sampling technique. Written consent was obtained from the samples. A modified partograph was used to assess the labour outcomes. Both birth balls utilised in this study were found to affect labour outcomes. There were statistically positive correlations between the birth ball exercise effects on the progress of labour in terms of decreasing labour pain (z = 4.910 at p level of P&lt;0.001), the highest effect on cervical dilatation (z =2.856 at p level of P&lt;0.001), promoting normal modes of delivery (z = 4.538 at p level of P&lt;0.001), and reducing the perineal tear (z = 3.693 at p level of P&lt;0.001) in the experimental group group, while the control group showed less progress with highly statistically significant differences. Moreover, the control group expressed a higher pain score and perineal tear. This study revealed that the birth ball sitting helps to reduce the indensity of labour pain, promote cervical dilatation, and promote normal delivery.

The Relationship between Gymball use and the Duration of Active Phase 1 in Primigravida Mothers

Prolonged labour can cause death, infection, exhaustion, ehydration, and postpartum hemorrhage. In a long fetus, there is a risk of causing infection, injury and asphyxia which can increase infant mortality. prolonged labour can be prevented by doing complementary care, relaxation techniques that relieve prolonged labour and provide healthy childbirth outcomes, yoga, pregnancy exercises and gymball techniques. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of gym ball on the duration of 1 active phase of primigravida labor. This type of quasy experimental research was conducted at Pertamina Hospital, Tarakan City, from April to June 2024. The sample in this study was 20 respondents using purposive sampling. The interventions given were gym balls on pelvic rocking movement patterns, rebozo, and child's pose techniques. Bivariate analysis using the chi square test. Multivariate analysis in the form of multiple logistic regression. The results of bivariate analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between the gym ball group and the duration of 1 active phase. This is shown by a p value of 0.020 &lt;0.05.

Labour, the Environment and International and European Law: One journey or worlds apart?

The transition to an environmentally sustainable economy raises Herculean challenges for labour law. From a labour law perspective, perhaps the biggest question is the extent to which the environment is an interest that is and should be recognised and protected by labour law. Although the answer to this question is different for each national legal system, the influence of international and European law cannot be ignored. Starting from this assumption, the author analyses to what extent international and European law may influence the recognition of the environment as an interest of national labour law. To this end, the author analyses the overarching principles that characterise the interrelation between labour and the environment in the hard and soft law of the UN, ILO and EU. Subsequently, three areas of national labour law which may be influenced by the supranational framework are identified and discussed: job transition, work-related mobility of employees and remuneration. The author finds that the supranational framework provides arguments to assert that the environment has a place in labour law and is a legitimate interest in the balancing exercise between employer and employee. Nevertheless, a substantive place for labour law in the supranational framework seems lacking. The supranational framework is primarily concerned with compensating employees for the negative effects of the green transition and offers limited support for a broader integration of the environment into the employment relationship. Consequently, it makes few connections with labour law and contains few (hard or soft) obligations for both employers and employees. In the view of the author, this is a missed opportunity.

The Effectiveness of Birthing Ball Gymnastics on Primigravida Maternity Gestational Age

One of the riskiest pregnancy conditions is post-term pregnancy, which is defined as a gestational age greater than the estimated day of delivery (HPL). This is because difficulties may arise for both the mother and the fetus, particularly when birthing is imminent. Birthing ball gymnastics is one complementary therapy that can help labor commence at full gestational age (term). The aim of the research was to evaluate the impact of birthing ball gymnastics on the gestational age of moms who were primigravidae. The study's quasi-experimental design, which included a treatment group and a control group, was randomized post-test only. The Midwife Independent Practice Place (TPMB) Sidoarjo served as the research site for five months, starting in February 2023 and ending in June 2023. Purposive sampling procedures were used in the study to collect samples from participants who satisfied the inclusion criteria. This resulted in the collection of 30 samples, 15 of which were treatment groups and 15 of which were control groups. Birthing ball exercises and birthing ball gymnastics are provided twice a week for 20 minutes to the treatment group starting at 32 weeks gestation. The control group, on the other hand, had no birthing ball gymnastics instruction and was assessed right away. Utilizing the chi square statistical test to analyze the data, the study's results (p value (0.000) &lt; 0.05) indicated that birthing ball gymnastics was effective in reducing primigravida maternity mothers' gestational age at the Midwife Independent Practice Place (TPMB) in Sidoarjo. In order to prevent the delivery process with post-term gestational age, it is envisaged that the installation of birthing ball gymnastics can be carried out in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, or Midwife Independent Practice Places (TPMD) for primigravida pregnant women.

Exploring what influences physiotherapists’ capability, opportunity and motivation to integrate new evidence into routine clinical care using the Balance Intensity Scale

Purpose To explore influences on the capability, opportunity and motivation of physiotherapists integrating new evidence into routine care. Materials and Methods Mixed-methods study utilising the Theoretical Domains Framework and Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour model. Metropolitan inpatient rehabilitation physiotherapists participated by integrating the Balance Intensity Scale into routine care for 6 weeks. Evidence integration was supported by a tailored theory-informed approach. Participants completed pre- and post-evidence integration surveys and a post-evidence integration focus group. Results Pre- and post-surveys were completed by 24 and 12 participants, respectively. One focus group (n = 7) was conducted. Framework analysis identified themes in Capability (n = 4), Opportunity (n = 4) and Motivation (n = 5) domains influencing behaviour when implementing new evidence. The evidence integration process enhanced participants’ Knowledge (p = 0.04), Skills (p = 0.003) and Belief in capabilities (p = 0.03) when prescribing and measuring balance exercises. Conclusions This study identified perceived barriers and enablers to evidence integration of a new outcome measure into routine care. It highlights strategies that may support physiotherapy teams in incorporating new evidence into routine care. These strategies include education on the evidence being implemented, physical resources, change champions to facilitate social support, management endorsement, and recognition of the time and effort required for evidence integration in the short term.

