Balance Training Group Research Articles

Balance Training Modulates Cortical Inhibition in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Most individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) develop balance dysfunction. Previous studies showed that individuals with PD have abnormal corticomotor changes related to severity of motor symptoms and disease progression. Cortical disinhibition was observed in PD and this alteration can be an early sign of PD. Balance training seems to be an effective intervention to improve balance in individuals with PD. However, it is not much known about the effect of balance training on cortical neuroplasticity in PD population. Objective To investigate the effects of balance training on corticomotor excitability in individuals with PD. Methods Twenty-eight PD participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either the balance training (BT) or the control (CON) group. Both groups underwent 16 training sessions over 8 weeks. Outcome measures for corticomotor inhibition included the cortical silent period (CSP) and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) on transcranial magnetic stimulation. Balance performance was measured using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BEST) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Results Participants in the BT group showed a significant increase in corticomotor inhibition (CSP: P = .028, SICI: P = .04) and a significant improvement in balance performance (Mini-BEST: P = .001, TUG: P = .04) after training. Compared to the CON group, the BT group showed a greater increase in corticomotor inhibition (CSP: P = .017, SICI: P = .046) and better improvement in balance (Mini-BEST: P = .046). Conclusion Balance training could modulate corticomotor inhibition in the primary motor cortex and improve balance performance in individuals with PD.

The efficacy of balance and proprioception exercises in female patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled study

Objective Loss of proprioception and balance disorders are commonly observed in patients with knee osteoarthritis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of balance and proprioception exercises in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design A single-center randomized trial with three parallel arms. Setting A tertiary health care facility in Turkey. Participants Female patients with knee osteoarthritis aged 40–70 years. Interventions Ten-week exercise program in Biodex training, classical balance training and isometric strengthening groups. Main measures Dynamic balance (overall stability index and the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance), pain (visual analogue scale), physical function (30-s chair stand test and 40-meter fast-paced walk test) and quality of life (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score). Results Eighty-nine patients enrolled in the study. The Biodex training group, the classical training group, and the control group had overall stability index values of 1.0 ± 0.07, 1.4 ± 0.07 and 1.4 ± 0.07, and the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance – Condition-3 values of 0.7 ± 0.04, 0.9 ± 0.04 and 0.9 ± 0.04 respectively, at the end of treatment. In terms of pain scores on movement, each group showed significant improvement compared to their baseline, and the classical balance training group had better scores than the control group. No other significant difference was found between the groups. Physical function and quality of life outcomes showed significant main effects only in the time factor. Conclusions Balance and proprioception exercises may have positive effects on dynamic balance and pain. The effects on physical function and quality of life should be investigated in further studies with larger sample.

The Effect of Balance Training on Functional Outcomes in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that is associated with balance impairment. Recent studies have used balance exercises for improvement of balance and functional performance among knee OA patients. The purpose of this study was analyzing the effects of balance training in patients with knee OA. Methods: This review included clinical trials in which the effect of balance training on functional measures was assessed compared to other physiotherapy interventions or control groups in patients with knee OA. To this aim, Electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, PEDro, CINAHL, and WOS) were searched from 1 January 1990 to 30 June 2021. Two independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted the data, and assessed the quality of the studies. Results: Fifteen articles of clinical trials were eligible to include in this review. Most studies used patient-reported outcome measures, and some studies used performance-based functional outcome measures for the evaluation of functional outcomes. The findings of studies showed that physical function in knee OA patients could have clinical improvements significantly after receiving balance training. However, studies assessing the effect of balance training on muscle strength of the quadriceps and the hamstring had conflicting results. Also, the finding of studies showed that more significant improvement in postural stability and balance in the balance training group rather than the control group. Conclusion: The results of the current systematic review demonstrate balance exercises significantly improve balance and functionality in knee OA patients. However, the effect of balance training on muscle strength was not clearly revealed due to few studies.

