Conventional Balance Exercises Research Articles

Video-based exergaming versus conventional rehabilitation on balance in pediatric brain tumor survivors: a randomized clinical trial

Balance problems are widely reported in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors (PBTS) due to tumor localization and the side effects of medical treatment. This study investigates the effects of conventional versus video-based games exercise training (exergaming) on balance in PBTS. The present study was a randomized controlled trial. The study included 23 PBTS who were randomized to a Video-Based balance exergaming Group (VBG) or Conventional balance exercise training Group (CG). In both groups, the interventions were targeted to the balance function and balance exercise training was administered twice a week for 8 weeks. VBG exercised using selected Nintendo Wii Fit Plus® balance games while CG received a specially designed balance training using conventional physiotherapy methods. The primary outcome was the balance tests (Timed Up and Go and Nintendo® Wii™ Center of Gravity: COG), and the secondary outcomes were the functional tests (10-m walking, 2-min walking, 5-step climb/descent/times), and disease effect test (PedsQL Brain Tumor Module). The outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention. At baseline, no significant clinical and outcome assessment differences existed between both groups except for COG (p = 0.0495). After training, overall scores for balance, functional, disease effect tests significantly improved in VBG (p < 0.05) while progress observed in CG was not significant (p > 0.05). Video-based balance exergaming was found effective and more so than conventional balance exercise training in PBTS. Greater effectiveness of exergaming is thought to be due to increased motivation and effort of the children who are more attracted to gaming than conventional exercising. Exergaming could be beneficial both in clinical and home settings with physiotherapist supervision and may reduce the costs of treatment while improving their health-related quality of life.

Knee Alignment-Oriented Balance Exercises Versus Conventional Balance Exercises in Treating Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Knee Alignment-Oriented Balance Exercises Versus Conventional Balance Exercises in Treating Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Balance rehabilitation for patients with Multiple Sclerosis using a Kinect®-based virtual training program

BackgroundPatients with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience balance issues during physical activities. Traditional rehabilitation exercises such as stretching, resistance, and aerobic training have been found to be effective, but can be repetitive and tedious, leading to reduced patient motivation and adherence. Furthermore, direct supervision by a therapist is not always possible. MethodsThe aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual training program incorporating visual feedback from the Kinect® sensor in male patients with multiple sclerosis. Forty-five participants, with an age range of 22–56 years (mean age = 39), were randomly assigned to one of three equal groups, including two experimental groups and one control group. The experimental groups participated in eight-week exercise interventions, with each session lasting 20 to 30 min and occurring three times per week. In contrast, the control group received no interventions. Within the experimental groups, one was exposed to conventional balance exercises, whereas the other engaged in the proposed virtual training program. Both of these groups undertook three balance exercises, namely the single-foot stance, lunge maneuvers, and arm/leg stretching routines. The assessment encompassed diverse facets of balance, including parameters of 10 Meter Walk Time, Berg Balance Scale, Static Balance Score, and Time-Up and Go Scale, as well as the quality of life, gauged through the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life (MSQOL)-54 Questionnaire. The effect of test variables was investigated using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), while the independent samples t-test was used to check for significant differences among the groups. The effects of the groups were compared using a paired samples t-test. ResultsThe findings revealed that both rehabilitation programs positively affected the dependent variables compared to the control group. However, the significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of the experimental groups indicated the effectiveness of the proposed program compared to the traditional method. ConclusionsEntertaining virtual training programs utilizing visual feedback can be effective for rehabilitating patients with MS. The proposed method enables patients to perform rehabilitation exercises at home with high motivation, while accurate information about the treatment process are provided to the therapist.

Tele-Medicine Based and Self-Administered Interactive Exercise Program (Tele-Exergame) to Improve Cognition in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia: A Feasibility, Acceptability, and Proof-of-Concept Study.

