Clinical Test Of Sensory Integration Research Articles

The immediate efficacy of the spinomed orthosis and biofeedback posture orthosis on balance and gait in older people with thoracic hyperkyphosis

BackgroundIncreased kyphosis is a common condition among older people that may, directly or indirectly, be a risk factor for poor balance and gait. Spinomed and Biofeedback Posture Trainer (BPT) orthoses is an effective treatment approach for hyperkyphosis. This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of the Spinomed and BPT orthoses on balance and gait in the older population. MethodsA total of 52 volunteer older people with hyperkyphosis (kyphosis angle>40°) participated in this study and were randomly allocated into two groups, to either the Spinomed orthosis (n = 26, mean age = 65.50 ± 5.50) or the BPT (n = 26, mean age = 65.38 ± 5.69) orthosis. All participants were asked to wear the orthoses for 1.5 h to get used to them. Balance parameters, which are Postural Stability Test (PST), Limits of Stability (LOS), and Clinical Test of Sensory Integration for Balance (m-CTSIB) were assessed using the Biodex Balance System, while walking parameters were assessed using the G-Walk with and without orthosis. ResultsThe Spinomed had a positive effect on balance parameters (p < 0.05) except for the closed eyes firm surface and the opened eyes foam surface conditions of the m-CTSIB (p > 0.05). BPT had a significant impact on the PST score, LOS, and the closed eyes firm surface condition of the m-CTSIB (p < 0.001). Spinomed had a significant effect on cadence, speed, gait cycle duration, elaborated steps, and symmetry index of pelvic angles (p < 0.05), while the BPT had a significant effect only on step length and rotation symmetry index. No significant difference was detected between the two types of orthoses in the balance and gait parameters (p > 0.05). ConclusionsSpinomed and BPT were both effective in improving balance performance, with similar improvements demonstrated by both orthoses. Additionally, Spinomed may provide significant improvements in cadence, speed, gait cycle duration, elaborated steps, and all symmetry indexes of pelvic angles in the short term.

BALANCE PERFORMANCE IN DUAL TASK IN PATIENTS WITH CERVICAL DISC HERNIATION RELATED CHRONIC NECK PAIN: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare balance performance in dual task between patients with cervical disc herniation (CDH) related chronic neck pain and asymptomatic controls. Methods: Thirty-two patients with CDH related chronic neck pain and twenty-three age and sexmatched asymptomatic controls participated in this cross-sectional controlled study. The modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance (mCTSIB), athletic single leg test (ASLT), limits of stability (LOS), and fall risk assessment were performed with and without a cognitive task. Dual task interference (DTI) was assessed. Results: According to our findings, the change in the mCTSIB values (except standing with eyes closed on a firm surface) and fall risk scores was greater in the CDH group compared to the control group (p

Postural Control and Sensory Processing in Preschool Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The role of sensory processing in maintaining postural control (PC) among preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains underexplored despite its potential implications for their developmental trajectory. This study aimed to assess the utilization of sensory information for PC maintenance while standing in preschool-aged children with ASD and to examine its correlation with PC during functional tasks using a standardized tool. The cross-sectional study recruited 27 children, aged between 3 and 6 years, diagnosed with ASD. Participation indexes for somatosensory, vestibular, visual, and visual preference were computed during a modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (m-CTSIB), based on sagittal plane body sway analyzed via video with Kinovea® software (version 0.9.4). Additionally, scores from the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) were analyzed. Statistical analysis of data derived from lateral malleolus and mastoid process sway using the Friedman test revealed significant differences in the utilization of various sensory systems involved in PC during the m-CTSIB (p < 0.001). There was a pronounced reliance on somatosensory information, coupled with increased instability in the absence or with the variability of visual information. The mean PBS score was 50.44 ± 2.74, exhibiting a significant negative correlation with the vestibular index (p < 0.05). Preschool-aged children with ASD demonstrated challenges in maintaining PC while standing under different sensory conditions, indicating a heightened dependence on somatosensory cues, particularly in the absence or with the variability of visual stimuli. While these challenges were not reflected in PBS scores, they were negatively correlated with the vestibular index.

The effects of standard and modified LSVT BIG therapy protocols on balance and gait in Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial.