A Comparison of the Effects of Stochastic Resonance Therapy, Whole-Body Vibration, and Balance Training on Pain Perception and Sensorimotor Function in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundNeck pain is a prevalent pathological condition, and together with low back pain, it presents as the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide in 2015 and continues to contribute substantially to the global burden of disease.ObjectiveThis study will investigate and compare the effects of stochastic resonance therapy (SRT), whole-body vibration (WBV), and balance training (BLT) in the management of chronic nonspecific neck pain.MethodsIn total, 45 participants with chronic neck pain will be randomly allocated into SRT, WBV, and BLT groups. Pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, neck disability, and cervical joint position sense will be measured before, immediately after, and 15 minutes after the first intervention session and after 4 weeks of intervention. A follow-up postintervention measurement would be taken after 4 weeks. The SRT group will train on an SRT device (SRT Zeptor Medical plus noise, Zeptoring). The WBV group will train on a Galileo vibration device (Novotec Medical), while the BLT group will perform balance exercises. All participants shall train 3 times a week for a period of 4 weeks. Mixed ANOVA will be used to determine the main and effects of interactions within (before intervention, post intervention 1, post intervention 2, post intervention 3, and follow-up) and between (SRT, WBV, and BLT) factors on the study outcome variables.ResultsRecruitment of participants started in May 2021, and as of May 2022, a total of 20 patients have been enrolled in the study. All participants are expected to have completed the trial by the end of 2022, and data analysis will commence thereafter.ConclusionsThe outcome of this study will shed closer light on the effects of SRT, WBV, and BLT on pain and function in patients with chronic neck pain.Trial RegistrationGerman Clinical Trials Register DRKS00023881; https://tinyurl.com/ycxuhj37International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/34430

The positive impact of 12weeks of dance and balance training on the circulating amyloid precursor protein and serotonin concentration as well as physical and cognitive abilities in elderly women.

The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of 12-weeks dance training with balance training on fall risk, physical and cognitive functions. The study's second aim was to evaluate the association between physical and cognitive functions with circulating markers of neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments in elders. 30 older women (aged 73.3±4.5) were randomly assigned into three groups: balance training (BG), dance training (DG) and control group (CG). To assess the study aims Time up and go test (TUG), 6minute walk test (6MWT), determination test (DT), blood amyloid precursor protein (APP) and serotonin concentration were performed. The results showed an improvement in 6MWT (p=0.0001 for DG and BD), walking speed (p=0.0001 for DG and BG) and TUG, only for DG (p=0.0013). The number of correct responses in DT increased in both groups (p=0.014 and p=0.005, for DG and BG, respectively). In DG the increase in the total number of reactions was observed (p=0.013). The improvement in cognitive and physical functions was associated with an increase in APP (p=0.036 and p=0.014) and a decrease in serotonin concentrations (p=0.042 and p=0.049), respectively in DG and BG. Dance training intervention could have more benefits on elders' physical and cognitive functions. However, both trainings may be important factors modifying the concentration of circulating proteins associated with neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders.

Dose-response characteristics of exercise training in individuals with Parkinson's disease

Exercise training is often prescribed as an adjunct to medication to improve postural instability in individuals with Parkinson's disease. As the association between exercise dose and the corresponding effects on postural stability has not been established in this population, we aimed to explore this topic in the present study. This is an exploratory study conducted in the Gait and Balance Laboratory at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in a period from June 2011 to June 2013. Eligible participants with Parkinson's disease (n = 51) were randomly assigned to either a balance and gait training group or a strength training group. The 12-week training period included two 4-week phases of physiotherapist-supervised laboratory-based training separated by a 4-week phase of self-supervised home-based training. Blinded testers examined postural stability using the limit of stability test, single-leg-stance test, walking test, and the activities-specific balance confidence scale, at baseline and after each training phase. Baseline evaluations revealed no significant difference between the balance and gait training and strength training groups. In the balance and gait training group, the first 4-week training phase led to significant improvement in most measures of balance and gait performance (P < 0.025), and the 12-week training phase yielded further improvements in gait velocity and activities-specific balance confidence scale score. In the strength training group, the first 4-week training phase led to significant improvement in the endpoint excursion in the limit of stability test and gait velocity, and the 12-week training phase resulted in an improvement in the single-leg-stance time and stride length in the walking test. All improvements occurred during the laboratory-based training sessions. Therefore, in individuals with Parkinson's disease, a 4-week period of balance and gait training could improve postural stability, whereas longer durations of strength training are required to gain comparable improvements.

