Functional Gait Assessment Scores Research Articles

The Feasibility and Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Tandem Cycling Program for Persons with Parkinson's Disease and Their Care Partners.

Persons with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) suffer from motor and non-motor symptoms which significantly affect their quality of life (QoL), and the QoL of their care partners (CP). Tandem cycling reduces PwPD motor symptoms; however, no studies have examined other benefits or included PwPD CP. We conducted an 8-week community virtual reality (VR) tandem cycling intervention to assess the feasibility and efficacy for PwPD and their CP (i.e., PD dyads). We hypothesized that dyadic tandem cycling would improve (1) PwPD motor and non-motor symptoms and (2) dimensions of PD dyads' QoL and physiologic health. Ten PD dyads were recruited to complete 8weeks of progressive intensity, bi-weekly tandem cycling. At pre- and post-testing, PwPD were assessed using the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-III (MDS-UPDRS-III), functional gait assessment (FGA), and 10-m gait speed test. PD dyads also completed emotional and cognitive status questionnaires [e.g., Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF)], and wore BodyGuard 2 heart rate (HR) monitors for 48h to assess surrogate measures of heart rate variability. Statistical analyses were conducted using Student's t tests with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Eight PD dyads and one PwPD completed the intervention. Retention of PwPD (90%) and CP (80%) was adequate, and PD dyad adherence ranged from 91.67 to 97.91%. PwPD demonstrated significant clinical improvements in MDS-UPDRS-III scores (-7.38, p<0.01), FGA scores (+3.50, p<0.01), and 10-m gait speed times (+0.27m/s, p<0.01), in addition to significant self-reported improvements in mobility (-13.61, p=0.02), fatigue (-5.99, p=0.02), and social participation (+4.69, p<0.01). CP depressive symptoms significantly decreased (-0.88, p=0.02), and PD dyads shared a significant increase in root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD; p=0.04). Our pilot study demonstrated feasibility and multiple areas of efficacy supporting further investigation of community VR tandem cycling as a therapeutic intervention for PD dyads.

Relationship between severity of concussion’s symptoms and functional performance in children

ABSTRACT Introduction Concussion is a common brain injury that has significant effects on multiple functional domains in children. However, limited research exists on the relationship between concussion severity and functional performance in this population. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the severity of concussion symptoms and children’s balance and functional performance. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 23 children (9 males and 14 females; mean age 13.9 ± 2.2 years) with clinically diagnosed concussions from a tertiary balance center in 2016. Participants underwent clinical and functional evaluations by specialized physical therapists. Symptom severity was assessed using the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS), while functional performance was measured using the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). Results There was a trend suggesting a negative correlation between symptom severity (PCSS) and functional performance (FGA), indicating potentially better performance in individuals with milder symptoms. However, this trend was not significant (rs (21) = –.072, p = 0.744). Furthermore, no significant correlation was found between FGA scores and the severity of individual symptoms. Conclusion The findings suggest that concussion symptom severity may not be directly related to functional performance in children. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate functional performance measures alongside symptom assessment for comprehensive concussion management.

Investigating health disparities in vestibular rehabilitation.

Health disparities (HD) impact care delivery and health outcomes in individuals with vestibular disorders (IVD). The purpose of this study is to identify whether health disparities (HD) exist in Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) between individuals identifying as Caucasians or racial or ethnic minorities (REM). This study was a retrospective chart review of IVD who attended outpatient VR between 1/2014 and 9/2020. Data recorded included age, gender, race/ethnicity, vestibular diagnosis, VR interventions, and pre-post outcome measures such as Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Gait speed (GS), and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). Chi-squared tests, one-tailed, and two-tailed t-tests (α= 0.05) were utilized to compare Caucasian and REM groups. Three hundred and forty-three charts (N = 343) met inclusion/exclusion criteria. REM demonstrated higher median DHI scores (46 vs. 38, p = 0.008) and lower ABC scores (53.10% vs. 66.30%, p < 0.001) at VR evaluation compared to Caucasians. There were no statistically significant differences in DHI, ABC, FGA, and GS scores between Caucasians and REM at discharge. VR was able to equalize HD in DHI and ABC which initially existed between REM and Caucasians. VR therapists should work with public health and policy researchers to improve access to VR.

