Balance Function In Patients Research Articles

Efficacy of self-care foam rolling intervention on muscle function and pain conducted by postoperative patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty from the second to the third postoperative week

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate whether self-care foam rolling (FR) intervention, in addition to regular physical therapy, effectively improves pain, knee joint range of motion (ROM), muscle function (knee extension strength and gait speed), and balance function in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) during the second and third postoperative weeks. MethodsA total of 15 patients admitted to the hospital and who underwent TKA for knee osteoarthritis were enrolled. FR was performed for more than 10 min in the morning and 10 min in the afternoon each day from the second to the third postoperative week. Knee flexion and extension ROM, pain (resting and stretching position), 10 m walk speed, timed up-and-go test (TUG), one-leg stand, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction torques of knee extensors were assessed. ResultsSignificant improvements in knee flexion pain, knee flexion ROM, knee extension ROM, knee extension strength, 10 m walk speed, TUG, and one-leg stand were observed from the second to the third postoperative week. However, at rest, no statistically significant differences in pain were found. ConclusionsMuscle function of the knee extensors improved following the self-care FR intervention probably attributed to the adjusted pain level.

Efficacy of Virtual Reality as Vestibular Rehabilitative Therapy in Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a safe, effective and non-invasive treatment for the uncompensated peripheral vestibular lesions. Virtual reality can be utilized in vestibular rehabilitation. There are no standardized guidelines settled in the literature involving virtual reality settings for the treatment of the peripheral vestibular lesions. Aim of the Work To study the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) interventions in vestibular rehabilitation in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders. Methods The following databases were examined: PubMed, Google scholar andEmbase. The following search terms were utilized: (Virtual reality – video games – Vestibular rehabilitation – peripheral vestibular dysfunction). Results Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, four studies were selected for inclusion in this study. Statistical analysis was done using outcome measures as Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Activities-specific Balance Confidence questionnaire (ABC). This study found that virtual reality interventions can improve balance function in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders. Conclusions This study suggests that virtual reality has potential clinical benefit for vestibular rehabilitation in peripheral vestibular dysfunction compared with conventional vestibular rehabilitation.

Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with balance training on improving balance function in patients with Parkinson’s disease: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: An increasing amount of research has supported the positive role of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS) in improving functional impairments in Parkinson’s patients. PURPOSE: To explore the effectiveness of using rTMS n and Balance Apparatus training to improve the balance function of Parkinson’s patients. METHODS: Patients were divided into 3 groups of 20 patients in each. All patients received routine rehabilitation training. The rTMS group received low-frequency rTMS therapy, while the balance apparatus group incorporated balance apparatus exercises. The observation group received both interventions. The three groups of patients were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor section, Berg balance scale (BBS), Time up and go test (TUGT), and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scales. Additionally, all participants were tested for movement ellipse area, and Average Trace Error (ATE) using the balance apparatus. RESULTS: The observation group achieved better treatment results. The UPDRS score was better than that of the balance apparatus group after treatment, and the ABC score was superior to other two group. Moreover, the observation group outperformed the other two group in terms of motion length, and open-eye elliptical area, with statistical significance. CONCLUSION The combined application of TMS and Balance Apparatus training effectively improves enhances balance function, and boosts self-confidence in balance perception among Parkinson’s patients.

Association between the executive dysfunction and balance function in patients with stroke.

A previous study has shown an association between executive dysfunction (ED) and balance function in patients with stroke. However, it is unclear what factors mediate the association between ED and balance function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between ED and balance function and to identify mediating factors using mediation analysis. This study had a cross-sectional design. The study included 107 patients with stroke. This study was divided into two groups (ED and non-ED) using trail making test (TMT) part B. Two groups were compared for balance function (timed up and go test [TUGT] and Berg balance scale [BBS]) and other variables using paired test. In addition, partial correlation analysis with age, cognitive function as a control factor, and mediation analysis were also performed. The ED group (N=55) had significantly lower TUGT and BBS scores than the non-ED group (N=52). TMT part B correlated with TUGT (ρ=0.41), BBS (ρ=-0.33), and Brunnstrom recovery stage (BRS) lower limb (ρ=-0.22). The TUGT model of mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect as a result of mediation of the BRS lower limb between TMT part B and TUGT. The BBS model showed a significant indirect effect as a result of mediation of the activities of daily living (ADL) motor function between TMT part B and BBS. ED and balance function were associated, and the degree of paralysis and ADL motor function were associated with them in patients with stroke.