청소년 여자 배구선수의 균형 훈련과 플라이오메트릭 훈련이 점프 후 착지패턴과 점프수행능력에 미치는 효과

This study aimed to identify the effect of balance and plyometric trainings on landing pattern and jump performance for elite female adolescent volleyball players. A total of 24 adolescent volleyball players enrolled in the Korea Volleyball Association were participated in this study, and they divided into three groups; balance training group (BAL, n=8), plyometric training group (PLY, n=8), and control group (CON, n=8). The knee valgus angle in frontal plane and the flexion angles of lower extremities in sagittal plane were collected at the peak knee flexion during landing in counter movement jump. Also, the muscle activity of vastus lateralis muscle (VL), vastus medialis muscle(VM), biceps femoris muscle(BF), and semitendinosus muscle(ST) were measured during landing, and the hamstring muscle/quadriceps femoris muscle ratio (H/Q ratio) was calculated. The jump performance was defined as the height of jump using the flight time. In three groups significantly increased the hip joint flexion, and the muscle activity of VL in the PLY group decreased during the landing section. These results may provide useful information on training programs for enhancing performance and preventing injuries for elite female adolescent volleyball players.

Game-Based Dual-Task Exercise Program for Children with Cerebral Palsy: Blending Balance, Visuomotor and Cognitive Training: Feasibility Randomized Control Trial.

The objective of this exploratory randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to provide evidence for the feasibility and therapeutic value of a novel game-based dual-task balance exercise program in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Twenty children with CP were recruited and randomized into two groups: (a) the conventional balance training group (CG) and (b) the experimental group (XG), which received a game-based dual-task (DT) balance exercise program. Both groups received their respective therapy programs for 12 weeks at a frequency of three sessions per week. Semi-structured interviews with the parents and children and qualitative analysis were conducted to evaluate the children’s experiences with the game-based exercise program. The quantitative analysis included (a) the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), (b) Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), and (c) computerized measures of standing balance performance during various dual-task conditions. Compliance was 100% for all 20 participants. Four themes captured the range of each participant’s experiences and opinions: (a) reasons for participation, (b) likes and dislikes with the technologies, (c) positive effects of the program, and (d) future expectations. Children in the XG demonstrated greater improvements in PBS, GMFM, and DT balance measures as compared to children in the CG. The findings demonstrate feasible trial procedures and acceptable DT-oriented training with a high compliance rate and positive outcomes. These findings support further research and development and progression to the next phase of a full-scale RCT to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the game-based DT balance exercise program for children with CP.

Effects of Different Balance Training Volumes on Children's Dynamic Balance.

Concerning balance training, the most effective design of several load dimensions (e. g., training frequency, volume) is unclear. Thus, we determined the effects of different balance training volumes on dynamic balance in healthy children. Three groups of 20 children (age: 11.0±0.7 years; 47% females) were randomly assigned to a balance training group using a low or a high training volume or an active control group that performed regular physical education lessons. All groups trained for 8 weeks (2 sessions/week), whereby balance training volume amounted to 4 min/session and 18–24 min/session for the low- and high-volume group, respectively. Pre- and post-training, balance performance was assessed using the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test and the Timed-Up-and-Go Test. Fifty-five children completed the study and significant Test x Group interactions were detected for both outcome measures in favor of the two balance training groups. Additionally, improvements in the high-volume group were significantly larger for some measures (Y-balance test anterior reach distance: p <.001, d =.94; Timed-Up-and-Go time: p =.003, d =.81) compared to the low-volume group. The results indicate that balance training is effective to improve balance performance in healthy children and it seems that a 36–48 min/week compared to an 8 min/week training volume provides additional effects.