Characteristics of the Functional Gait Assessment in adolescents with concussion.

To assesse the characteristics and validity of the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). Concussion is a frequent brain injury that affect cognition, balance, and mobility. Prediction of the course of recovery after concussion could be achieved using a multidimensional examination. The FGA has been used to assess balance of individuals with concussion. A prospective cross-sectional study was commenced between 2015-2020 in Pittsburgh, PA, USA, including 27 high schoolers with current complaints of concussion and 86 healthy controls. Participants in both groups provided demographics and completed FGA, Gait Disorientation Test (GDT), and Gait Speed (GS) tests. The FGA test correlated significantly with the GS and GDT. The FGA score in adolescents with concussion was significantly lower than healthy controls (U=1574.5, p=0.004). An FGA score less than 27 indicated a positive concussion injury with a sensitivity of 0.33 and a specificity of 0.92. The FGA showed a diagnostic odds ratio of 5.64. The positive and the negative likelihood ratios were of 3.03 and 0.54, respectively. For adolescents with concussion, the FGA showed no floor effect; however, a small ceiling effect (11.1%) was observed. The FGA was valid and feasible to assess concussion injuries. It should be noted that a full score on the FGA should not be interpreted as full recovery from a concussion injury.

Instrumented insoles for assessment of gait in patients with vestibular schwannoma.

Imbalance and gait disturbances are common in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) and can result in significant morbidity. Current methods for quantitative gait analysis are cumbersome and difficult to implement. Here, we use custom-engineered instrumented insoles to evaluate the gait of patients diagnosed with VS. Twenty patients with VS were recruited from otology, neurosurgery, and radiation oncology clinics at a tertiary referral center. Functional gait assessment (FGA), 2-minute walk test (2MWT), and uneven surface walk test (USWT) were performed. Custom-engineered instrumented insoles, equipped with an 8-cell force sensitive resistor (FSR) and a 9-degree-of-freedom inertial measurement unit (IMU), were used to collect stride-by-stride spatiotemporal gait parameters, from which mean values and coefficients of variation (CV) were determined for each patient. FGA scores were significantly correlated with gait metrics obtained from the 2MWT and USWT, including stride length, stride velocity, normalized stride length, normalized stride velocity, stride length CV, and stride velocity CV. Tumor diameter was negatively associated with stride time and swing time on the 2MWT; no such association existed between tumor diameter and FGA or DHI. Instrumented insoles may unveil associations between VS tumor size and gait dysfunction that cannot be captured by standardized clinical assessments and self-reported questionnaires.

Effect of Vestibular Rehabilitation Program Using a Booklet in Patients with Chronic Peripheral Vestibular Hypofunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study investigated the effects of a supervised home-based vestibular rehabilitation program using a booklet on gait function and dizziness in patients with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction. This was a non-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Patients (n=42) with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction were randomly divided into the vestibular rehabilitation group (VR group; n=20) or the control group (n=22). Patients in the VR group received a supervised home-based vestibular rehabilitation program using a booklet in addition to physician care for 4 weeks. The physical therapist checked the home program when the VR group visited the outpatient clinic once a week. Patients in the control group received physician care only during the trial period. The primary outcome was functional gait assessment (FGA). The secondary outcomes were the dynamic gait index (DGI) and the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI). Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed a significant interaction for FGA, DGI, DHI total, and DHI emotional scores (P<0.05) with the VR group improving more than the control group. No significant interactions were found for DHI physical and DHI functional scores (P≥0.05). The home-based vestibular rehabilitation program in this study was effective in improving gait function and dizziness in patients with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction. Regular supervision may have improved adherence to home exercise and contributed to the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation.