Preliminary observation of wearable balance diagnosis and treatment system in evaluating dynamic and static balance function in patients with vestibular vertigo

A newly developed wearable balance diagnosis and treatment system was studied to evaluate the indexes of the abnormal balance function in patients with vestibular vertigo. A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 30 patients diagnosed with non-acute vestibular vertigo in the outpatient department of Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from July 2022 to May 2023 were selected as the vertigo group, including 13 males and 17 females, and aged (45.7±13.9) years. Meanwhile, 20 healthy controls (8 males and 12 females) were included as the control group, with a mean age of (43.6±8.0) years. The static balance and limits of stability (LOS) function of all subjects were assessed with wearable balance diagnosis and treatment system developed under the leadership of Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University. In the static balance test, the ratio of eyes open with cushions to eyes open without cushions in the vertigo group was less than that of the control group[1.20% (0.92%, 1.53%) vs 1.49% (1.22%, 1.81%), P=0.008], indicating that patients with non-acute vestibular vertigo may compensate static balance ability earlier. In vertigo group, the directional control in 8 directions, the maximum excursion in anterior, posterior, right anterior and right posterior directions, the endpoint excursion in the posterior, right posterior, and left posterior directions were all smaller than those of the control group (all P<0.05). The reaction time in the left posterior direction of vertigo group was longer than that of the control group (all P<0.05). Those results indicated that the directional control, maximum excursion and endpoint excursion of LOS could be considered as important reference indexes for dynamic balance function.

A Clinical Randomized Controlled Study of Low-Frequency rTMS Therapy on Lower Limb Motor Dysfunction after Stroke

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for the treatment of lower limb motor dysfunction after stroke. Methods: A total of 96 patients with stroke and lower limb motor dysfunction were enrolled in this study, and were randomly divided into the experimental group and the sham stimulation group using the method of calculator-generated random numbers. Both groups received conventional medication and rehabilitation therapy. The experimental group received 4 weeks of 1 Hz rTMS treatment in the primary cortical motor area (M1) of the healthy side, with the treatment coil tangent to the skull surface; the sham stimulation group underwent the same procedures as the experimental group, but the treatment coil was perpendicular to the skull surface instead. Lower-extremity subscale of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), gait analysis, and lower-extremity surface electromyography (LESEM) were performed in both groups before and after rTMS treatment. Results: All 96 patients completed the test with no shedding and no adverse reactions. After treatment, the FMA-LE score and BBS score of the 2 groups of patients were significantly improved as compared with the pre-treatment (P &lt; 0.05), and the TUG test time was reduced as compared with the pre-treatment (P &lt; 0.05). The true stimulation group had greater improvement in all assessment indexes than that of the sham stimulation group (P &lt; 0.05). After treatment, the electromyographic activity of the tibialis anterior and rectus femoris muscles in the true simulation group improved significantly. The step length, step speed, and step frequency were also significantly improved in both groups after treatment, and the symmetrical ratio of step length and support time was reduced (P &lt; 0.05). Comparison between the groups revealed that the true simulation group significantly improved after rTMS treatment as compared to the sham stimulation group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: 1Hz rTMS treatment safely and effectively improved motor and balance function in patients with post-stroke lower limb motor dysfunction.

Grading of Balance Function in Subacute Stroke Patients by Using the Berg Balance Scale Together with Latent Rank Theory.

