Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale Research Articles

Three-dimensional exergaming conjunction with vestibular rehabilitation in individuals with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: A feasibility randomized controlled study.

To examine the effectiveness of 3D (dimensional)-vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) on gait, balance problems, processing time speed and subjective complaints in patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) compared to a control group (CG). This study aimed to test the feasibility of virtual reality-based 3D exergaming conjunction with vestibular rehabilitation. Twenty-two patients with BPPV (negative DixHallpike/Roll test results, existing dizziness/balance complaints) were randomly allocated to the study group (SG, n:11 3D-VRT) or Control group (CG n:11, no exercise-rehabilitation) for 8 week. The SG performed 3D-VRT for 45 to 50 min/d, 3 times/wk, and the CG did receive only Canalith Repositioning Maneuver (CRM). CRM was applied in both groups before the study. Outcome measures included 10-Meter-Walk-Test (10-MWT) (with/without head turns), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Choice-Stepping-Reaction-Time-ped (CSRT-MAT), Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAB), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The SG showed significantly improvement in 10-MWT without (p5 = 0.00,η2 = 0.49), with horizontal (p5 = 0.00,η2 = 0.57),vertical (p5 = 0.01,η2 = 0.48) head turns, DGI (p5 = 0.00,η2 = 0.74), CSRT-MAT, FAB (p5 = 0.00,η2 = 0.78) and VAS-dizziness (p5 = 0.00,η2 = 0.65), VAS-balance problem (p5 = 0.00,η2 = 0.43), VAS-fear of falling (p5 = 0.00,η2 = 0.42) compared to the CG. The 3D-VRT were effective in improving gait, balance, processing speed and resolving the subjective complaints in BPPV. The 3D-VRT method is feasible for patients who suffer from residual dizziness or balance complaints after CRM. Furthermore, the 3D-VRT is more accessible and less expensive than other virtual reality applications, which may facilitate further research or clinical use.

Long-term impact of a community-based adapted boxing program on physical functioning and quality of life of individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Adapted boxing can help improve the physical functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Whether these benefits persist longitudinally is unclear. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of a community-based adapted boxing program on the physical functioning and HRQoL of individuals with PD over 1-1.5 years. Twenty-six individuals with PD agreed to share their results on tests administered upon enrollment in the program (PRE) and ∼431 days later (POST). The tests included the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale, (FAB), the Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG), the 30-second Sit-to-Stand test (30-STS), and the PD questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39). From PRE to POST, performance significantly improved on the TUG and 30-STS tests (both p < 0.001), but not on the FAB (p = 0.79). Over the same period, PDQ-39 scores significantly increased (p = 0.05). No PRE to POST changes surpassed the minimal detectable change threshold. The results of this study suggest that adapted boxing is at worst non-detrimental and at best potentially beneficial for muscle strength, endurance, and functional mobility in individuals with PD. However, adapted boxing probably cannot fully counteract the HRQoL decrements that accompany PD progression.

Biomechanical Balance Measures During Timed Up and Go Test Improve Prediction of Prospective Falls in Older Adults

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of using biomechanical gait balance measures, the frontal and sagittal plane center of mass (COM)-Ankle angles, to prospectively predict recurrent falls in community-dwelling older adults. DesignA cohort study with a 1-year longitudinal follow-up. Logistic regression was used to test the ability of the COM-Ankle angles to predict prospective falls. SettingGeneral community. ParticipantsSixty older adults over the age of 70 years were recruited using a volunteer sample. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s)Biomechanical balance parameters: the sagittal and frontal plane COM-Ankle angles during the sit-to-walk and turning phases of the timed Up and Go test. The COM-Ankle angles are the inclination angles of the line formed by the COM and lateral ankle (malleolus) marker of the stance foot in the sagittal and frontal planes. We also included the following clinical balance tests in the analysis: Activity-Specific Balance Confidence, Berg Balance Scale, Fullerton Advanced Balance scale, and timed Up and Go test. Their abilities to predict falls served as a reference for the biomechanical balance parameters. ResultsWhen the biomechanical gait balance measures were added to all the confounders, the explained variance was increased from 25.3% to 50.2%. Older adults who have a smaller sagittal plane COM-Ankle angle at seat-off, a greater frontal plane COM range of motion during STW and a smaller frontal plane angle during turning were more likely to become recurrent fallers. Conclusion(s)Our results indicated that dynamic biomechanical balance parameters could provide valuable information about a participant's future fall risks beyond what can be explained by demographics, cognition, depression, strength, and past fall history. Among all biomechanical parameters investigated, frontal plane COM motion measures during STW and turning appear to be the most significant predictors for future falls.