Motor learning and working memory in children: The role of cognitive-motor and motor-motor dual-task training

The present study aims to examine the effects of two dual-task training methods (motor-motor and cognitive-motor) as well as a single task method on static and dynamic balance and also on the working memory in children. Forty-five children (all male; mean age 8.82 ? 0.83 years) were selected and randomly assigned into three experimental groups. In the pretest, posttest, and retention stages, the participants took static, and dynamic balance tests, as well as an n-back task. In the training stage, the participants practiced selected balance training tasks under dual-task motor-motor and motor-cognitive conditions as well as a single task over a period of four weeks at two sessions per week. The results of the paired samples t-test indicated that children in all groups improved their balance performance and working memory (p ? .05). The results of ANCOVA showed that the balance training group under motor-motor dual-task conditions outperformed the other two groups in terms of the dynamic balance scores (p ? .05). An improved performance was also observed for the cognitive-motor dual-task conditions compared to the single-task group (p ? .01). In terms of static balance and working memory, both dual-task groups, regardless of the types of their tasks, outperformed the single task group (p ? .05).

The Effect of Aquatic and Non-aquatic Balance Training on the Fall Risk of Patients With Grade 2 and 3 Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of balance exercises in the aquatic and Non-aquatic environments compared with control in patients with grade 2 or 3 knee Osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: For this single-blind, randomized control trial study, 43 women with mild to moderate knee OA were recruited through a simple non-probability sampling method. They were randomly assigned to the aquatic balance exercise group (n=15), Non-aquatic balance exercise group (n=15), and a control group (n=13). The intervention programs comprised aquatic and Non-aquatic balance training. Fall risk, the primary outcome, was measured by the Biodex balance system before and after the intervention. One-way ANOVA and paired sample t-test were used for analyzing data. Results: After 4 weeks training, the Mean±SD fall risk score significantly decreased from 3.49±1.14 to 2.59±1.22 (P&lt;0.001) in the aquatic balance training group, from 3.21±0.62 to 2.19±0.62 (P&lt;0.001) in the Non-aquatic balance training group, and from 3.77±1.13 to 3.17±1.22 (P&lt;0.001) in the control group. Regarding between-group comparisons, we found significant differences between the Non-aquatic balance training group and the control group (P=0.03). Discussion: Despite the environment, the balance exercise program significantly improved fall risk scores among patients with grade 2 or 3 knee osteoarthritis.

12 Months of Balance Training Decreases Ankle-Joint Injury Frequency in Young Girl Basketball Players

Summary Aim: Balance training can help reduce the frequency of ankle joint injuries in adults, but data on young girls is relatively scant. Methods: Out of 91 female basketball players (7-16 years), 40 players were assigned to an experimental balance training group, and 51 players were assigned to a control group. Both groups performed their typical basketball training but the experimental group performed additional balance-focused exercises during the warm-up of their basketball training sessions. Results: A total of 47 girls (52 %) reported at least one ankle joint injury in their entire basketball history (52.5 % in the experimental, 50.9% in the control group). There was a positive correlation between the number of ankle joint injuries and age before the experiment (r = 0.34, p &lt; 0.001). During the 12-month study period, girls who participated in balance training suffered significantly fewer ankle joint injuries than the control group (χ2 = 3.8423, df = 1, p-value &lt; 0.05). Increased risk for ankle joint injury in the future was confirmed according to logistic regression for girls with previous ankle joint injury in history (4.33 times) and girls who did not participate in the balance training program (3.97 times). Conclusions: A progressive, barefoot balance training program that is simple and short enough to be performed during normal warm-ups can reduce the likelihood of suffering an ankle joint injury in young girls basketball players, which may be useful for athletes in other sports as well.