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a core measure of balance function in patients with stroke. Latent rank theory (LRT) is a statistical method that enables the degree of functional impairment to be ranked from the sub-items of a rating scale; each rank can then be characterized. Identification of the characteristics of balance function by rank would be beneficial for interventions to improve balance function in patients with stroke. This study aims to use LRT to rank and characterize patients with stroke balance impairment. This was a multicenter retrospective analysis of 293 patients with subacute stroke. We used LRT and the BBS to estimate the optimal rankings based on the goodness-of-fit index and the information criterion. We compared the obtained ranks with the level of walking independence for each rank. The evaluation of the patient's BBS scores revealed that balance impairment could be divided into six ranks. The average BBS score for each rank rose from 27.1 for rank 1 to 53.9 for rank 6. The scores of the BBS sub-items for each rank also differed. The level of walking independence by rank ranged from rank 1 for assisted walking to rank 6 for independent outdoor walking. Balance function in patients with subacute stroke was ranked sixth in the BBS, with varying characteristics identified for different ranks. This result helped to determine the therapy to improve the balance function of patients with stroke.

Clinical study of Tuina combined with functional training to improve the clinical symptoms and balance function in patients with meniscus injury

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) combined with functional training in improving clinical symptoms and balance function in patients with meniscus injury.MethodsA total of 93 patients with grade I-II meniscus injury were randomly divided into a functional training group, a Tuina group, and a combination group, with 31 cases in each group. The Tuina group received Tuina manipulation. The functional training group underwent functional training under the supervision of physicians. The combination group received Tuina manipulation in addition to the functional training. The treatment course of all three groups was 8 weeks. The clinical symptoms were observed before the intervention and after 4 and 8 weeks of interventions, and the changes in knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and Y-balance test (YBT) were compared.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in the total response rate among the three groups after treatment (P>0.05). The total and subscale KOOS in the three groups were significantly higher than those before treatment after 4 and 8 weeks of interventions (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the total KOOS between the combination group and the functional training group after 4 and 8 weeks of interventions (P<0.05); there was a statistically significant difference in the score of daily living ability and sports and recreation function between the two groups after 8 weeks of interventions (P<0.05). The YBT balance coefficients of the affected and non-affected knees of the three groups were significantly improved after 4 and 8 weeks of interventions (P<0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference among the groups (P>0.05).ConclusionTuina, functional training, and their combination can improve clinical symptoms and balance function in patients with grade I-II meniscus injury. Tuina combined with functional training is significantly effective in improving daily living ability and sports and recreation function.

Effects of vestibular rehabilitation training combined with anti-vertigo drugs on vertigo and balance function in patients with vestibular neuronitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To investigate the effects of vestibular rehabilitation training (VRT) combined with anti-vertigo drugs on vertigo and balance function in patients with vestibular neuronitis (VN). PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wan Fang Data, VIP, and CBM were searched until July 13, 2023. Patients with vestibular neuronitis participated in the study. Twenty one studies including 1,415 patients were included in this review for meta-analysis. According to the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) quality assessment, four studies received high quality (≥seven scores) and 17 studies received moderate quality (six scores). The meta-analysis showed that VRT combined with anti-vertigo drugs significantly reduced the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) score, the Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL) score and the Canal Paresis (CP) score, and improved the overall efficiency and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score, promoting vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) returned to normal in VN compared to simple anti-vertigo drugs or VRT alone. The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate the efficacy and safety of VRT combined with anti-vertigo drugs in patients with VN. Combined therapy can alleviate vestibular dysfunction such as vertigo and vomiting in patients, improve daily activity ability and balance ability, in addition to VRT has fewer adverse reactions, so it is extremely safe. However, there are shortcomings such as lack of long-term follow-up and different frequency and duration of treatment. Therefore, future randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with larger sample sizes and longer-term observations are needed to verify the effectiveness of VRT in combination with anti-vertigo drugs for VN.Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.