The relationship between physical activity level and balance parameters, muscle strength, fear of falling in patients with hypertension.

The number of studies investigating the role of physical activity and exercise in hypertension (HT) patients is insufficient in the literature, and reports evaluating the relationship between HT, physical activity, and balance are lacking. This study aims to examine the relationship between physical activity levels and balance parameters, muscle strength, and fear of falling in patients with HT. 78 subjects with HT participated in this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of all participants were recorded. Blood pressure was evaluated using a sphygmomanometer, physical activity level was assessed using a SenseWear Armband, fear of falling was assessed using the Fall Efficacy Scale, balance was assessed using the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale, and muscle strength was evaluated using a digital handheld dynamometer. All 78 subjects completed the study as planned. The average age of participants was 57.75 ± 5.82, the mean systolic blood pressure was 133 ± 5.73, and the diastolic blood pressure was 84 ± 6.78. 34.2% of participants used angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, 38% used beta blockers, and 26% used diuretic drugs. A positive correlation between physical activity and balance scores of individuals with HT was found (P < .005). It was also found that low muscle strength was associated with balance and risk of falling (P < .005). There is a positive correlation between decreased physical activity levels and balance in participants with HT. The results suggest that people with HT who have poor balance also have decreased muscle strength against gravity, such as in the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus. Overall, we recommend that patients with HT should improve their physical activity levels.

Validity and reliability of arabic version of Fullerton advanced balance scale in post mastectomy lymphedema.

Validity and reliability of arabic version of Fullerton advanced balance scale in post mastectomy lymphedema.

Reliability and Validity of The Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale in People with Multiple Sclerosis.

This study was conducted to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAB) in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). A total of 65 people with multiple sclerosis, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ranging from 1 to 5.5, were included in the study. Test-retest reliability, intra-rater, inter-rater reliability, and internal consistency (item-total score correlation, Cronbach's alpha coefficient) were investigated to examine the reliability of FAB. In the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability analysis, the FAB application of 34 patients, whose initial evaluation was gathered, was video-recorded and re-watched by two physiotherapists at different times and scored. For the Validity of FAB, concurrent validity with criterion validity; construct validity with hypothesis testing were calculated. Convergent validity was assessed for correlations with EDDS, Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Test-retest reliability of FAB Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) values was excellent (ICC= 0.994, p<0.001). While the intra-rater reliability (ICC=0.986, p<0.001) and inter-rater reliability (ICC=0.985, p<0.001) of the FAB were calculated at an excellent level. Cronbach's alpha value was determined to perfect correlation. (Cronbach's alpha coefficient: 0.929). FAB had an excellent correlation with BBS (0.919 (p<0.001). For convergent validity of FAB, EDSS (r=-0.885, p<0.001), TUG (r=-0.833, p<0.001), and DGI (r=0.916, p<0.001), it was determined that the scale had convergent validity. The FAB proved to be a reliable and valid in PwMS. The study showed that the FAB could be applied regardless of the physiotherapists' clinical experiences. It has been determined that the scale can be used in PwMS with a wide EDSS score. Considering the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability results, it is thought that the FAB is also suitable for use in the online environment.