Effect of retro walking versus balance training on pain and disability in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative, inflammatory musculoskeletal dysfunction. It is associated with pain, reduced functional capacity, and deficient quality of life posing a challenge for rehabilitation. The study objective was to determine the treatment protocol for effectively managing pain and functional disability of patients with OA knee.MethodsThis is a single-blinded study conducted in the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. This three-arm study consisted of 20 patients randomly allocated to each group, prearranged to receive conventional treatment (group A), conventional treatment with retro walking training (group B), and conventional treatment with balance training (group C) for a time frame of 6 weeks. Patients were screened prior to the pre-set eligibility criteria before inclusion in the study. Pain and functional disability were assessed at the baseline and post-intervention.ResultsThe findings reported 66.66% female participation. The results established statistical significance for both pain and functional disability across all the three groups for both intergroup and intragroup analysis. Group B demonstrated the most promising results.ConclusionThe 6-week rehabilitation protocol comprising retro walking as an adjunct to conventional therapy resulted in greater pain reduction and enhanced functional performance of patients with OA knee. This benefits the community at large. All stakeholders should be encouraged to include retro walking in their routine life.Trial registrationThe University Hospital Medical Information Network Centre (UMIN-CTR), UMIN000044483. Retrospectively registered on June 09, 2021.

Effect of Balance Training Versus Stretching Relaxation Exercise in Memory and Spatial Cognition Enhancement on Healthy Adults

Abstract Background Physical exercise has been shown to improve cognitive functions. However, it is still unknown which type of exercise affects cognition. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that demanding balance training program improves memory and spatial cognition. Objective To test the effect of balance training versus stretching relaxation exercise on memory and spatial cognition in cognitive enhancement. Patients and Methods Participants randomly assigned into 2 groups, 40 participants in balance training group and 40 participants in stretching relaxation training group: Participants trained in groups of 10–12 individuals. Each group trained four times a week for 6 weeks. Each session lasts for 50 minutes. Training groups instructed by the same professional trainers. Each participant took part in 24 training sessions in total. All participants advised not to change their habitual level of physical activity throughout the intervention period. Results Balance performance improved only in the balance group from pre- to post-training from 85.8±3.0 to 95.0±2.2. Only the balance group improved in memory in wechsler IQ test from 94.6±2.6 to 108.0±4.5 and spatial cognitive abilities in spatial reasoning from 17.5±5.0 to 26.2±5.2. Finally, none of the two groups displayed changes in mismatch negativity test. The findings suggest that systematic balance training is capable of enhancing some cognitive functions, such as memory and spatial cognition. Conclusion In sum, we are able to conclude that 6 weeks of balance training in healthy adults has positive effects on memory and spatial cognition, and an increase in cardiorespiratory fitness does not seem to be necessary to induce beneficial effects of physical exercise on cognition. From an applied perspective, balance training might represent a promising alternative intervention for individuals who are not able to participate in aerobic training following health restrictions.

Application of Real-Time Visual Feedback System in Balance Training of the Center of Pressure with Smart Wearable Devices.

Balance control with an upright posture is affected by many factors. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of real-time visual feedback training, provided by smart wearable devices for COP changes for healthy females, on static stance. Thirty healthy female college students were randomly divided into three groups (visual feedback balance training group, non-visual feedback balance training group, and control group). Enhanced visual feedback on the screen appeared in different directions, in the form of fluctuations; the visual feedback balance training group received real-time visual feedback from the Podoon APP for training, while the non-visual feedback balance training group only performed an open-eye balance, without receiving real-time visual feedback. The control group did not do any balance training. The balance training lasted 4 weeks, three times a week for 30 min each time with 1–2 day intervals. After four weeks of balance training, the results showed that the stability of human posture control improved for the one leg static stance for the visual feedback balance training group with smart wearable devices. The parameters of COP max displacement, COP velocity, COP radius, and COP area in the visual feedback balance training group were significantly decreased in the one leg stance (p < 0.05). The results showed that the COP real-time visual feedback training provided by smart wearable devices can better reduce postural sway and improve body balance ability than general training, when standing quietly.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration and Balance Training on Female Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability.