Single-stage Flexor Hallucis Longus transfer and Gracilis free flap cover for failed Achilles tendon repair with soft tissue defect

IntroductionReconstruction of failed Achilles tendon repair, with infection and loss of overlying skin, is a surgical challenge. This paper aims to deal with the technical considerations and study the outcome of reconstructing such defects by radical debridement and reconstruction with combined Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer and free Gracilis flap cover. Materials and methodsA retrospective study of six patients with failed Achilles tendon repair with overlying skin and soft tissue loss reconstructed by FHL transfer and free Gracilis flap cover performed between January 2017 and August 2020 was conducted. Postoperatively, they were assessed with the Mean Functional Gait Assessment score(MFGA), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score, the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), and Modified Vancouver scar scale score (mVSS). ResultsAll six patients reported a good gait at nine months of follow-up. The MFGA score at six months was 24.8. The mean ankle plantar flexion at nine months follow up was 39.1° . The mean nine-month postoperative AOFAS and ATRS scores were 86.33 ± 2.654 and 88.5 ± 5.54, respectively. At nine months, all the patients could perform a single-leg heel raise on the operated foot. The overall mean mVSS score was 1.41. In about 12 months, the peak forefoot to hindfoot ratio matched the uninjured opposite foot. ConclusionSimultaneous reconstruction of the Achilles tendon with FHL transfer with free Gracilis flap for the coverage of overlying soft tissue loss is a good management option for failed Achilles tendon repair with overlying skin loss.

Six month lower-leg mechanical tactile sensory stimulation alters functional network connectivity associated with improved gait in older adults with peripheral neuropathy - A pilot study.

Foot sole somatosensory impairment associated with peripheral neuropathy (PN) is prevalent and a strong independent risk factor for gait disturbance and falls in older adults. Walkasins, a lower-limb sensory prosthesis, has been shown to improve gait and mobility in people with PN by providing afferent input related to foot sole pressure distributions via lower-leg mechanical tactile stimulation. Given that gait and mobility are regulated by sensorimotor and cognitive brain networks, it is plausible improvements in gait and mobility from wearing the Walkasins may be associated with elicited neuroplastic changes in the brain. As such, this study aimed to examine changes in brain network connectivity after 26 weeks of daily use of the prosthesis among individuals with diagnosed PN and balance problems. In this exploratory investigation, assessments of participant characteristics, Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging were completed at study baseline and 26 weeks follow-up. We found that among those who have completed the study (N = 8; mean age 73.7 years) we observed a five-point improvement in FGA performance as well as significant changes in network connectivity over the 26 weeks that were correlated with improved FGA performance. Specifically, greater improvement in FGA score over 26 weeks was associated with increased connectivity within the Default Mode Network (DMN; p < 0.01), the Somatosensory Network (SMN; p < 0.01), and the Frontoparietal Network (FPN; p < 0.01). FGA improvement was also correlated with increased connectivity between the DMN and the FPN (p < 0.01), and decreased connectivity between the SMN and both the FPN (p < 0.01) and cerebellum (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that 26 weeks of daily use of the Walkasins device may provide beneficial neural modulatory changes in brain network connectivity via the sensory replacement stimulation that are relevant to gait improvements among older adults with PN.

Effects of multi-directional step exercise with weight-shifting as an adjunct to conventional exercises on balance and gait in stroke patients

Stroke patients have gait dysfunctions that affect their activities of daily living. Stroke patients should be able to take multi-directional steps as it is necessary to achieve an independent gait. The study aimed to examine the effects of multi-directional step exercises (MSE) along with weight-shifting as an adjunct to conventional therapeutic exercises (CTE) on functional gait performance and balance in patients with stroke. Twenty-four stroke patients (mean age 56.75 years) participated in the study and were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group (EG) included MSE along with weight shifting and CTE. The control group (CG) included only CTE. Treatment intervention lasted for 4 weeks. Gait and balance were measured using the functional gait assessment (FGA) and the berg balance scale (BBS), respectively. EG showed a significant improvement (p = 0.000) in both the BBS and FGA scores. In CG, a significant improvement (p = 0.000) was observed only in FGA scores. EG showed a greater improvement in scores of BBS (p = 0.000) and FGA (p = 0.000) than CG. Four weeks of MSE in conjunction with CTE were more effective in improving balance and functional gait performance compared to CTE alone in the selected stroke population.