Accuracy of the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale and a modified FAB model for predicting falls in older adults: A prospective study

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the accuracy of the FAB scale and the accuracy of combining certain FAB scale items into a model for predicting falls in older adults. MethodsEighty older adults were evaluated at baseline using all FAB scale items. A 6-month follow-up period was used to determine fall incidence. The Receiver Operation Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive capability of the total FAB scale for falls in older adults. A model comprising some FAB items was constructed using logistic regression analysis and a forward stepwise method. ROC curve analysis was used to assess the accuracy of the new model. ResultsThe accuracy of the total FAB scale for predicting falls was excellent (AUC = 0.95). The cut-off score for the FAB scale was 25 points, with a sensitivity of 96.5% and a specificity of 80%. Among the ten FAB items, a regression model was identified by combining four items: step up onto and over a 6-inch bench; tandem walk; standing on foam with eyes closed; and reactive postural control. The new model achieved an excellent level of accuracy (AUC = 0.98) with a cut-off score of 11 out of 16 points, a sensitivity of 100%, and a specificity of 87%. ConclusionsBoth the total FAB score and the new FAB model were highly accurate for predicting falls in older adults.

Psychometric properties of Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale in patients with stroke

ABSTRACT Background Patients experience falls frequently after stroke. Preserved or acquired balance skills decrease fall risk and improve independence. Feasibility of Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAB) has been shown in balance assessment in some neurological diseases except stroke. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of Turkish version of FAB (FAB-T) in patients with stroke (PwS). Methods This cross-sectional study included 51 PwS (60.64 ± 7.66 years). Reliability analyses were conducted with Cronbach’s alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Spearman correlation analysis. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were assessed with three raters. FAB-T, Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM), Brunnstrom Recovery Stages (BRS), Barthel Index (BI), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used for convergent validity. Correlations of FAB-T with Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) were measured for concurrent validity. Spearman correlation analysis was used for convergent and concurrent validity. For predictive validity patients’ self-reports of falling were analyzed with ROC. Results Intra-rater (ICC = 0.998) and inter-rater reliability (ICCs = 0.984; 0.984; 0.990), and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.930) were excellent. FAB-T had good correlations with STREAM (ρ = 0.677) and BI (ρ = 0.628), moderate correlations with BRS (ρ = 0.504 and ρ = 0.579) and physical function of SF-36 (ρ = 0.436). FAB-T excellently correlated with Mini-BESTest and BBS (ρ = 0.928 and ρ = 0.942). The cutoff score of FAB-T was determined to be 21.5 points, with sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 61% (AUC = 0.749). Conclusions FAB-T is a reliable and valid balance assessment tool with an acceptable accuracy of fall prediction in PwS.

Effect of Group-based Fallproof Program on Balance and Psychological Health of the Elderly With Different Ages

Background and Aims Balance control is needed to walk and function independently. Decreased balance accompanied by fear of falling can have a negative effect on the mental and physical health of older adults. In this study, we aim to assess the effect of group-based Fallproof program on balance and psychological aspects of health in the elderly with different ages. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, the study population consists of all healthy community-dwelling older people in Tehran, Iran. Based to the inclusion criteria, 60 people aged 65-85 years were selected using a convenience sampling method from public recreational centers. They were divided into three age groups: 65-71, 72-78, and 79-85 years. All groups received a group-based Fallproof program for eight weeks, three times a week. The Symptoms Checklist-90-Revised was used to measure psychological problems, and the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale was used to identify balance problems in the pre-test and post-test phases. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to evaluate the normality of data distribution, and analysis of covariance was used to measure the mean differences between groups The significance level was set at 0.05. Results The results showed a significant improvement in balance and psychological health of all three groups after the intervention (P&lt;0.001). The oldest group showed more significant improvement in all dependent variables when compared to other two groups. Therefore, older adults not only can benefit from exercise-based interventions, but also can achieve better physical and psychological results in short period by participating in group-based Fallproof program. Conclusion Eight weeks of group-based Fallproof program can be effective in improving balance and psychological health of the elderly and can be used along with other training protocols for improving balance problems of older adults.