Improved life expectancy is increasing the number of older adults who suffer from motor-cognitive decline. Unfortunately, conventional balance exercise programs are not tailored to patients with cognitive impairments, and exercise adherence is often poor due to unsupervised settings. This study describes the acceptability and feasibility of a sensor-based in-home interactive exercise system, called tele-Exergame, used by older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Our tele-Exergame is specifically designed to improve balance and cognition during distractive conditioning while a telemedicine interface remotely supervises the exercise, and its exercises are gamified balance tasks with explicit augmented visual feedback. Fourteen adults with MCI or dementia (Age = 68.1 ± 5.4 years, 12 females) participated and completed exergame twice weekly for six weeks at their homes. Before and after 6 weeks, participants' acceptance was assessed by Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire, and participants' cognition and anxiety level were evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), respectively. Results support acceptability, perceived benefits, and positive attitudes toward the use of the system. The findings of this study support the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefit of tele-Exergame to preserve cognitive function among older adults with MCI and dementia.

Are static posturography-assisted biofeedback exercises effective in Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive condition that causes disorders in movement and balance. To evaluate the effectiveness of static posturography-assisted biofeedback exercises in PD-related balance disorder. We screened 83 patients, 48 of whom were enrolled, and 41 completed the study. The sample was randomized into two groups, one submitted to static posturography-assisted biofeedback exercises and the other, to a conventional exercise program. The patients in the biofeedback group (n = 20) performed biofeedback exercises in addition to conventional balance exercises. Those in the conventional exercise group (n = 21) performed classic balance exercises. Both groups were treated for 20 minutes per session 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The patients were evaluated using the Hoehn and Yahr Scale, the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Tinetti Gait and Balance Assessment (TGBA), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), the Tandem Stance Test (TST), a Turkish version of the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) before and at the end of the treatment. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the MDS-UPDRS, BBS, TGBA, TST, TUG, HAQ, or BDI measurements before and after the treatment (p > 0.05). Improved balance parameters were observed following balance training in the patients with PD, although static posturography-assisted biofeedback exercises appeared to provide no additional benefit. However, larger, randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate their effectiveness.

Effects of Progressive Gaze Stability Exercises on Balance and Gait in Vestibular Neuritis Patients: A Quasi-experimental Study

Introduction: Gaze stability exercises are the exercises that are used effectively to improve gaze stability during head movement in various vestibular disorders patients, and to improve balance in in static and dynamic movements the same. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of progressive gaze stability exercises to improve balance and gait in patients with vestibular neuritis. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Outpatient Department of SGT hospital, Gurugram, Haryana, India, from November 2018 to March 2019. A total of 26 subjects were randomly assigned into two groups, Group A received progressive gaze stability exercises with conventional therapy (n=13) and Group B received conventional therapy (n=13). Group A received Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for 25 minutes a day 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Group B conventional training which consisted of balance exercises. Participants were assessed with Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) and dizziness handicap inventory to access the performance of balance and functional limitation, respectively. Data was analysed by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 for statistical analysis. A level of significance was set at p-value &lt;0.05. Results: The finding of the study showed no significant change for baseline parameters between the experimental and conventional groups with respect to age (p-value=0.097), gender (p-value=0.573), height (p-value=0.682), weight (p-value=0.945), duration of illness (p-value=0.579). Both the groups showed significant improvement with in group, when measured using dependent t-test for Mini-BESTest and Wisconsin Gait Scale. The comparison of postintervention scores of Mini-BESTest and WGS between Group A and Group B showed significant difference (p-value=0.001) and (p-value=0.002) respectively. Conclusion: The present study has provided preliminary evidence that progressive gaze stability exercises when coupled with conventional balance exercises may improve gait and balance in patients with vestibular neuritis.

Efficacy of core stability versus task oriented trainings on balance in ataxic persons with multiple sclerosis. A single blinded randomized controlled trial

Background: Balance and ataxic symptoms are commonly encountered in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Many intervention approaches have been proposed to address balance in PwMS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of adding core stability versus task oriented trainings on traditional approaches on balance in ataxic PwMS. Methods: Forty five ataxic relapsing-remitting PwMS from both sexes were randomly assigned into three identical groups. Control group (CG) treated with conventional balance exercise program; study groups I (GI) and II (GII) received respectively additional training using core stability exercises and task oriented trainings. Outcome measures recorded pre and post study period included stability index (SI), anterior posterior stability index (APSI), and mediolateral stability index (MLSI) using Biodex stability system in addition to the Berg balance scale (BBS). Results: Post treatment, the results indicated significant improvement in (SI) and (APSI) (p<0.05), and non-significant improvement (p>0.05) in (MLSI) and BBS in CG. In GI and GII there was a significant improvement in all balance measures (p<0.05). Comparison of post treatment results between groups indicated a significant improvement of GII compared to CG in all study measures, GI showed non- significant difference in all balance measures compared to the CG(P>0.05). Conclusion: In PwMS balance rehabilitation should be multimodal; core stability exercises and task-oriented training in addition to conventional balance training are effective to improve balance and should be considered as an essential part of the training program for balance rehabilitation in ataxic PwMS. Task-oriented training in addition to conventional balance rehabilitation seem to be a favorable approach.