Effects of trunk training using motor imagery on trunk control ability and balance function in patients with stroke

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of trunk training using motor imagery on trunk control and balance function in patients with stroke.MethodsOne hundred eligible stroke patients were randomly divided into a control group and trial group. The control group was given routine rehabilitation therapy, while the trial group was given routine rehabilitation therapy and trunk training using motor imagery.ResultsPrior to treatment, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05) in Sheikh’s trunk control ability, Berg rating scale (BBS), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), movement length, movement area, average front-rear movement speed, average left-right movement speed, and surface electromyography (sEMG) signal of the bilateral erector spinae and rectus abdominis. After treatment, Sheikh’s trunk control ability, FMA, and BBS in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment (P < 0.05). The movement length, movement area, the average front-rear movement speed, and the average left-right movement speed in the two groups decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The differences of these indicators between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). After treatment, the rectus abdominis and erector spinae on the affected side of the two groups improved when compared with those before treatment (P < 0.05). The rectus abdominis and erector spinae on the healthy side of the trial group descended after treatment (P < 0.05), while little changes were observed on the healthy side of the control group after treatment (P > 0.05). The rectus abdominis and erector spinae on the affected side of the trial group improved when compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the decline of abdominalis rectus and erector spinal muscle on the healthy side.ConclusionTrunk training using motor imagery can significantly improve the trunk control ability and balance function of stroke patients and is conducive to promoting the recovery of motor function.

Relationship between Surface Electromyography Parameters and Balance Function in Patients with Lower Limb Spasm after Stroke

Relationship between Surface Electromyography Parameters and Balance Function in Patients with Lower Limb Spasm after Stroke

The effectiveness of a comprehensive rehabilitation program on the balance function in patients with obesity

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Assessment of Vestibular System and Balance Function in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the balance and vestibular system of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Materials and Method: A prospective case–control study was performed in a university hospital. The study population consisted of 37 patients (16 patient group, 21 control group). The Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction Balance was performed in four conditions: 1) eyes open, firm surface; 2) eyes closed, firm surface; 3) eyes closed, foam surface; and 4) eyes open, foam surface. The Equilibrium Score, Anteroposterior Stability Index, Mediolateral Stability Index were employed for all conditions in both groups. Scores were compared between and within groups. Additionally, the physical activity of the patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome was assessed using questionnaires based on the Turkish versions of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Results: There were no significant differences in terms of stability index and equilibrium scores with eyes open or closed conditions between the two groups; the only difference was in the mean mediolateral stability index score in the eyes open, firm surface condition with low scores in the pseudoexfoliation group (p=0.01). In the group analysis, patients with pseudoexfoliation had a significant increase in the equilibrium scores when their eyes were closed in the firm and foam surface conditions (p=0.001 for both). Conclusion: The central nervous system redistributes its dependence on sensory information when vision is compromised in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Their somatosensory input might deteriorate in some way but not the vestibular system. Keywords: Dizziness; Glaucoma; Aged.

Effects of balance training in addition to auxiliary activity on balance function of patients with stroke at high risk for falls.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of balance training in addition to auxiliary activity on the balance function of patients with stroke at high risk for falls. A total of 112 patients with stroke at high risk for falls in our hospital from inception to January 2020 to December 2020 were selected as the research objects who were equally divided into the control group and study group according to the random number table method. Patients in the control group were intervened with auxiliary activity, and the patients in the study group received additional balance training for auxiliary activity. The balance function, lower extremity motor function, fall risk, walking ability, and other indicators were compared between the two groups of patients before and after treatment. The hospitalization time and the frequency of falls 3 months after discharge were also compared between the two groups. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in balance function, lower extremity motor function, fall risk, and walking ability scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). After 3 months of treatment, the balance function, lower extremity motor function, and walking ability scores of the study group were significantly higher than those of the control group, with the fall risk score significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Evidently, lower hospitalization time and the frequency of falls in the 3-month follow-up of the study group were observed than those in the control group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the frequency of falls between the two groups during hospitalization (P > 0.05). Our results indeed revealed that balance training in addition to auxiliary activity elicited beneficial outcomes in terms of effectively improving the balance function and walking ability of patients with stroke at high risk of falling, which may have the potential for wide clinical application.

Balance Function after Balance Exercise Assist Robot Therapy in Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Pilot Study.

