Balance Training Group Research Articles

Sensor-Based Balance Training with Exergaming Feedback in Subjects with Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

As one of the leading causes of disability in the world, stroke can determine a reduction of balance performance with a negative impact on daily activity and social life. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of sensor-based balance training with exergaming feedback on balance skills in chronic stroke patients. 21 individuals (11F, 57.14 ± 13.82 years) with a single event of ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to the sensor-based balance training group (SB-group) or the usual care balance training group (UC-group). Both groups received 10 add-on sessions with exergaming feedback (SB-group) or conventional training (UC-group). Clinical and instrumental evaluation was performed before (t0), after (t1), and after one month (t2) from intervention. Participation level was assessed using the Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale at the end of each session. The SB-group showed an improvement in postural stability (p = 0.02) when compared to the UC-group. In the evaluation of motivational level, the score was statistically higher in the SB-group with respect to the UC-group (p < 0.01). Except for the improvement in postural stability, no difference was recorded in clinical score, suggesting a comparable gain in both groups. However, patients undergoing sensor-based training exhibited a higher participation score, ultimately indicating the use of this training to improve the adherence to rehabilitation settings, especially in patients with lower compliance.

The Effects of Augmenting Balance Training with Stroboscopic Goggles on Postural Control in Chronic Ankle Instability Patients: A Critically Appraised Topic.

Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) typically complete balance training protocols to improve postural control and reduce recurrent injury risk. However, the presence of CAI persists after traditional balance training protocols suggesting that such programs may be missing elements that could be beneficial to patients. Visual occlusion modalities, such as stroboscopic goggles, may be able to augment balance training exercises to further enhance postural control gains in those with CAI. However, a cumulative review of the existing evidence has yet to be conducted. Does wearing stroboscopic goggles during balance training result in greater improvements to postural control than balance training alone in those with CAI? All 3 studies indicated that the stroboscopic goggles group had statistically significant improvements in either a measure of static or dynamic postural control relative to the standard balance training group. However, significant improvements were not consistent across all postural control outcomes assessed in the included studies. Postural control may improve more in those with CAI when stroboscopic goggles were worn while completing balance training exercises relative to completing balance training exercises alone. Overall, consistent moderate- to high-quality evidence was present in the 3 studies, suggesting grade C evidence for the use of stroboscopic goggles during balance training in those with CAI.

The effects of six weeks of combined balance and plyometric training on postural control performance in elite badminton players: A pilot randomized, controlled study

Background/ObjectivesThe athletic performance in badminton players largely depends on the capability of dynamic postural control to quickly restore balance when performing high-paced movements (e.g., frequent single-leg jumps). Our aim was to examine the effects of a novel intervention that combines balance training on an unstable surface and plyometric training on the performance of restoring balance after jumping, as well as related postural control in elite badminton players. MethodsSixteen elite male badminton players were randomly allocated to either a combined balance and plyometric training group (CT, n = 8) or a plyometric training group (PT, n = 8). The CT group participated in a six-week training program, which included three training sessions per week. Each session comprised 40 min of plyometric exercises and 20 min of balance training. The PT group underwent plyometric training using the identical protocol as that of the CT group. All participants underwent identical technical training in badminton throughout the duration of the study. At baseline and immediately after the intervention, participants completed a single-leg jumping test. The capacity to restore balance was evaluated using the time to stabilization (TTS) after landing; and the related center of pressure (COP) fluctuations were also recorded. The effect of intervention was examined by two-way repeated-measures of ANOVA. ResultsThe primary two-way repeated-measures ANOVA models showed no significant interactions between group and time on either the time to stability in the dominant leg (D-TTS) or the time to stability in the non-dominant leg (N-TTS) (p > 0.70). Significant main effects of time, group, and their interactions on dominant legs of the anterior-posterior displacement difference (D-COPAP) (time: p = 0.001; group: p = 0.001; interaction: p = 0.014), non-dominant legs of the anterior-posterior displacement difference (N-COPAP) (time: p < 0.001; group: p = 0.003; interaction: p = 0.021) and non-dominant legs of the medial-lateral displacement difference (N-COPML) (time: p < 0.001; group: p < 0.001; interaction: p = 0.026), that is, compared to baseline of both groups and post PT, the COP metrics were significantly reduced after CT. Secondarily, within the CT and PT group, after the intervention, the N-TTS (CT: p = 0.001, post: 0.58 ± 0.87; PT: p = 0.03, post: 0.71 ± 0.11) was significantly decreased compared to baseline (CT pre: 0.76 ± 0.16; PT pre: 0.88 ± 0.13). ConclusionThis pilot study demonstrated that, compared to PT-only, the 6-week CT which combines balance training induced comparable improvements in the capacity to restoring balance after landing from a single-leg jump, and significantly improved the postural control performance as measured by COP metrics.