Effect of Yogasana Intervention on Standing Balance Performance among People with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Pilot Study.

Background:Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is known to cause impaired balance and eventually increased risk of fall. Yogasanas characterized by slow, gentle transitions into postures with a varying base of support and focus on body awareness during movement hold potential for training balance control. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate effect of structured Yogasana intervention compared to conventional balance exercise on static and dynamic balance performance among people with diabetic neuropathy.Methods: Thirty-five people with DPN aged 42–70 years were recruited to Yogasana intervention group (n = 11), conventional balance exercises group (n = 10), and Control group (n = 14) following ethical approval. All participants were evaluated at baseline and post 12-week intervention on star excursion balance test, single-limb stance test, and center of pressure (CoP) excursion for balance performance, Modified fall efficacy scale for fear of falls and lower extremity strength using chair stand test and step-up test.Results:Balance performance (static and dynamic measured by star excursion balance test, single-limb stance test, and CoP excursion, lower extremity strength (using chair stand test and step-up test) demonstrated improvement and fear of fall reduced among Yogasana intervention group (p = 0.05) and conventional balance exercises group (p = 0.05) post 12-week intervention. CoP excursion increased in the control group indicating deterioration in balance performance after 12 weeks (p = 0.05). Post hoc comparison revealed that Yogasana intervention was marginally more effective in improving static and dynamic balance performance compared to conventional balance exercises in all variables of standing balance performance (p = 0.025).Conclusion:Yogasana and conventional balance exercises were effective in improving static and dynamic balance performance, lower extremity muscle strength, and reducing fear of fall among people with DPN. Yogasana intervention demonstrated marginally greater improvement in static and dynamic balance performance and lower extremity muscle strength compared to conventional exercise.

Effects of Virtual Reality vs Conventional Balance Training on Balance and Falls in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of virtual reality (VR)-based vs conventional balance training on the improvement of balance and reduction of falls in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). DesignSingle-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. SettingMusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. ParticipantsPwMS (N=39), randomized into VR (n=19) and control (n=20) groups. InterventionThe VR group performed exergames using Kinect, while the control group accomplished conventional balance exercises. Both groups received 18 training sessions for 6 weeks. Main Outcome MeasuresLimits of stability, timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and 10-m walk tests with and without cognitive task and their dual-task costs (DTCs), Berg Balance Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12, Fall Efficacy Scale-International, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, and fall history were obtained pre- and post intervention and after a 3-month follow-up. ResultsAt both post intervention and follow-up, TUGcognitive and DTCs on the TUG were significantly lower and the 10-m walkcognitive was significantly higher in the VR group. At follow-up, reaction time and the number of falls demonstrated significant differences favoring the VR group, whereas the directional control revealed significant difference in favor of the control group (P<.05). The other outcomes showed no statistically significant difference at post intervention or follow-up. ConclusionsBoth the VR-based and conventional balance exercises improved balance and mobility in PwMS, while each acted better in improving certain aspects. VR-based training was more efficacious in enhancing cognitive-motor function and reducing falls, whereas conventional exercises led to better directional control. Further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of recruiting VR-based exercises in clinical settings.

Effect of home-based Tai Chi, Yoga or conventional balance exercise on functional balance and mobility among persons with idiopathic Parkinson's disease: An experimental study.