Lee Silverman voice treatment (LSVT) BIG is an exercise program developed for patients with Parkinson's disease (PwPD), consisting of sets of exercises performed for 4 consecutive days a week for 4 weeks. However, the standard protocol suggests a treatment frequency difficult to follow for most patients who have difficulties reaching rehabilitation clinics. Our aim was to compare the standard LSVT BIG protocol with a modified LSVT (m-LSVT) BIG protocol (twice a week in the clinic for 4 weeks and twice a week at home for 4 weeks). In this randomized controlled trial, 16 PwPD (aged 18-80 years, Hoehn and Yahr stages I-III) were recruited into two groups. The LSVT group received standard LSVT BIG training (four times per week for 4 weeks at the clinic). The other group was given m-LSVT BIG exercises, but unlike the LSVT group, the m-LSVT group exercised twice a week at the clinic and twice a week at home for 4 weeks. The Berg Balance Scale was used to assess functional balance. Biodex Balance System was used to assess laboratory balance measures. Timed Up and Go test and G-Walk sensor system were used to assess functional mobility and spatiotemporal gait analysis. Significant group-by-time interactions on the eyes open-firm surface score of the modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance (F=10.138, p=.007) and gait cycle symmetry index (F=10.470, p=.010) were found to be in favor of the LSVT group. Additionally, post hoc analyses revealed that both groups significantly improved postural stability, gait speed, motor symptoms, and functional mobility (p<.05). The results revealed the beneficial effects of the modified protocol on balance and gait in PwPD, as well as the superiority of the standard LSVT BIG protocol. The m-LSVT BIG protocol may be an effective intervention method, especially for PwPD who have difficulty adapting to the treatment frequency of the standard protocol.

Normative percentile ranking best reveals sensorimotor impairments of postural sway in type 2 diabetes

Background Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is associated with a higher magnitude of static postural sway. This investigation compared three statistical methods to explore the role of sensory modalities contributions to posture in T2D. Research design and methods Two groups were evaluated in this study ( n = 20); T2D group - 10 participants with T2D (age 54.6 ± 11.09 years), comparison group - 10 age/sex matched healthy participants (age 53.18 ± 9.89 years). Postural sway data was collected using the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration in Balance (mCTSIB), consisting of four 20-s trials on a balance plate with manipulations of vision and support surface to target the contributions of proprioceptive, visual, and vestibular senses. Scores were assessed by group wise analysis of path length, group wise analysis of percentile rank, and distribution of percentile rank. Results The two-way ANOVA used for the group wise analysis of path length and percentile rank showed significant differences between groups scores ( p &lt; .05), but no significant interactions between group and condition. The frequency distribution of percentile rank of the T2D group revealed unimodal distributions for all conditions except for vestibular, which was found to have the highest and lowest percentile ranks of any condition. Conclusion The results show that the individualized normative analysis revealed aspects of individual impairments that would have otherwise been missed using a group-wise method. Though limited, our findings also suggest that impairments to the vestibular system may be more pronounced but less frequent compared to proprioceptive and visual impairments.

Correlation Of Medial Longitudinal Arch Height With Postural Stability, Sensory Integration, Balance And Fall Risk Among Healthy Young Adults.

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 165 healthy young adults. With pes rectus and pes planus to correlate the medial longitudinal arch height with postural stability, sensory integration of balance and fall risk. Persons with pes cavus, congenital foot anomalies other than pes planus, leg length discrepancies, recent history of trauma, lower limb amputations, history of serious foot injury, ligamentous laxity, or an active inflammatory disorder were excluded. Outcome measurements included normalised truncated navicular height (NTNH), Chippaux Smirak index (CSI), athletic single leg stability (ASLS) index, fall risk (FR) index, postural stability (PS), clinical test of sensory integration of balance (CTSIB), and balance error scoring system (BESS). Spearman correlation and Mann Whitney U test were used for data analysis. CSI and NTNH were noted to have no significant correlation (p<0.05) with PS, FR, CTSIB, ASLS and BESS among healthy young adults. Males were observed to have poorer balance and fall risk as compared to females.

Predictors of static and dynamic balance control in kidney transplant recipients.