Traditional Chinese medicine Pingchan granule for motor symptoms and functions in Parkinson's disease: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BackgroundPingchan granule (PCG) is a traditional Chinese medicine for Parkinson's disease (PD). Hypothesis/PurposeThis was the first study aiming to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PCG for motor symptoms, gait impairments and quality of life in PD. Study Design and MethodsIn this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 292 participants were included and followed for 9 months, randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive PCG or placebo. The primary outcome was the severity of motor symptoms assessed by Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Rating Scale III (MDS-UPDRS-III) motor score. Secondary outcomes included timed up and go test (TUG), functional gait assessment (FGA), freezing of gait (FOG), and quality of life assessed by Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ-39). Assessments were done at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), 6 months (T2) and 9 months (T3). Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiCTR-INR-1,701,194. ResultsGeneralized estimating equation analyses revealed that PCG group had significantly better improvement in MDS-UPDRS-III motor score than placebo group, as well as its domain scores of axial symptoms, bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor. Improvements of TUG time, FGA, FOG questionnaire (FOGQ), and PDQ39 scores were also observed. ConclusionPCG had a long-lasting efficacy for motor symptoms and function in PD with good tolerance, supporting that PCG might be a viable alternative in the management of PD.

Visual oscillation effects on dynamic balance control in people with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundPeople with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) have balance deficits while ambulating through environments that contain moving objects or visual manipulations to perceived self-motion. However, their ability to parse object from self-movement has not been explored. The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of medial–lateral oscillations of the visual field and of objects within the scene on gait in PwMS and healthy age-matched controls using virtual reality (VR).MethodsFourteen PwMS (mean age 49 ± 11 years, functional gait assessment score of 27.8 ± 1.8, and Berg Balance scale score 54.7 ± 1.5) and eleven healthy controls (mean age: 53 ± 12 years) participated in this study. Dynamic balance control was assessed while participants walked on a treadmill at a self-selected speed while wearing a VR headset that projected an immersive forest scene. Visual conditions consisted of (1) no visual manipulations (speed-matched anterior/posterior optical flow), (2) 0.175 m mediolateral translational oscillations of the scene that consisted of low pairing (0.1 and 0.31 Hz) or (3) high pairing (0.15 and 0.465 Hz) frequencies, (4) 5 degree medial–lateral rotational oscillations of virtual trees at a low frequency pairing (0.1 and 0.31 Hz), and (5) a combination of the tree and scene movements in (3) and (4).ResultsWe found that both PwMS and controls exhibited greater instability and visuomotor entrainment to simulated mediolateral translation of the visual field (scene) during treadmill walking. This was demonstrated by significant (p < 0.05) increases in mean step width and variability and center of mass sway. Visuomotor entrainment was demonstrated by high coherence between center of mass sway and visual motion (magnitude square coherence = ~ 0.5 to 0.8). Only PwMS exhibited significantly greater instability (higher step width variability and center of mass sway) when objects moved within the scene (i.e., swaying trees).ConclusionResults suggest the presence of visual motion processing errors in PwMS that reduced dynamic stability. Specifically, object motion (via tree sway) was not effectively parsed from the observer’s self-motion. Identifying this distinction between visual object motion and self-motion detection in MS provides insight regarding stability control in environments with excessive external movement, such as those encountered in daily life.