Background:Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) invariably experience functional decline in a number of motor and non-motor domains affecting posture, balance and gait. Numerous clinical studies have examined effects of various types of exercise on motor and non-motor problems. But still much gap remains in our understanding of various therapies and their effect on delaying or slowing the dopamine neuron degeneration. Recently, Tai Chi and Yoga both have gained popularity as complementary therapies, since both have components for mind and body control.Objective:The aim of this study was to determine whether eight weeks of home-based Tai Chi or Yoga was more effective than regular balance exercises on functional balance and mobility.Methods:Twenty-seven individuals with Idiopathic PD (Modified Hoehn and Yahr stages 2.5–3) were randomly assigned to either Tai Chi, Yoga or Conventional exercise group. All the participants were evaluated for Functional Balance and Mobility using Berg Balance Scale, Timed 10 m Walk test and Timed Up and Go test before and after eight weeks of training.Results:The results were analyzed using two-way mixed ANOVA which showed that there was a significant main effect for time as F (1, 24) 74.18, , for overall balance in Berg Balance Scale. There was also significant main effect of time on mobility overall as F(1, 24) , , in Timed up and Go test and F(1, 24) , , for 10 m Walk test. There was a significant interaction effect for with F(2, 24) , , for balance. With respect to mobility, the values F(2, 24) , , in Timed Up and Go test and F(2, 24) , , in 10 m Walk test showed a significant interaction. But there was no significant main effect between the groups for both balance and mobility.Conclusion:The findings of this study suggest that Tai Chi as well as Yoga are well adhered and are attractive options for a home-based setting. As any form of physical activity is considered beneficial for individuals with PD either Tai Chi, Yoga or conventional balance exercises could be used as therapeutic intervention to optimize balance and mobility. Further studies are necessary to understand the mind–body benefits of Tai Chi and Yoga either as multicomponent physical activities or as individual therapies in various stages of PD.

Gamification as a Sustainable Source of Enjoyment During Balance and Gait Exercises.

We may be motivated to engage in a certain motor activity because it is instrumental to obtaining reward (e.g., money) or because we enjoy the activity, making it intrinsically rewarding. Enjoyment is related to intrinsic motivation which is considered to be a durable form of motivation. Therefore, many rehabilitation programs aim to increase task enjoyment by adding game elements (“gamification”). Here we ask how the influence of game elements on motivation develops over time and additionally explore whether enjoyment influences motor performance. We describe two different studies that varied game elements in different exercises. Experiment 1 compared the durability of enjoyment for a gamified and a conventional balance exercise in elderly. Experiment 2 addressed the question whether adding game elements to a gait adaptability exercise enhances the durability of enjoyment and additionally tested whether the game elements influenced movement vigor and accuracy (motor performance). The results show that the game elements enhanced enjoyment. Enjoyment faded over time, but this decrease tended to be less pronounced in gamified exercises. There was no evidence that the game elements affected movement vigor or accuracy.

Home-based balance training using Wii Fit\u2122: a pilot randomised controlled trial with mobile older stroke survivors

BackgroundSeveral studies have reported that using the Wii™ Balance Board can provide added value regarding balance (re-)training in neurological diseases. However, for the large group of mobile older stroke survivors, there is no evidence regarding the feasibility of an unsupervised Wii™ Balance Board training in the home setting. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a home-based Wii™ balance training for these patients and to identify methodological challenges for randomised controlled trials in the future.MethodsWe conducted a pilot randomised controlled trial with two intervention arms in participants’ homes. Mobile stroke survivors (aged 60 years or above; 12 weeks after discharge from hospital) received a 6-week (once per week) supervised balance training at the study centre, followed by a 6-week (three times per week) unsupervised balance training at home. We used the Nintendo Wii™ Balance Board for one intervention arm and conventional balance exercises for the other intervention arm. Feasibility was assessed by recruiting rates, appropriateness of assessments regarding sensitivity to changes and acceptance of the intervention by the participants.ResultsIn two German hospital stroke units, 349 stroke survivors were screened over a period of 6 months, 91 were eligible and 52 were interested. Twelve weeks after discharge, 14 participants agreed and 11 completed the intervention (7 men and 4 women, mean age 74 years). The Berg Balance Scale and Dynamic Gait Index showed ceiling effects already at baseline measure. The participants in both intervention arms evaluated the unsupervised training positively and feasible for self-application. No falls or injuries occurred over the intervention period, while the required scope of the exercises could largely be achieved.ConclusionsIn this pilot study, the recruitment of participants and the chosen assessments were not satisfactory due to selection bias and corresponding ceiling effects. However, the two home-based balance interventions proved feasible for mobile older stroke survivors with low functional limitations.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02251470. Registered 29 September 2014

The efficacy of exercises using balance exercise assist robot for the patients with chronic myelopathy