This study compared the balance function in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with their balance function after subsequent training sessions with a Balance Exercise Assist Robot (BEAR). In this prospective observational study, inpatients who underwent allo-HSCT from human leukocyte antigen-mismatched relatives were enrolled from December 2015 to October 2017. Patients were allowed to leave their clean room after allo-HSCT and underwent balance exercise training using the BEAR. Sessions (20-40 min) were performed 5 days per week and consisted of three games that were performed four times each. A total of 15 sessions were performed by each patient. Patient balance function was assessed before BEAR therapy according to the mini-balance evaluation systems test (mini-BESTest), and patients were divided into two groups (Low and High) based on a 70% cut-off value for the total mini-BESTest score. Patient balance was also assessed after BEAR therapy. Fourteen patients providing written informed consent fulfilled the protocol: six patients in the Low group, and eight patients in the High group. In the Low group, there was a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-evaluations in postural response, which a sub-item of the mini-BESTest. In the High group, there was no significant difference between pre- and post-evaluations in the mini-BESTest. BEAR sessions improve balance function in patients undergoing allo-HSCT.

Vestibular therapy to reduce falls in people with Alzheimer’s disease: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFalls are highly common in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD); around two-thirds of AD patients fall annually. Fall events are major drivers of injury, early institutionalization, and shorter survival. Balance and mobility impairment are among the most important fall risk factors in AD patients. Vestibular therapy (VT) is an effective rehabilitation intervention in improving balance and fall risk through vestibular function, but not often used in AD. We want to evaluate the feasibility of using VT to reduce falls and improve balance function in patients with AD and drive use of an existing, potentially beneficial therapy in a patient population whose high level of vestibular deficits is currently unaddressed.MethodsThe proposed pilot clinical trial will be a parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Patients with a diagnosis of mild-moderate AD, age ≥ 60, and the presence of a caregiver will be recruited from the Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer’s Treatment Center. Eligible patients will be offered vestibular testing. Patients with vestibular loss will be offered participation in the VT trial. One-hundred AD patients with vestibular loss will be enrolled and randomized 1:1 into the control and intervention arms of the trial. All patients will undergo baseline balance and cognitive assessment, followed by 8 weeks of active control therapy or VT, consisting of ~25-min office sessions with a vestibular therapist. Patients will be tracked for falls and undergo follow-up balance and cognitive assessment at 8 and 52 weeks (1 year) to assess the potential short-term and longer-term effects, respectively, of VT on balance and cognition. The main outcomes of this trial are falls, balance (using the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go test), and cognition (using the clock drawing test, the Card Rotations test, the Money Road Map test, and the triangle completion task).DiscussionAs the population ages and the number of individuals with AD in the US grows to a projected 14 million in 2050, managing falls in AD will continue to grow as a critical public health concern; this trial assesses feasibility of a potential solution.Trial registrationClinicalTrial.Gov identifier — NCT03799991. Registered 01 August 2019.

Efficacy of Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation Interventions to Improve Balance Function in Patients with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of RCTs

Context: Cerebral palsy (CP) results from damage to the central nervous system, leading to disturbances of motor and sensory functions, especially the balance. Virtual reality exercise intervention (VRI) is a promising technique to improve motor function in children with CP by engaging such individuals in real-like world events through simulations. This review study examines the effects of VRI on static and functional balances and summarizes the effective protocols of virtual reality-based rehabilitation interventions for the CP patients. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed using the following databases: Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, PEDro, EBSCOhost, and the Online Library of the University of London. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality. The data extracted from the reviewed studies were coded according to Cooper and Hedges’ guidelines considering the following criteria: (I) Patients' characteristics, (II) intervention protocols, (III) outcomes, and (IV) results. To this end, twelve RCTs with 248 patients aged 4 - 20 years old were analyzed and assessed as "fair" to "good" methodological quality according to Pedro’s scale (4 to 8). VRI alone or in combination with a standard physiotherapy program or with other tools such as tDCS was applied. Results: Twelve RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed the good effect of VRI on the static and functional balances of patients with CP (Cohen’s d = 0.66). The funnel plot revealed no significant asymmetry or heterogeneity among the studies (P = 0.271, I2 = 19.71%), reflecting the absence of publication biases. Conclusions: This review reports four major perspectives of the VRI applications: (1) VRI settings, (2) selection of exercises, (3) outcome measures, and (4) long-term effects. Moreover, this review summarizes the specific effects of VRI on balance improvement in patients with CP from different perspectives. However, considering the limited number of well-conducted RCTs in this field, a large homogeneous samples size is still needed for future RCTs.