The Impact of Triangle Hierarchical Management on Self-Management Behavior and Quality of Survival in Parkinson's Patients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Triangle tiered and graded management on the self-management behavior and quality of survival of Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients.MethodsEighty ambulatory PD patients admitted to the neurology outpatient clinic of our hospital from June 2020 to January 2021 were selected for the study. Eighty patients were divided into 40 cases each in the test group and the control group using the random number table method. Patients in the control group were given conventional treatment and care, while in the test group, Triangle hierarchical management was applied on the basis of the control group. Non-motor symptoms [assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Inventory (MoCA), the Scale for Outcomes in PD for Autonomic Symptoms disability Scale (SCOPA-DS) and the Nocturnal Scale (SCOPA-NS)], motor symptoms [assessed by the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), the Modified Ashworth Scale, and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III)], quality of life (assessed by Barthel Index), medication adherence (self-administered medication adherence questionnaire), quality of survival (assessed by the 39-item Parkinson's Disease Quality of Survival Questionnaire, PDQ-39), and self-management effectiveness (assessed by the Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scale, symptom management and disease co-management) were compared between the two groups before and after the intervention. The two groups were also observed for satisfaction with care.ResultsAfter the intervention, the MoCA score, FGA score, Barthel Index, Medication adherence and all scores of self-management effectiveness were significantly higher in the test group than in the control group (P < 0.05); the SCOPA-DS score, SCOPA-NS score, Ashworth score, UPDRS-III score and PDQ-39 score were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). Satisfaction with nursing care was significantly higher in the test group than in the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe application of Triangle's tiered and graded management to the home care of ambulatory PD patients was effective in improving their non-motor and motor symptoms, their ability to perform daily activities, medication adherence and self-management effectiveness, and their overall survival outcome.

P 36 Split-belt training but not cerebellar anodal tDCS improves stability control and reduces risk of fall in patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease leading to gait impairment in 40-60% of people with MS (PwMS). The following loss of mobility and increased risk of falls is a key concern due to the interference with activities of daily living and independence. Further, a heightened fear of falling constitutes a vicious cycle leading to deconditioning and social isolation. The management of motor symptoms in MS remains a therapeutic challenge. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to develop effective and alternative approaches to motor symptom management. Split-belt treadmill (SBT) paradigms are a promising tool for improving gait and balance in PwMS due to its ability to improve walking symmetry. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulatory method that is emerging as a promising rehabilitative tool. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of a non-pharmacological intervention combining multiple sessions of SBT with cerebellar anodal tDCS (ca-tDCS) on gait and balance in PwMS. We hypothesized that the combination of motor training and stimulation would be complementary, further translating to a reduction in risk of falls and increased mobility in PwMS. Patients and Methods: 22 PwMS received six sessions of anodal (PwMSreal, n = 12) or sham (PwMSsham, n = 10) tDCS to the cerebellum ipsilateral to the faster leg prior to performing the locomotor adaptation task on the SBT. To evaluate the effect of the intervention on gait and balance, functional gait assessment (FGA) scores and distance walked in 2 minutes (2MWT) were measured at baseline (T0), day 6 (T5) and at 4-week follow up (T6). Results: PwMSreal and PwMSsham showed the same level of performance and changes on the motor outcomes independent from tDCS stimulation mode applied to the cerebellum (anodal vs. sham, p > 0.05 on FGA and 2MWT). When the data were pooled across the groups to investigate the effects of multiple sessions of SBT training alone, an improvement in FGA scores relative to baseline by 3.3 and 5.1 points at T5 and T6 respectively was found (p < 0.001). The change in FGA at T6 was significantly higher than at T5 ( p = 0.010) underlining a long-lasting improvement. An improvement in distance walked during the 2MWT was also observed by 12.31 m on T5 and 11.56 m T6 relative to T0 (p < 0.050) . Conclusion: While no effect of ca-tDCS was found on improving gait and balance in PwMS, multiple sessions of SBT walking resulted in a significant and lasting improvement in gait stability and endurance as measured by FGA and 2MWT respectively. Before we can rule out any potential beneficial effect of combining tDCS with training, more thorough investigations into altered brain activation and functional connectivity patterns in PwMS are needed which could aid the selection of more effective tDCS parameters that will be able to boost therapeutic outcomes.