Testing the validity and reliability of a new android application-based accelerometer balance assessment tool for community-dwelling older adults

BackgroundPostural instability is a risk factor for falls in older adults. It is possible to detect postural stability using an integrated accelerometer (ACC) sensor in a smartphone. Therefore, a novel ACC-based smartphone application running on the Android operating system called BalanceLab was created and tested. PurposeThis study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of a novel ACC-based Android smartphone application for assessing balance in older adults. MethodsUsing BalanceLab, 20 older adults completed three balance assessments: the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance (MCTSIB), a single-leg stance test (SLST), and a limit of stability test (LOS). The validity of this mobile application was investigated using a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system and the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale. The test-retest reliability of this mobile application was determined on two separate occasions within one day, at least two hours apart. ResultsThe two static balance assessments (the MCTSIB and SLST) demonstrated moderate to excellent correlation with the 3D motion analysis system (r = 0.70–0.91) and the FAB scale (r = 0.67–0.80). However, the majority of the dynamic balance tests (the LOS tests) did not demonstrate any correlation with the 3D motion analysis system or the FAB scale. This novel ACC-based application demonstrated good to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.76–0.91). ConclusionA static, but not dynamic, balance assessment tool that uses a novel ACC-based application for Android can be used to measure balance in older adults. This application has moderate to excellent validity and test-retest reliability.

Functional Fitness and Risk of Falling in Older Adults with Diabetic Neuropathy

Aims To assess functional fitness (FF) and its association with the risk of falling in older adults with diabetic neuropathy (DPN). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 104 older adults (60 to 80 years) with DPN. A senior fitness test assessed FF, and the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale evaluated the risk of falling. Result 71% of participants had below-average fitness in four or more FF parameters. Regression analysis shows that participants with lower performance on endurance (b = 0.05, p = 0.05), upper limb flexibility (b = 0.21, p = 0.01) and dynamic balance/agility fitness (b=-0.97, p < 0.001) are likely to have a higher risk of falling. Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis of FF parameters identified 56 steps and 9.88 seconds as cutoff scores for the 2-minute step test and 8-foot up-and-go test, respectively. Conclusion FF of older adults with DPN is subpar. FF assessments could assist in identifying older DPN patients at risk of falling.

Dry Needling and Neurodevelopmental Therapy versus Neurodevelopmental Therapy Alone on Spasticity and Functions in Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Dry needling is suggested as a novel and promising method for treating spasticity and functions after stroke. Objectives: To understand the effects of dry needling and neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) compared to NDT alone on post-stroke spasticity and functions.Materials and Methods: Forty-two patients with post-stroke spasticity were randomized into two groups: NDT and dry needling (n=21) or NDT alone (n=21). Dry needling was applied over the study group's gastrocnemius, quadriceps femoris, flexor carpi radialis, and biceps brachii muscles. The Modified Ashworth Scale and range of movement (ROM) assessment were used to assess spasticity before treatment (T1), immediately after the 1st session (T2), and after the 12th session (T3), while Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), and Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) Scale were used to assess functions at T1 and T3. Results: Dry needling and NDT were more effective in improving the gastrocnemius muscle tone (χ 2 =9.31; p=.025) than NDT alone. Compared to NDT alone group the improvement was higher on all ROM measurements in the dry needling and NDT group, which was more remarkable at T2 than T3. The dry needling and NDT group exhibited more significant improvements in the upper extremity (NHPT; F=88.316, p&lt;.001, η 2 =.694), lower extremity (10 MWT; F=7.075, p=.011, η2 =.495), and balance (FAB; F=58.435, p&lt;.001, η 2 =.600) functions compared to the NDT alone group. Conclusion: Dry needling and NDT effectively reduce spasticity but only significantly in the gastrocnemius muscle. Dry needling and NDT is also more effective than NDT alone in improving upper and lower limb and balance functions in stroke patients.Trial Registration : The trial was registered to ClinicalTrials. gov (identifier: NCT03863678) on March 5, 2019.