We explored the effects of 6-week whole-body vibration (WBV) and balance training programs on female athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI). This randomized controlled study involved female athletes with dominant-leg CAI. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: WBV training (Group A), balance training (Group B), and nontraining (control group; Group C). Groups A and B performed three exercise movements (double-leg stance, one-legged stance, and tandem stance) in 6-week training programs by using a vibration platform and balance ball, respectively. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), a joint position sense test, and an isokinetic strength test were conducted. In total, 63 female athletes with dominant-leg CAI were divided into three study groups (all n = 21). All of them completed the study. We observed time-by-group interactions in the SEBT (p = 0.001) and isokinetic strength test at 30°/s of concentric contraction (CON) of ankle inversion (p = 0.04). Compared with the control group, participants of the two exercise training programs improved in dynamic balance, active repositioning, and 30°/s of CON and eccentric contraction of the ankle invertor in the SEBT, joint position sense test, and isokinetic strength test, respectively. Furthermore, the effect sizes for the assessed outcomes in Groups A and B ranged from very small to small. Female athletes who participated in 6-week training programs incorporating a vibration platform or balance ball exhibited very small or small effect sizes for CAI in the SEBT, joint position sense test, and isokinetic strength test. No differences were observed in the variables between the two exercise training programs.

Short-Term Effects of Balance Training with Stroboscopic Vision for Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) is one of the most common musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Stroboscopic vision (SV) training has been deemed to enhance somatosensorial pathways in this population group; nevertheless, until recently no studies have addressed the additional effects of this treatment option to the traditional therapeutic approach. Methods: To evaluate the effectiveness of a partial visual deprivation training protocol in patients with CAI, a randomized controlled trial was carried out. Patients with CAI (n = 73) were randomized into either a balance training, SV training, or a control (no training) group. For participants assigned into training groups, they received 18 training sessions over 6 weeks. The primary outcome was dynamic balance as measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention. Secondary outcome measures included ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, self-reported instability feeling, and ankle functional status. Results: Better scores in stroboscopic training and balance training groups in all outcome measures were observed in comparison with the control group with moderate to large effect sizes. Stroboscopic training was more effective than neuromuscular training in self-reported instability feeling (cohen’s d = 0.71; p = 0.042) and anterior reach distance of the star excursion balance test (cohen’s d = 1.23; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Preliminary findings from the effects of SV Stroboscopic training in patients with CAI, suggest that SV may be beneficial in CAI rehabilitation.

Effects of Plyometric and Balance Training on Neuromuscular Control of Recreational Athletes with Functional Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Laboratory Study.

Plyometric exercise has been suggested for knee injury prevention in sports participation, but studies on ankle plyometric training are limited. This study aims to investigate the change of joint position sense and neuromuscular activity of the unstable ankle after six-week integrated balance/plyometric training and six-week plyometric training. Thirty recreational athletes with functional ankle instability were allocated into three groups: plyometric group (P) vs. plyometric integrated with balance training group (BP) vs. control group (C). Ankle joint position sense, integrated electromyography (EMG), and balance adjusting time during medial single-leg drop-landing tasks were measured before and after the training period. Following the six-week period, both training groups exhibited a lower absolute error in plantar flexion (P group: pre: 3.79° ± 1.98°, post: 2.20° ± 1.31°, p = 0.016; BP group: pre: 4.10° ± 1.87°, post: 2.94° ± 1.01°, p = 0.045), and the integrated group showed a lower absolute error in inversion angles (pre 2.24° ± 1.44° and post 1.48° ± 0.93°, p = 0.022), and an increased integrated EMG of ankle plantar flexors before landing. The plyometric group exhibited a higher integrated EMG of the tibialis anterior before and after landing (pre: 102.88 ± 20.93, post: 119.29 ± 38.33, p = 0.009 in post-landing) and a shorter adjusting time of the plantar flexor following landing as compared to the pre-training condition (pre: 2.85 ± 1.15 s, post: 1.87 ± 0.97 s, p = 0.006). In conclusion, both programs improved ankle joint position sense and muscle activation of the ankle plantar flexors during single-leg drop landing. The plyometric group showed a reduced adjusting time of the ankle plantar flexor following the impact from drop landing.