We aimed to evaluate balance control and lower extremity muscle strength in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) including acomparison to ahealthy control group and determine the predictors of static and dynamic balance control after kidney transplantation. In this study 40 KTRs and 40healthy controls were included. Balance control was assessed using the Biodex balance system. The static postural stability test (SPST) and clinical test of sensory integration and balance (CTSIB) were used to assess static balance control whereas the dynamic postural stability test (DPST) and limits of stability test (LOST) were used for dynamic balance control. Lower extremity muscle strength was measured with ahand-held dynamometer. Renal functions and laboratory findings of KTRs were recorded. All the stability index scores of SPST and sway index in CTSIB were significantly higher in KTRs compared to healthy controls. The right anteroposterior stability index score in DPST and the reaction time in LOST were significantly higher whereas overall score in LOST and lower extremity muscle strength were significantly lower in KTRs. The linear regression analysis revealed that hemoglobin was the predictor of static balance control accounting for 11% of the variance and body weight was the predictor of dynamic balance control accounting for 34% of the variance. Balance control, both static and dynamic, are impaired in KTRs as well as lower extremity muscle strength. Hemoglobin level is apredictor of static balance control whereas body weight is apredictor of dynamic balance control after kidney transplantation.

Screening People on Standing Balance with Romberg Testing and Walking Balance with Tandem Walking.

The goal of this protocol is to inform readers about the exact procedures to use to perform two screening tests for vestibular disorders: tandem walking (TW) with eyes closed, also known as heel-toe walking, and the Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (CTSIB), which is also known as the modified Romberg. The study describes the steps for performing each test and each of the three CTSIB subtests so that the reader will be able to replicate the test conditions for use in the clinic, in the clinical laboratory, or in any other situation needing valid and reliable screening for balance skill which might be affected by changes in vestibular system function. The procedures detailed here can be easily administered and take less than 1 min per trial. References to published papers with normative data are provided. The representative results section includes examples of data collected with these screening tests.

Time of day and athlete status effects on the modified clinical test of sensory integration and balance (mCTSIB) and stability evaluation test (SET)

BackgroundConcussions or musculoskeletal injuries may impair postural control, which is one diagnostic to help determine return-to-activity decisions. Postural control may be affected by diurnal rhythm. Research questionDoes time of day influence postural control as measured by two Neurocom Balance Master diagnostic protocols, the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB) and the Stability Evaluation Test (SET)? MethodsFollowing Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, consented participants completed the SET and mCTSIB twice: between 0700 and 1000; and between 1600 and 1900. We randomized and balanced testing order. Familiarization trials were completed for the mCTSIB and SET. Assessments were completed in a controlled laboratory environment. We instructed participants to get a normal night’s sleep prior to testing and refrain from caffeine use and exhaustive exercise on the day of testing. Sixty-nine participants (48 female, 21 male: age = 21.42±2.56 years, height = 168.20±7.53 cm, mass = 72.05±16.60 kg) completed the study. Thirty-one of the participants were National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA) student-athletes from the sports of baseball, soccer and softball. Average postural sway velocity was measured and compared by time of day for each of the balance conditions in the mCTSIB and SET protocols. ResultsAccording to repeated measures ANOVA, there were no significant postural sway velocity main effects by time of day for any of the balance conditions. We found significant postural sway main effects by foam, stance and eyes. We also noted significant ANOVA between participants’ differences for athlete status, but not for sex. SignificanceThese results inform practitioners about the importance of controlling time-of-day between baseline and post-injury testing, which may allow for more flexible, accurate and reliable diagnosis and return-to-activity decisions. Athletes displayed better static postural control, possibly warranting different normative values for diagnostic comparison.

Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with bodyweight support–tai chi footwork for motor function of stroke survivors: a study protocol of randomised controlled trial

IntroductionOur previous studies have proposed the bodyweight support–t’ai chi (BWS-TC) footwork training for stroke survivors with severe motor dysfunction and fear of falling, and have proven its positive effects for...

The Effect of Different Body Mass Index Levels on Static and Dynamic Postural Balance Performance in Adults

Background and Purpose: It was aimed to examine the static and dynamic postural balance performance in adults with different Body Mass Index (BMI) levels.&#x0D; Methods: Study was conducted in Üsküdar Diabetes and Obesity Treatment Center between September and October 2021. Participants were divided into 5 groups according to BMI scores: normal-weight, overweight, 1st degree obese, 2nd degree obese, and 3rd degree obese. The static and dynamic balance performance of participants were assessed by the Limits of Stability (LOS) and modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration of Balance (m-CTSIB) tests.&#x0D; Results: For LOS parameters, there was a significant difference between groups in reaction time scores only for the backward direction (p

Deficits of Sensory Integration and Balance as Well as Scoliotic Changes in Young Schoolgirls.