Simple Balance Exercises Is as Good as Twelve Balance Exercises in Improving Functional Mobility and Reducing the Risk of Falling in Elderly Women

Simple Balance Exercises Is as Good as Twelve Balance Exercises in Improving Functional Mobility and Reducing the Risk of Falling in Elderly Women

Muscular Activation Levels of Subjects with Low Medial Longitudinal Arch During Single-Leg Squat and Single-Leg Balancing Exercises on Surfaces of Different Hardness.

The primary aim of this study is to examine the effect of the stiffness of rehabilitation material on muscle activation in individuals with low medial longitudinal arch. The secondary aim is to compare the effects of single-leg balancing and single-leg squat exercises on the activation of the muscles around the ankle in the same individuals. Twelve individuals with low medial longitudinal arch and 18 healthy control participants were included. Participants were asked to perform the single-leg balance and single-leg squat exercises on Theraband stability trainers of three different stiffness levels. Activation of the peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, tibialis anterior, medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles during exercises was evaluated by surface electromyography. The single-leg balancing exercise performed on soft and very soft ground was more effective than single-leg squat in increasing the activation of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle in participants with a low medial longitudinal arch. It was determined that performing single-leg squat exercise on a very soft surface instead of hard ground caused more muscular activation in the peroneus brevis, tibialis anterior, and medial gastrocnemius in the same individuals. The exercise progression to be applied on different surfaces to increase the activation of the muscles around the ankle in individuals with a low medial longitudinal arch and in healthy individuals without a low medial longitudinal arch was different.

The effect of swiss ball and wobble board training on coordination of school going boys

The effect of swiss ball and wobble board training on coordination of school going boys

Effect of Brain Gym Exercise in Addition to Balance Exercises Versus Balance Exercises on Fear of Fall and Balance in Patients with Parkinsonism

Effect of Brain Gym Exercise in Addition to Balance Exercises Versus Balance Exercises on Fear of Fall and Balance in Patients with Parkinsonism

Perceptions of Substance Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Adolescent Females Involved in Juvenile Justice.

CHOICES-TEEN is a bundled intervention aimed at reducing the risks of unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and alcohol- and tobacco-exposed pregnancies for adolescent girls involved in the juvenile justice system. We examined youths' (N = 22) elicited pros and cons concerning alcohol, tobacco, condom, and contraception use to inform future iterations of CHOICES-TEEN and other prevention programming during a one-arm pilot study. Content analysis was used to identify recurring themes elicited and recorded during a decisional balance exercise with a counselor. The most recurrent pros and cons were factors that directly affected these adolescents, with more immediate consequences. The results provide insight into motivations for engaging in substance use and risky sexual behaviors for these youth, as well as barriers to change.

Application of sports rehabilitation training in mobile edge computing to treatment of patients with knee arthritis

According to the data of the National Bureau of Statistics, in 2019, the proportion of elderly people aged 65 and above in the total population reached 12.6%, and with the acceleration of the aging process, the incidence of knee osteoarthritis has increased significantly. According to the Chinese Journal of Orthopedics, the number of patients with knee osteoarthritis is growing at a rate of 6% every year, and there are more than 100 million patients with knee osteoarthritis in China, which significantly affects the quality of life of middle-aged and elderly people. This paper uses mobile edge computing technology and nanotubes to cooperate with reasonable sports to study the rehabilitation of patients with knee arthritis in the rehabilitation stage. The subjects of the study were 60 patients with knee arthritis, and the 60 patients were divided into 4 groups: group A used nanotubes and exercise rehabilitation training; group B used nanotubes but no exercise rehabilitation training; group C did not use nanotubes Tube, but sports rehabilitation training after the operation; D does not use nanotubes, and does not perform sports rehabilitation training after the operation. The 4 groups of patients performed routine exercises on the basis of rehabilitation exercise care. The study lasted for six months, with the 60 patients assessed monthly on their self-care ability, knee function and quality of life. Self-care ability was assessed by the Barthel Index (BI), knee function was assessed by the Knee Score Scale (KSS), and quality of life was assessed by the SF-36 Health questionnaire. The experimental results showed that all indexes of group A were higher than those of group B, KSS value was 2 higher than that of control group, ADL (activities of daily living) comprehensive value was 0.4 higher than that of control group, and SF-36 (The Short-From-36 Health Survey) value was 0.8 higher than that of control group. The self-care ability and health status of patients who performed balance exercises were significantly higher than those who did not perform balance exercises. The quality of life of patients who used nanotubes was significantly higher than that of those who did not. Therefore, the method of using nanotubes in combination with exercise rehabilitation training can restore the function of patients with knee arthritis and promote high quality of life.