16주간 WEBB 운동이 여성노인의 기능체력, Fullerton 상급균형능력 및 낙상효능감에 미치는 영향

This study was to investigate the effect of WEBB exercise program of elderly women that was conducted for 16 weeks on Senior Fitness Test, Fullerton Advanced Balance scale ability and falls efficacy. Among women over 65 years old who regularly visited Senior Citizens center to D Center in B city, a total in 20 participants including WEBB exercise group(n=10) and control group(n=10) were participated in exercise intervention. The frequency of exercise that used WEBB exercise program was 3 times a week and for exercise intensity, subjective in borg’s RPE 9-11 for Week 1 to 8 and subjective borg’s RPE 12-13 for Week 9-16 were used. Among a total of 11 movements were applied and used step by step and they were divided into exercise hours and number of repetitions according the level of difficulty and movements. The exercise was conducted for a total of 60 minutes, focusing on muscular strength and balance that are important for the elderly women. To process the data of this study, we drew average and standard deviation of all measured items and conducted independent t-test to verify homogeneity among groups and conducted matching sample t-test to identify significant difference of times between each group. We also conducted two-way repeated ANOVA to verify interaction effect of exercise groups and periods, and set statistical significance level as α=.05.BR The results of two-way ANOVA for 6 factors of Senior Fitness Te showed that there was an interaction effect (p0.05-0.001) between WEBB exercise group and control group in four factors of strength of lower extremity, agility, dynamic equilibrium and cardiovascular endurance. In addition, the result of two-way ANOVA for 10 factors of Fullerton Advanced Balance ability showed that there was an interaction effect(p.01) between periods and groups in terms of FAB 1, 3, 5, 6, 9 and FAB total score was a positive change in an interaction effect between periods and groups for falls efficacy.BR In conclusion, WEBB exercise program of this study made positive changes in strength of lower extremity and balance, agility as weight-bearing exercise for improving balance ability of elderly women and had preventive effect of fall as a safe and effective exercise program. Therefore, it is considered WEBB exercise can be an effective exercise prescription for the elderly living in the community as it can not only help their daily life and be a useful exercise intervention tool that can lower the risk factors of fall for the elderly.

Symptoms of Sarcopenia and Physical Fitness through the Senior Fitness Test.

Physical fitness concerns a set of attributes related to the ability to perform physical activity that may justify the symptoms reported by the elderly in the context of sarcopenia. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the perception (symptomatology) of physical functioning (what the person thinks they are capable of) and the capacity itself for physical functioning in elderly people in northern Brazil. Cross-sectional study that analyzed 312 elderly people (72.6 ± 7.8 years) from the city of Novo Aripuanã, Amazonas, Brazil. Sarcopenia symptomatology was assessed using the SARC-F, a 5-item questionnaire designed for screening sarcopenia in older individuals in five domains: strength, walking aids, difficulty getting up from a chair, difficulty climbing stairs, and falls. Physical fitness was assessed by the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) battery including balance evaluated with the short version of the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale (FAB). ROC curve analysis revealed that the tests with the greatest ability to discriminate participants with significant symptoms for sarcopenia (≥4 points on SARC-F) were arm curl and 6 min walk: the probability of suspected sarcopenia increased exponentially with an arm curl < 11.5 reps for men (se = 71%; sp = 69%; AUC = 0.706, 95% CI: 0.612-0.788; p = 0.013) and women (se = 81%; sp = 51%; AUC = 0.671, 95% CI: 0.601-0.735; p ≤ 0.001) or with a 6-min walk <408.5 m for men (se = 71%; sp = 63%; AUC = 0.720, 95% CI: 0.628-0.690; p = 0.001) and <366.0 m for women (se = 69%; sp = 58%; AUC = 0.692, 95% CI: 0.623-0.755; p = 0.0001). Physical fitness assessed through the senior fitness test, particularly the 30-s-arm curl test and the 6-min walk test, can discriminate for suspected symptoms of sarcopenia.

Sex Differences in Falls: The Mediating Role of Gait Stability Ratio and Body Balance in Vulnerable Older Adults.