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between sensory integration and balance deficits as well as scoliotic changes in young schoolgirls. The study comprised 54 girls aged 11 years with scoliotic changes. The Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance of the Biodex Balance System platform were used to analyze the deficits in sensory integration and balance. Scoliotic changes were assessed using the Diers Formetric III 4D optoelectronic method. In the present study, there was a significant relationship between sensory integration and balance deficits as well as spine curvature angle (°) (p = 0.01), vertebral surface rotation (°) (p = 0.03), pelvic tilt (°) (p = 0.02), and lateral deviation (mm) (p = 0.04). The integration of the sensory systems has a positive effect on the structure of the intended and controlled movement as well as body posture and the development of the spine. In the treatment of scoliotic changes, one should also consider exercises that improve sensory integration as well as position and balance reactions.

Impact of physical activity on postural stability and coordination in children with posterior fossa tumor: randomized control phase III trial

BackgroundPosterior fossa tumor is a type of brain tumor that is located at the borders of both the brain stem and cerebellum. The cerebellum is the brain region in charge of balance and coordination. Pediatric patients diagnosed with posterior fossa tumor have been reported to fall frequently.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of balance and coordination training in these children.MethodsThis randomized control clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04528316) was carried out between September 2020 and April 2021 at Children’s Cancer Hospital-57357. The inclusion criteria were patients with posterior fossa tumor in maintenance phase and, age between 5 and 12 years. The exclusion criteria were patients who had a genetic disorder or suffer from mental retardation, a chronic lung disease, severe cardiomyopathy, or a neuromuscular disease that does not relate to tumor. The study participants were randomly assigned into three groups: Group I/Control group: they received Pilates core stability exercises program, Group II/Postural stability group: they received the same program plus HUMAC balance program, and Group III/Coordination group: they received the same program plus coordination exercises of BOT-2. The semi-parametric proportional odds model was used to compare follow-up scores of the Postural stability group vs Control, and Coordination group vs Control, while adjusting for baseline values. All tests were two sided, with alpha set to 0.05.ResultsSixty children including 38 boys and 22 girls were enrolled in this study. In all three groups, postural stability and coordination improved significantly in terms of modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance, center of pressure, limits of stability, bilateral coordination, and upper-limb coordination.ConclusionThe current study supports the value of adding postural stability and coordination training to the physiotherapy plan for children with posterior fossa tumor.Trial registration number and date of registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04528316 on August 27, 2020.

Relationship between inter-recti distance, abdominal muscle endurance, pelvic floor functions, respiratory muscle strength, and postural control in women with diastasis recti abdominis

ObjectiveThe main objective was to assess the relationship between inter-recti distance (IRD) and abdominal muscle endurance, pelvic floor functions, respiratory muscle strength, and postural control in women with Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA). Additionally, the secondary purpose of the study is to investigate the independent predictors of IRD in women with DRA. Study designFifty-one women who were diagnosed with DRA participated to the study. IRD assessment with a caliper, abdominal muscle endurance test, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Questionnaire-20 (PFDI-20), maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP and MEP, respectively) tests, Clinical Test of Sensory Integration of Balance (m-CTSIB) under eyes open on a firm surface (EOFS), eyes closed on a firm surface (ECFS), eyes open on a foam surface (EOFoS), and eyes closed on a foam surface (ECFoS) conditions, and Limits of Stability (LOS) tests were performed for all subjects. Pearson or Spearman correlation analyses were used to determine the relationship between IRD and static abdominal flexion endurance test, PFDI-20, MIP and MEP, m-CTSIB, and LOS scores depending on the distribution properties of the data. Additionally, linear regression analysis was utilized for analyzing the independent predictors of IRD among the age, BMI, parity, time since last birth, birth weight, weight gains last pregnancy, and mode of delivery. ResultsIRD had correlations with Colorectal–Anal Distress score of PFDI-20 (r = -0.317, p = 0.03) and EOFS, ECFS, EOFoS, ECFoS and composite score of m-CTSIB (r = 0.356, p = 0.01; r = 0.337, p = 0.02, r = 0.279, p = 0.04; r = 0.265, p = 0.04; r = 0.413, p = 0.004, respectively) and LOS scores (r = 0.422, p = 0.003). Increased IRD did not influence abdominal muscle endurance and respiratory muscle strength in women with DRA (p < 0.05). Age, BMI, time since last birth, weight gains last pregnancy, and mode of delivery were not determined as the factors that influence IRD in women with DRA (p < 0.05). ConclusionWe concluded that increased IRD is associated with worse postural control, but better colorectal functions in women with DRA. Additionally, IRD does not show a clear association with abdominal muscle endurance, pelvic floor functions, and respiratory muscle strength. According to our results, postural stability assessments may perform in the physiotherapeutic management of women with DRA.