Efficacy of supervised vestibular rehabilitation on functional mobility in patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction.

[Purpose] This study aimed to compare the effects of different intervention frequencies on walking ability and balance in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction. [Participants and Methods] Participants included in this case-control study were assigned to one of two groups: the multiple-intervention (once a week) and single-intervention groups. Results for the Timed Up and Go test, Dynamic Gait Index, Functional Gait Assessment, and Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale were determined at baseline and four weeks after initiating the vestibular rehabilitation program. Thereafter, intra- and inter-group differences in the rates of change of these parameters were determined. [Results] The Timed Up and Go test values, Dynamic Gait Index, and Functional Gait Assessment scores improved significantly after four weeks in the multiple-intervention group. The improvement rate in the Timed Up and Go test differed significantly between the two groups. The Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale scores did not significantly change in either group after four weeks. [Conclusion] Compared to a single intervention, multiple interventions by a physical therapist produced significantly greater benefits in a relatively shorter period of time in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction.

Impact of strength and balance on Functional Gait Assessment performance in older adults

BackgroundThe Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) evaluates postural stability in gait and predicts fall risk in older adults. Individual tasks within the FGA consider aspects of mobility assumed to require strength and/or balance to complete. Identifying how quantitative measures of strength and balance relate to FGA performance would allow for more targeted interventions based on one’s pattern of performance on different tasks. Research QuestionIs performance on the FGA (total score and individual task scores) related to measures of strength and balance in healthy older adults? MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, healthy older adults (N = 46) were evaluated with the FGA, measures of knee extensor strength, and balance (static stance and weight shifting) (N = 46). Correlational analyses were performed between FGA scores (total and individual) and measures of strength and balance. ResultsTotal FGA performance was positively correlated with knee extensor strength (maximum torque and rate of torque development). Individual FGA tasks of walking backwards (task 9) and stair climbing (task 10) had the highest correlations with strength measures. Total FGA performance was correlated with reduced postural sway in static balance tasks, but not with balance performance on the weight shifting tasks. The individual FGA task that challenged proprioceptive (task 7) inputs for balance was associated with static balance. SignificanceThe total FGA score is related to domains of strength and static balance. The results indicate that the FGA can be influenced by reduced strength and balance. The pattern of performance on individual FGA tasks may indicate whether reduced postural stability in gait is related to deficits in strength or balance domains in this older population.