This study, conducted on a large sample of older adults at elevated fall risk (1), aimed to verify statistical differences in gait stability ratio (GSR) and body balance (BB) according to sex, (2) to examine and compare GSR and BB performance between older adult fallers and non-fallers, (3) to determine an association between GSR and BB according to the history of falls, and (4) to explore whether GSR and BB mediate the association between sex and falls. We included 619 individuals (69.8 ± 5.6 years) living in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal. The frequency of falls was obtained by self-report. BB was determined by the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale, while GSR was established by dividing cadence by gait speed and data collected during the 50-foot walk test. Males indicated a lower prevalence of falls in the last 12 months (23.6%), while females had a higher score (48.7%), as well as a lower balance performance (p < 0.001) and higher GSR scores (p < 0.001). Lower BB control (p < 0.001), as well as higher GSR, were more expressive for fallers (p < 0.001). We found a large, negative and significant correlation between GSR and BB for historical falls (r = −0.560; p < 0.001), and between male and female cohorts (r = −0.507; p < 0.001). The total effect of sex on falls mediated by GSR and BB was 16.4%. Consequently, GSR and BB mediated this association by approximately 74.0% and 22.5%, respectively.

Comparison of the DiagnosticAccuracy of Common Balance Measurement Tools in Community-Dwelling OlderAdults

Introduction: Balance screening has been identified as a major predictor of falls in the elderly. The current study compares the diagnostic accuracy of various balance instruments in community-dwelling older adults.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 145 older adults were recruited. The Berg balance scale (BBS), Fullerton advanced balance (FAB) scale, dynamic gait index (DGI), performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA), timed up and go (TUG) test, gait speed, step length, step test, and single item question were administered. The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to calculate diagnostic accuracy.&#x0D; Results: All single-item tools had moderate diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.76-0.89) and all multi-item tools had high diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.91-0.95) when using the recommended cut-off point of 45 for BBS. All multi-item tools maintained high to moderate diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.85-1.00) in all thresholds while using BBS severity cut-off points. The FAB scale showed the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.95) among all assessment tools. Single-item question scores (Wald=22.61, df=1, P=0.0001, Exp(B)=8.82) were significant as covariates in the regression model.&#x0D; Conclusion: For older adults with or without a history of falling, the FAB scale demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy. Along with single-item tools, the FAB scale may be a preferred multi-item tool.

저강도 저항운동이 근감소증과 근감소성 비만인 고령여성의 Fullerton 상급균형능력과 균형자신감 검사에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate any changes in fullerton advanced balance(FAB) and balance efficacy scale(BES) in exercise intervention according to low-intensity resistance exercise for 16 weeks.BRThe subjects of the study were women aged 75 older living in Jin-gu, Busan, who were selected for sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesiry by diagnosis of sarcopenia (ASM/height, kg/h²; 5.38 or less) and sarcopenia obesity (ASM/weight, % ; 25.6% or less, % fat, % ; 30% or less). The participants were randomly assigned into 4 groups; sarcopenia resistance exercise group (S-RG; n=10, 75.7±3.0 yrs), sarcopenia control group (S-G; n=12, 77.2±2.8 yrs), sarcopenia obesity resistance exercise group (n=11, 76.5±3.3 yrs), sarcopenia obesity control group(n=12, 76.1±2.9 yrs).BRFor the statistical analysis, such as t-test, and Two-Way Repeated measures ANOVA was calculated using SPSS Version 27.0. As a result of this study, the interaction effect with the interaction effect was shown in the FAB and BES test.BRBased on the research results, the low intensity resistance exercise program using dumbbells seems to play an important role as an exercise program in improving balance ability and physical activity for elderly women with sarcopenia and sarcopenia obesity in community centers, elderly welfare facilities, and homes.

Associations of Gait Speed, Cadence, Gait Stability Ratio, and Body Balance with Falls in Older Adults.