Effects of the Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation of the Cerebellar Vermis on Balance Recovery After Stroke: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundThe recovery of balance function is a critical segment in the rehabilitation treatment of stroke. The cerebellum is considered as the key structure involved in balance and motor control. The cerebellar vermis plays an important role in integrating vision, proprioception, and sensory skin input and may be a candidate stimulation target for regulating the motor network related with balance. However, evidence that the intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) of cerebellar vermis can promote the recovery of balance function after stroke remains insufficient. Therefore, this study aims to explore the efficacy of the cerebellar vermis iTBS for the treatment of balance function in patients with stroke.Methods and AnalysisForty patients with stroke will be recruited in this prospective, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 15 sessions of cerebellar vermis iTBS (600 pulses) or sham stimulation. Additionally, a routine rehabilitation therapy follows the intervention. The primary outcome is the Berg Balance Scale, and the secondary outcomes are the Fugl–Meyer assessment of the lower extremity and modified Barthel index. The above outcomes will be assessed before intervention and at the end of each week. Pre- and post-iTBS resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) will be acquired, and the regional homogeneity, fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation and functional connectivity will be calculated and analyzed.DiscussionThis protocol holds promise as a potential method to improve balance function in patients with stroke. If the outcomes of patients improve after the intervention, the study will provide new insights into improving balance function.Ethics and DisseminationThis study has been approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of Wuxi Mental Health Center (Wuxi Tongren Rehabilitation Hospital). Results will be disseminated through (open-access) peer-reviewed publications, networks of scientists, professionals, and the public and presented at conferences.Clinical Trial Registration Numberwww.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2100052590.

Different association between physical activity and physical function according to walking independence in hospital-based rehabilitation program patients with sub-acute stroke

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between physical activity and physical function in ambulatory independent and non-independent patients with sub-acute stroke during hospitalization. MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study included 107 patients with stroke admitted to a rehabilitation unit. The average daily number of steps taken was considered as physical activity. Physical function was assessed using the 6 min walk test (6MWT), lower limb Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), and Berg balance scale (BBS). Walking independence was assessed using the functional ambulation category (FAC). The subjects were divided into a walking independence group (FAC ≥ 4) and a non-independence group (FAC ≤ 3). Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the daily number of steps and physical function in each group. ResultsThe daily number of steps (p < 0.001), lower limb FMA (p < 0.001), 6MWT (p < 0.001), and BBS (p < 0.001) were higher in the independent walking group than in the non-walking group. The daily number of steps in the walking independence group was significantly associated with the 6MWT (standard β = 0.489, p = 0.039). In the non-independence group, the daily number of steps was significantly associated with the BBS (standard β = 0.594, p < 0.001). ConclusionPhysical activity was associated with walking endurance in patients with ambulatory independence, even though it was associated with balance function in patients with non-ambulatory independence.

Balance Function in Patients With COPD: A Systematic Review of Measurement Properties.

To conduct an overview, evaluation, and synthesis of measurement properties of instruments assessing balance of COPD patients. Electronic searches were performed in Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, WanFang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases up to the end of April 2021. Two reviewers independently evaluated the methodological quality using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instrument checklist, and rated the overall quality level of evidence was graded based upon a modified Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Finally, 12 instruments were included. The Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go test were the most frequently used tools to evaluate balance. None of 12 instruments provide any information regarding cross-cultural validation or criterion validation. High-quality studies exploring measurement properties with a focus on the criterion validity and cross-cultural validity of balance measurements in COPD patients are warranted.