Examining the Relationship Between Conventional Outcomes and Immersive Balance Task Performance in Service Members With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is associated with significant financial cost and reduced military readiness and impacts quality of life for active duty service members (SMs). Post-concussive symptoms can include vestibular impairments, such as chronic dizziness and postural instability, which can be compounded by psychological comorbidities like PTSD. Comprehensive vestibular evaluations are required to assess symptoms and guide clinical decision-making. At the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE), in addition to traditional vestibular assessments, clinicians can also leverage virtual environments (VEs) in the Computer-Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) to further evaluate balance. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between conventional outcomes and VE performance on immersive balance tasks in the CAREN, determine whether VE performance could predict conventional outcomes, and explore the impact of PTSD. This retrospective analysis included 112 SMs from the NICoE Intensive Outpatient Program who provided informed consent for their clinical data to be used for research purposes. All had a history of mTBI, underwent vestibular evaluations, and completed immersive balance tasks on the CAREN. Conventional outcomes included the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), Activities Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). The PTSD Checklist-Military Version was added to account for behavioral symptoms. Computer-Assisted Rehabilitation Environment outcomes included total time to complete the Balance Cubes VE, with the platform static (BC-Static) and with random platform motion (BC-PM) as well as composite scores for the Shark Hunt VE, with (SH-Recall) and without a recall task (SH-Standard). Statistical analyses included independent t-tests to determine group differences, Pearson's correlations to examine relationships between conventional outcomes and VE performance, and binary logistic regressions to determine if VE performance predicted conventional outcomes based on clinically relevant cutoffs. SMs who took less time to complete BC-Static had better overall balance, indicated by higher ABC, SOT, and FGA scores (P <.001). Those with greater self-reported dizziness, higher DHI scores, took longer to complete BC-Static (P < .05). FGA and SOT, objective gait and balance, were similarly correlated to BC-PM performance (P <.001). SMs with higher SOT scores, better balance, also tended to have higher SH-Standard scores (P <.1). SMs, who were above normative SOT, FGA, and ABC cutoffs, completed BC-Static significantly faster than those below (P <.05). This remained true for BC-PM but was only significant for SOT (P = .004). Performance on BC-Static, BC-PM, and SH-Standard was significant predictors of SOT score. For SMs with comorbid mTBI and PTSD, increased functional disability was observed in conventional outcomes and diminished VE performance was noted. Objective balance and gait, SOT and FGA, demonstrated the strongest relationships to immersive VE performance in the CAREN. Our findings suggest that these immersive balance tasks may be effective as an adjunct assessment to examine balance. Future work will focus on moving these VEs from the CAREN to a portable system, which could be more readily utilized in a variety of clinical settings, increasing accessibility.

Comparison between Right and Left Hemisphere Lesion of Stroke Patients for Functional Gait Assessment

Objective: To compared the functional gait among left and right hemisphere lesion patients of stroke. Methods: This cross sectional comparative study included 126 patients with right and left sided hemispheric lesion. The study was conducted from December 2019 to March 2020. Patients were selected consecutively from different hospitals and rehabilitation centers of Lahore, Pakistan on the basis of inclusion & exclusion criteria. Functional gait assessment (FGA) scale was used to measure functional gait performance and disturbance related to balance in stroke patients. Independent sample t-test was used for comparison of functional gait between left and right hemispheric lesions. A p-value ≤ .05 was taken statistically significant. Results: A total of 126 patients of stroke with right and left sided hemisphere lesion were assessed for functional gait assessment. The mean age of patients in group A and B was 54.19±8.54 years and 51.46±8.57 years, respectively. The mean weight of patients in group A and B was 61.95±8.82 kg and 58.67±5.83 kg, respectively. Functional gait assessment mean score in group A was 12.56±2.60 and in group B was 15.59±4.17 points with p-value of 0.001. There was a significant difference of FGA scores present between the two groups. Conclusions: The study concluded that ambulatory functions differ with respect to site of hemisphere lesion. The site of hemisphere lesion impact on patient's functional gait has statistically significant.

Perceived and actual changes in gait balance after CSF shunting in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

We evaluated the perceived and actual changes in gait and balance function immediately after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), including those with mild cases. Ninety-nine iNPH patients were assessed using the timed Up and Go (TUG) and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) before and 1-week after CSF shunting and their perceived changes were assessed on a Global Rate of Change (GRC) scale. Minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) were calculated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve method using GRC scores. In all patients (n=99), the TUG value postoperatively was significantly faster than the preoperative value (difference; 3.1±4.6s, p<0.001), and the postoperative FGA score was significantly better than the preoperative score (difference; 3.8±3.3 points, p<0.001). In the TUG <15s group (n=51), the postoperative FGA score was significantly improved (difference; 3.3±2.9 points, p<0.001), whereas the TUG value was only slightly improved (difference; 0.6±1.6s, p=0.008). The ROC curve MCIDs of GRC ≥2 points, which is the recommended level of improvement, were 1.7s (16.5%) for the TUG and 4 points (20.0%) for the FGA in all patients (n=99) and the TUG <15s group (n=51). FGA can be used to confirm treatment effects, including perceived and actual changes after CSF shunting, in patients with mild iNPH. Our results can help clinicians to determine the clinical significance of improvements in gait and balance function immediately after CSF shunting in individual patients with iNPH.