A prospective randomized controlled study on the effect of balance training on lower limb movement and balance dysfunction in severe burn patients

Objective: To observe the rehabilitation effect of balance training on motor and balance function of lower extremities of deep burn patients. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. From January 2016 to January 2020, sixty-four patients with lower limb motor and balance dysfunction after deep burn were admitted to Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University＆Wuhan Third Hospital, the burn area was 30% to 70% Total Body Surface Area, and the burn depth of more than one hip, knee and ankle joint of both lower limbs and their periphery were deep second or third degree. According to the method of random number table, the patients were divided into routine training(RT) group and balance training(BT) group. There were 32 cases in each group, 22 males and 10 females in the RT group, aged 40.5 (35.5, 52.8) years old, and 24 males and 8 females in the BT group, aged 37.0 (30.0, 44.0) years old. Patients in group RT were conventionally conducted with knee joint stretch treatment, continuous passive motion treatment, lower limb muscle strength training and pressure therapy; while patients in group BT were conducted with balance training besides RT such as sitting balance, center of gravity transfer, pelvic stability, standing alternately on one leg and standing on balance pad. Patients in the 2 groups were treated for 4 months. Before treatment and after 4 months of treatment,Berg balance score, lower limb function score and balance activity self-confidence score were evaluated . The data were statistically analyzed with t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank test or χ² test. Results: (1) Before treatment, the difference value of Berg balance score of patients in group RT was (25±9), which was similar to (25±7) in group BT(t=-0.154,P>0.05). After 4 months of treatment, the difference value of Berg balance score of patients in group BT was (43±6), which was higher than (40±6) in group RT (t=2.028,P<0.05). The difference values of Berg balance scores of the patients in group RT and BT after 4 months of treatment were obviously higher than those before treatment(t=-15.189,-26.2,P<0.001). (2) Before treatment, the lower limb function score of patients in group RT was 25.0 (16.5,30.0), which was similar to 23.0(10.3,28.8) in group BT(Z=-1.575,P>0.05). After 4 months of treatment, the lower limb function score of patients in group BT was 55.0(35.0, 60.0) , which was significantly higher than 43.0 (36.0, 53.0) in group RT(Z=-2.744,P<0.01). The lower limb function scale of patients in group RT and BT after 4 months of treatment were obviously higher than those before treatment(Z=-4.943,-4.955,P<0.01). (3) Before treatment, the balance activity self-confidence scores of the two groups were similar(t=-0.966,P>0.05) . After 4 months of treatment , the balance activity self-confidence scores of patients in group ST was significantly higher than that in group RT (t=3.343,P<0.01). The balance activity self-confidence scores of patients in groups RT and BT after 4 months of treatment were obviously higher than those before treatment(t=-19.611,-34.300,P<0.001). Conclusions: The balance training can effectively promote the recovery of lower limb motor and balance function on the basis of conventional rehabilitation treatment for patients with lower limb motor and balance dysfunction after deep burns.

Virtual reality versus Biodex training in adolescents with chronic ankle instability: a randomized controlled trial.

Ankle instability is a common injury in athletes, affecting the quality of life, functional limitation, as well as static and dynamic balance. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of virtual reality and Biodex balance training in the treatment of ankle instability in adolescent athletes. Ninety football players were enrolled in this study after the assessment of their eligibility. Their age ranged from 12 to 16 years. They were randomly allocated to three groups of equal numbers. Group 1 received a guideline protocol, group 2 received the same guideline protocol in addition to Wii Sport Training, and group 3 received the same guideline protocol in addition to Biodex balance training. All groups received treatment protocols three times a week for 3 months. Outcome measures included the stability indices (overall stability, anteroposterior stability, and mediolateral) measured by the Biodex Balance System as well as ankle instability measured by the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool. Measurements were collected at the baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Post-treatment findings revealed a statistically significant decrease in the overall, anteroposterior, and mediolateral stability indices, as well as significant increase in Cumberland Ankle Instability outcomes of all groups (p < 0.05). On the other hand, there were no statistically significant differences between the virtual reality and Biodex balance training groups. Virtual reality training has a significant effect which appears to be similar to the Biodex balance training in adolescent athletes with chronic ankle instability.