Exercise with a Balance Exercise Assist Robot (BEAR ex.) is reportedly effective for improving dynamic balance and muscle strength of lower extremities of patients with central nervous system disorder and frailty. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of this training using the BEAR for chronic myelopathy with balance disorder. This study was designed as a crossover trial. Participants were divided into group A and group B. The period is 4 weeks. Group A that is BEAR ex. 8 days in two weeks, then conducts conventional balance exercise (CON ex.) on 8 days in two weeks. Group B was in the reverse of the protocol of group A. Outcome measures: Berg balance scale (BBS), functional reach test (FRT), timed up and go test (TUG) and muscle strength of the lower extremities (hip flexion, knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion) were assessed before and after of each exercise. After the exercise, each participant rated whether the exercises had been satisfied through a questionnaire. Comparison between changes before and after each exercise and changes in each exercise were used a paired t test. The level of significance was less than 5%. There were 18 participants(12 men, 6 women; age 71 ± 9 years; duration of morbidity 14 ± 13 years) who completed this study. Group A were 8 cases, Group B were 10 cases. FRT were increased with both exercise. BBS and muscle strength of hip flexion were increased with BEAR ex. Changes in each exercise was no significant difference in all measurements. The satisfaction of each exercise was 15 cases preferred BEAR ex. In chronic myelopathy with balance disorders, the BEAR ex. showed the same improvement of dynamic balance as CON ex. Also it was excellent in maintaining motivation to practice.

Effects of Combined exergame and conventional exercise to reduce and prevent fall risk among elderly people: A Hypothesis

Background: Falling among old individuals has provoked ceaseless discussion among gerontologists and physical therapists and it is still one of the greatest issues among this population. Loss of the balance and functional mobility is the main reason of falling. There have been numerous studies conducting the effect of the conventional balance exercise and exergame independently on balance and functional mobility of elderly. Previous studies lacked dealing with the effect of combined exergame and conventional exercise on the balance and functional mobility. Combined exercises are enjoyable and may have more effective to improve balance and performance to reduce risk of fall among elderly people. This package would be preferable for older people. Objective: We hypothesize that while conventional balance exercise and exergame improve balance and functional mobility, combined both types of exercise would superior improvements in elderly performance. Conclusion: Ultimately we expect that this hypothesis will provide a useful framework for facilitating combined exergame and conventional balance intervention in older people.

Wii Fit is effective in women with bone loss condition associated with balance disorders: a randomized controlled trial.

The use of exergame for balance competencies was recently explored in women affected by balance ability reduction with non-conclusive results. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a supervised exergame performed with the Wii Fit® compared to conventional exercises on balance function, quality of life, fear of fall and well-being in women with bone loss. Thirty-eight female participants aged over 65years, with a bone loss condition, were enrolled and random allocated in the Wii group or control group. Subject enrolled in Wii group performed a balance training with a Wii Fit supervised by a physiotherapist (1h, 2days per week, during 8weeks) while in control subjects performed the same amount of conventional balance exercises. Subject enrolled in experimental group showed significantly higher scores in terms of Berg Balance Scale (p=0.027). In SF-36 scores, a significant difference was reported for physical activity score after treatment (p=0.031). Fear of falling and the psychological scales were not significantly different between the two groups. In women with bone loss condition, a supervised Wii Fit training has shown better efficacy in improving balance performance with respect to conventional balance exercises.