Balance and Vestibular Deficits in Pediatric Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Underappreciated Clinical Aspect.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) not only have communication and social difficulties, but also exhibit poor balance and motor control ability, which frequently affect daily activities. Effective balance and motor control rely on the integration of somatosensory, visual, and vestibular inputs. Although reports of balance dysfunction in ASD have been documented, comprehensive studies of balance and vestibular function in children with ASD are scarce. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 36 pediatric patients diagnosed with ASD who underwent balance/vestibular laboratory testing in our speciality clinic. Results from sensory organization test (SOT) or modified clinical test for sensory integration of balance (mCTSIB) found that out of 15 patients, 80% had abnormal findings. Of the children who successfully completed each vestibular test, abnormal responses were observed in 12 (80%) sensory organization tests, 5 (24%) vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP), 22 (66%) videonystagmography (VNG), and 11 (32%) sinusoidal rotary chair tests. These results indicate that balance and vestibular testing may be of diagnostic value for clinicians and providers as an aid in early detection, intervention, and the development of appropriate management and therapies for this patient population. Increased awareness of this topic is warranted to promote better clinical management of this special group of patients and improve their quality of life.

Impact of Sub-Clinical and Clinical Compression Socks on Postural Stability Tasks among Individuals with Ankle Instability.

Compression socks are used by a very diverse group of individuals and may potentially have a greater impact on physically diminished or impaired individuals as opposed to healthy individuals. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sub-clinical (SC) and clinical (CL) compression socks among healthy (CON), copers (COP), and individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Postural stability was evaluated in 20 participants (11 males and 9 females) using Balance Tracking System Balance platform (BTrackS™) during the modified clinical test of sensory integration in balance (mCTSIB) and limits of stability (LOS) tests. Postural sway parameters were analyzed using a mixed model repeated measures analysis of variance 3 (group: CON, COP, and CAI) by 3 (compression condition: BF, SC, and CL) × 4 (balance condition: EO, EC, EOF, and ECF) for mCTSIB and a 3 (group: CON, COP, and CAI) by 3 (compression condition: BF, SC, CL) × 4 (balance condition: FL, BL, BR, FR) for LOS. Results revealed significantly greater postural stability with both SC and CL compression socks when compared to barefoot conditions. However, no significant differences were observed among groups for compression socks grades. Both SC and CL compression socks may be effective in increasing postural stability.

Postural stability, fall risk and sensory integration of balance in discogenic low back pain

BACKGROUND: Even though studies have reported impaired postural stability (PS) and risk of fall in non-specific low back pain (LBP), evidence is relatively scarce in terms of discogenic LBP or in persons with degenerative disc disorders of the lumbar spine. OBJECTIVE: To determine the differences in terms of PS, fall risk and sensory integration of balance in persons with discogenic LBP as compared to healthy controls. METHODS: A cross sectional comparative study was conducted on 60 participants, out of which 30 had discogenic LBP and 30 were healthy controls. The variables of interest included PS, fall risk score (FRS) and clinical test of sensory integration of balance (CTSIB), and the data was collected using Biodex Balance SystemTM SD, with higher scores signifying poorer outcomes. RESULTS: Persons with discogenic LBP scored significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in terms of overall PS index [Mean difference = 2.33 (95% CI 1.38, 3.28)], anteroposterior PS index [Mean difference = 1.87 (95% CI 0.84, 2.90)] and mediolateral PS index [Mean difference = 0.82 (95% CI 0.43, 1.21)], FRS [Mean difference = 2.92 (95% CI 2.36, 4.8)] and CTSIB [Mean difference = 1.67 (95% CI 1.28, 2.06)] as compared to healthy controls. Both healthy controls and persons with discogenic LBP revealed higher anteroposterior postural stability index as compared to mediolateral postural stability index (p &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Persons with discogenic low back pain exhibit greater risk of fall and poorer postural stability and sensory integration of balance as compared to healthy controls. It is suggested that fall risk, postural stability and sensory integration of balance should be considered as outcome measures in clinical management of such patients.