To investigate the association between gait speed (GS), cadence (CAD), gait stability ratio (GSR), and body balance (BB) with falls in a large sample of older adults. The analysis included 619 individuals-305 men and 314 women (69.50 ± 5.62 years)-residing in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal. Mobility in GS, CAD, and GSR was assessed using the 50-foot walk test and BB by the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale. The frequency of falls was obtained by self-report. Linear regression analysis showed that higher performance in GS and BB was able to reduce the risk of falling by up to 0.34 and 0.44 times, respectively. An increase in the GSR value enhanced the risk of falling by up to 0.10 times. Multinomial analysis indicated that, in relation to the highest tertile (reference), older adults classified with GS and BB performance in the lowest tertile (lowest) had an increased chance (OR) of falling by up to 149.3% and 48.8%, respectively. Moreover, in relation to the highest tertile, the performance of the GSR classified in the lowest and medium tercile showed an increase in the chance of falling by up to 57.4% and 56.4%, respectively.

Efficacy of a multiple-component and multifactorial personalized fall prevention program in a mixed population of community-dwelling older adults with stroke, Parkinson's Disease, or frailty compared to usual care: The PRE.C.I.S.A. randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundFall risk in the elderly is a major public health issue due to the injury-related consequences and the risk of associated long-term disability. However, delivering preventive interventions in usual clinical practice still represents a challenge.AimTo evaluate the efficacy of a multiple-component combined with a multifactorial personalized intervention in reducing fall rates in a mixed population of community-dwelling elderly compared to usual care.DesignRandomized Controlled Trial (NCT03592420, clinicalTrials.gov).SettingOutpatients in two Italian centers.Population403 community-dwelling elderly at moderate-to-high fall risk, including subjects with Parkinson's Disease and stroke.MethodsAfter the randomization, the described interventions were administered to the intervention group (n = 203). The control group (n = 200) received usual care and recommendations to minimize fall risk factors. In addition, each participant received a fall diary, followed by 12 monthly phone calls. The primary endpoint was the total number of falls in each group over 12 months, while the secondary endpoints were other fall-related indicators recorded at one year. In addition, participants' functioning was assessed at baseline (T1) and 3-month (T3).Results690 falls were reported at 12 months, 48.8% in the intervention and 51.2% in the control group, with 1.66 (± 3.5) and 1.77 (± 3.2) mean falls per subject, respectively. Subjects with ≥ 1 fall and ≥2 falls were, respectively, 236 (58.6%) and 148 (36.7%). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups regarding the number of falls, the falling probability, and the time to the first fall. According to the subgroup analysis, no significant differences were reported. However, a statistically significant difference was found for the Mini-BESTest (p = 0.004) and the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (p = 0.006) for the intervention group, with a small effect size (Cohen's d 0.26 and 0.32, respectively), at T1 and T3 evaluations.ConclusionsThe intervention was ineffective in reducing the number of falls, the falling probability, and the time to the first fall at 12 months in a mixed population of community-dwelling elderly. A significant improvement for two balance indicators was recorded in the intervention group. Future studies are needed to explore different effects of the proposed interventions to reduce falls and consequences.

The role of pain intensity and depressive symptoms in the relationship between sleep quality and postural control among middle-aged and older adults with Fibromyalgia

Objective Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition often accompanied by sleep problems and depression that are each associated with reduced physical ability including postural control. Research supports a sequential association between pain intensity and depression in FM, and poor sleep quality may play a key role in this relationship. This study aimed to verify a serial pattern of associations among sleep quality, pain intensity, and depressive symptoms and quantify these effects on objective postural control. Design Community-residing adults diagnosed with FM (n = 155; Mage = 61.08, SD = 7.70; 93% female; 79% White) were included in this cross-sectional study. Main outcomes Participants self-rated sleep quality (restorative sleep, sleep waking, and sleep latency), pain intensity, and depressive symptoms, and the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale and 8-Foot Up and Go Test (8FUPGT) measured objective postural control. Results Findings indicated that the serial association between pain intensity and depressive symptoms fully mediated the relationship between sleep quality and both FAB (95% CI [-.125, -.013]), and 8FUPGT (95% CI [.002, .033]) performance. Conclusion Findings highlight the serial association of pain intensity and depressive symptoms with objective postural control performance and the potential for sleep and depression interventions that may maximize functional outcomes in FM.