Effectiveness of Conventional Versus Virtual Reality–Based Balance Exercises in Vestibular Rehabilitation for Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Loss: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of virtual reality–based balance exercises to conventional balance exercises during vestibular rehabilitation in patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular loss (UVL). DesignAssessor-blind, randomized controlled trial. SettingTwo acute care university teaching hospitals. ParticipantsPatients with UVL (N=71) who had dizziness/vertigo, and gait and balance impairment. InterventionsPatients with UVL were randomly assigned to receive 6 weeks of either conventional (n=36) or virtual reality–based (n=35) balance exercises during vestibular rehabilitation. The virtual reality-based group received an off-the-shelf virtual reality gaming system for home exercise, and the conventional group received a foam balance mat. Treatment comprised weekly visits to a physiotherapist and a daily home exercise program. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome was self-preferred gait speed. Secondary outcomes included other gait parameters and tasks, Sensory Organization Test (SOT), dynamic visual acuity, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Vestibular Rehabilitation Benefits Questionnaire, and Activities Balance Confidence Questionnaire. The subjective experience of vestibular rehabilitation was measured with a questionnaire. ResultsBoth groups improved, but there were no significant differences in gait speed between the groups postintervention (mean difference, −.03m/s; 95% confidence interval [CI], −.09 to .02m/s). There were also no significant differences between the groups in SOT scores (mean difference, .82%; 95% CI, −5.00% to 6.63%) or on any of the other secondary outcomes (P>.05). In both groups, adherence to exercise was high (∼77%), but the virtual reality–based group reported significantly more enjoyment (P=.001), less difficulty with (P=.009) and less tiredness after (P=.03) balance exercises. At 6 months, there were no significant between-group differences in physical outcomes. ConclusionsVirtual reality–based balance exercises performed during vestibular rehabilitation were not superior to conventional balance exercises during vestibular rehabilitation but may provide a more enjoyable method of retraining balance after unilateral peripheral vestibular loss.

The effect of Mental Imagery on Balance in Young Adults

Introduction : Motor imagery is mentally simulating an intended action without actually producing it. It involves processes involved in programming and preparation of actual actions. Extensive research has been done in the field of mental imagery, however not much has been done on the effect of mental imagery of balance. This study draws light on the effectiveness on mental imagery on balance in young asymptomatic adults. Objective : To determine the effect of mental imagery as an adjunct to conventional balance exercises on the duration of stork stance and postural sway on the BESS scale in young asymptomatic individuals. Methodology : After the ethics committee approval an informed consent was taken from the participants. 30 asymptomatic individuals were randomly selected in the age group of 18-24 years. Mentally and physically challenged individuals were excluded. They were divided into 2 groups, experimental and control group. They were evaluated for BESS (Balance error scoring system) and stork stance.Postural sway was measured with a postural swaymeter. Both the groups received exercises for a duration of 30 mins/week for 4 weeks. Group A received only conventional balance exercises. Group B received exercises same as the control group along with mental imagery as an adjunct. Results : Group B showed statically significant improvement in stork stance duration(P<0.001)using paired t test. Group A showed no statistically significant improvement.On BESS , Group A showed statistically significant improvement in some components. But Group B showed less number of errors and significant reduction in sway on static as well as foam surface compared to control. Conclusion : Mental imagery with balance training has shown positive effect on stork stance duration and BESS scale in terms of reduction in errors and sway while maintaining balance on both static and foam surface in young asymptomatic individuals.

Effectiveness of Conventional Balance Training Exercise Versus Swiss Ball Exercise Program on Balance in Geriatric Population - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: To study and compare the effectiveness of conventional balance exercise training program and Swiss ball exercise training program on balance function in geriatric population. Methodology: 30 individuals were recruited and randomized into two groups A and B. 14 days intervention was given in which group A received the conventional core strengthening exercise and group B underwent Swiss ball balance training program. Pre-intervention and post intervention scores of Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Functional Reach Test (FRT) was measured and data were analyzed using t test. Results: The pre and post comparison of TUG and FRT showed significant change in balance in both the groups (p 0.001). Conclusion: Both conventional and Swiss ball exercise program were proved to be equally effective in improving balance in geriatrics.

Participating in a virtual reality balance exercise program can reduce risk and fear of falls

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to quantify the effectiveness of virtual reality balance games (VRBG) to decrease risk and fear of falls among women. MethodsThirty six community dwelling women aged 56 and above were randomly divided into experimental (exercises using VRBG focus on improving balance) and control (conventional balance exercises) groups. Both groups attended a twice 6 weekly exercise session for an hour. Risk and fear of falls were measured with Physiological Profile Approach (PPA) and Activity Specific Balance Scale (ABC-6). Pre and post intervention differences between the groups were examined using two way repeated measures ANOVA. ResultsBoth VRBG and conventional balance exercise groups had significant decrease in PPA (p<0.001) and ABC-6 (p<0.01) after the interventions. However, no significant effects were demonstrated between the groups in PPA (p=0.18) and ABC-6 (p=0.25) post intervention. Time and group interaction effect were not significant for PPA (p=0.18) and ABC-6 (p=0.45). ConclusionsPractising VRBG can increase balance confidence and decrease risk of falls among community dwelling women.