OTHR-24. Impact of physical activity on postural stability and coordination in children with posterior fossa tumor: randomized control phase III trial

Abstract BACKGROUND: Posterior fossa tumor is a type of brain tumor that is located at the borders of both the brain stem and cerebellum. The cerebellum is the brain region in charge of balance and coordination. Pediatric patients diagnosed with posterior fossa tumor have been reported to fall frequently. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of balance and coordination training in these children. METHODS: This randomized control clinical trial was carried out between September 2020 and April 2021 at Children’s Cancer Hospital-57357. The inclusion criteria of the participants were - patients with posterior fossa tumor in maintenance phase and, age between 5-12 years. The study participants were randomly assigned into three groups: Group I/Control group: they received Pilates core stability exercises program, Group II/Balance group: They received the same program plus HUMAC balance program, and Group III/Coordination group: They received the same program plus coordination exercises of BOT-2. Descriptive statistics for patients’ characteristics were reported as medians and interquartile ranges for quantitative variables, frequencies, and percentages for qualitative ones. Significance level of P value was at &amp;lt;0.05. RESULTS: Sixty children including 38 boys and 22 girls were enrolled in this study. In all three groups, postural stability and coordination improved significantly in terms of modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance, center of pressure, limits of stability, bilateral coordination, and upper-limb coordination.CONCLUSION: The current study supports the value of adding postural stability and coordination training to the physiotherapy plan for children with posterior fossa tumor. Clinical trial information: RCT no#NCT04528316. Keywords: Posterior fossa tumor, Children, HUMAC, BOT-2, Postural stability, Balance, Coordination.

Screening for balance in children and adults in a community science education setting: Normative data, influence of age, sex, and body mass index, and feasibility.

BackgroundScreening standing and walking balance is useful for people suspected of having vestibular disorders, a variety of neurologic and musculoskeletal disorders, and for screening astronauts returning after exposure to microgravity. Visitors to a community science education center children and adults, aged 4 to 85, were tested on tandem walking with eyes closed and the modified Romberg test on compliant foam. They were then asked about their experience participating in research, many people for the first time.MethodsSubjects performed 10 steps of tandem walking with eyes closed, and three trials of the modified Romberg, or Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance, with eyes closed, standing on compliant memory foam, with a) head still, b) head shaking in yaw, and c) head nodding in pitch. Afterward, staff queried subjects about the experience of participating in science.ResultsAge-related changes across the life span occurred in both sets of tests. Therefore, look-up tables by age are provided. Body mass index significantly affected tandem walking. Some sex differences were found. The tests were easy to administer in a community setting. Most participants enjoyed the experience and reported that they learned about the process of scientific research.DiscussionThese data support and extend the evidence for age-related changes in balance performance across the lifespan and for an influence of body mass index on some balance skills. Clinicians and sports educators should be cognizant of these differences when they use these tests for screening. The community science education environment provided a useful laboratory in which to collect valid and reliable data, while simultaneously educating participants about the process of science.

Evaluation of postural control in children with increased femoral anteversion

BackgroundFemoral anteversion is defined as the angular difference between the axis of the femoral neck and the transcondylar axis of the knee and the most common cause of an in-toe gait in children. Research questionDoes increased femoral anteversion (IFA) adversely affect postural stability and balance in healthy children? MethodsSixteen children with IFA aged 10–15 years and an age-matched control group of 16 children who were growing typically were included. Postural stability (PS), limits of stability (LoS), and the modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance (mCTSIB) were used to evaluate postural control by "Biodex Balance System® (BBS)" and Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), which is a visual observation of instability in 3 stance positions under 6 different conditions, were performed for all cases. SPSS v.20 program was used for data analysis. Independent Samples T-test or Mann Whitney U test were used for between-group comparisons depending on the distribution properties of the data. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. ResultsA significant difference was found between the groups for overall and anterior/posterior stability index in PS (p < 0.05), all parameters of LoS (p < 0.05) and mCTSIB (p < 0.05). Also there was a significant difference between the BESS firm surface (p = 0.007), BESS foam surface (p < 0.001), and total surface scores (p < 0.001). SignificanceThe results indicate that the children with IFA were significantly more unstable in all parameters of BBS and BESS when compared to their healthy peers. This shows that postural stability and balance are impaired in healthy children with IFA. To the extent of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the postural control problems associated with IFA in healthy children.