Dual tasking interferes with dynamic balance in young and old healthy adults

BACKGROUND: Functional mobility requires an ability to adapt to environmental factors together with an ability to execute a secondary task simultaneously while walking. A complex dual-tasking gait test may provide an indication of functional ability and falls risk among community-dwelling older adults. PURPOSE: The aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate age-related differences in dual-tasking ability and to evaluate whether dual-tasking ability is related to executive function. METHODS: Forty-one community-dwelling healthy older and forty-one younger adults completed a dual-tasking assessment in which concurrent tasks were incorporated into the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). The manual dual-task involved carrying a glass of water (FGA-M) while the cognitive dual-tasks involved numeracy (FGA-N) and literacy (FGA-L) related tasks. FGA scores under single (FGA-S) and dual-task conditions together with associated dual-task costs and response accuracy were determined. Executive function was assessed using The Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS). RESULTS: FGA-N and FGA-L scores were adversely affected in both groups compared to FGA-S (p≤0.001). However, score reductions and dual-task costs were significantly greater for older adults compared to younger adults on FGA-N (p≤0.05) and FGA-L (p≤0.001), with older adult performance on FGA-N associated with falls risk (p≤0.05). Executive function did not appear to be related to dual-tasking ability. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that cognitively demanding tasks while walking, have a deleterious effect on dynamic balance and could place older adults at a greater risk of falls.

The Effects of a Wearable Sensory Prosthesis on Gait and Balance Function After 10 Weeks of Use in Persons With Peripheral Neuropathy and High Fall Risk - The walk2Wellness Trial.

BackgroundSensory peripheral neuropathy (PN) is associated with gait, balance problems and high fall risk. The walk2Wellness trial investigates effects of long-term, home-based daily use of a wearable sensory prosthesis on gait function, balance, quality of life and fall rates in PN patients. The device (Walkasins®, RxFunction Inc., MN, United States) partially substitutes lost nerve function related to plantar sensation providing directional tactile cues reflecting plantar pressure measurements during standing and walking. We tested the null hypothesis that the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) score would remain unchanged after 10 weeks of use.MethodsParticipants had PN with lost plantar sensation, gait and balance problems, an FGA score < 23 (high fall risk), and ability to sense tactile stimuli above the ankle. Clinical outcomes included FGA, Gait Speed, Timed Up&Go (TUG) and 4-Stage Balance Test. Patient-reported outcomes included Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale, PROMIS participation and satisfaction scores, pain rating, and falls. Evaluations were performed at baseline and after 2, 6, and 10 weeks. Subjects were not made aware of changes in outcomes. No additional balance interventions were allowed.ResultsForty-five participants of 52 enrolled across four sites completed in-clinic assessments. FGA scores improved from 15.0 to 19.1 (p < 0.0001), normal and fast gait speed from 0.86 m/s to 0.95 m/s (p < 0.0001) and 1.24 m/s to 1.33 m/s (p = 0.002), respectively, and TUG from 13.8 s to 12.5 s (p = 0.012). Four-Stage Balance Test did not improve. Several patient-reported outcomes were normal at baseline and remained largely unchanged. Interestingly, subjects with baseline ABC scores lower than 67% (high fall risk cut-off) increased their ABC scores (49.9% to 59.3%, p = 0.01), whereas subjects with ABC scores above 67% showed a decrease (76.6% to 71.8%, p = 0.019). Subjects who reported falls in the prior 6 months (n = 25) showed a decrease in the number of fall-risk factors (5.1 to 4.3, p = 0.023) and a decrease in fall rate (13.8 to 7.4 falls/1000 days, p = 0.014). Four pre-study non-fallers (n = 20) fell during the 10 weeks.ConclusionA wearable sensory prosthesis presents a new way to treat gait and balance problems and manage falls in high fall-risk patients with PN.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT03538756).