Improving trunk posture control in children with CP through a cable-driven robotic hippotherapy: A randomized controlled feasibility study

BackgroundMany children with cerebral palsy (CP) show impairments in trunk posture control, one crucial factor contributing to impairments in gait and arm manipulation. Research questionThe goal of this study was to test the feasibility of the cable-driven hippotherapy system on improving trunk posture control and walking function in children with CP. MethodTen children were recruited in this study with average age 6.4 ± 3.0 years old, and were randomly assigned to the robotic group and the conventional balance training group. A custom designed cable-driven robotic hippotherapy system was used to deliver controlled pelvis perturbations while children were sitting astride. Participants from both groups underwent intensive robotic hippotherapy training or conventional balance training, depending on their group assignment, for 6 weeks (3 time/week). Outcome measures were assessed pre and post 6 weeks of robotic or conventional balance training, and 8 weeks after the end of training (follow-up test). The primary outcome measure was trunk control, which was measured using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS). In addition, the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), self-selected overground walking speed, and 6-minute walking distance were also assessed. ResultsThe change in TCMS score from baseline to the post intervention was significantly greater for the robotic group than that for the conventional group (i.e., 6 ± 3 vs. −1 ± 5, p = 0.048, Mann-Whitney test). GMFM scores, self-selected overground walking speed, and 6-minute walking distance showed no significant improvement after robotic hippotherapy and after conventional balance training (p > 0.05). SignificanceResults from this study indicated that it was feasible to improve trunk posture control in children with CP using a cable-driven robotic hippotherapy system. Knowledge obtained from this study may provide an insight for the development of new perturbation-based intervention approaches for improving trunk posture control in children with CP.

The Effect of Different Dual-Task Balance Training Methods on Balance and Cognitive Function of Older Adults

Background: This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of different dual-task training methods on balance and cognitive function in the elderly. Methods: The participants in this study were 36 elderly individuals aged 65 years and older who met the research entry criteria. The selected individuals were divided into three groups, 12 people each, based on the pre-test Berg balance scores. The research groups included two dual-task balance training groups, one with fixed and one with variable priority, and a control group. The Berg balance test was used to assess functional balance in the elderly, and the serial reaction time test was used to assess cognitive function. Data analysis was conducted using covariance analysis and the Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: The data analysis showed no significant difference between the control group and the dual task groups with fixed and variable priority in the balance test. The serial reaction time test results indicated a significant difference between the control group and the dual-task practice groups with fixed and variable priority. Moreover, there was a significant difference between the two dual-task practice groups post-intervention. Conclusion: This research demonstrated that dual-task training, particularly with variable priority, resulted in faster information processing in the elderly. Therefore, it appears that, in addition to the theory of limited attention capacity, other mechanisms, such as the allocated attentional ability, can effectively impact cognitive performance.

Effectiveness of Balance Training and Strengthening Exercise on Pain and Functional Performance among the Athletes with Ankle Sprain

Background:. Ankle sprain happens more regularly in the athletic population. It results from the straining of ankleligaments or collagen which produces the partial or full disruption of the ligaments fibers. Ankle injuries mostcommonly occur in the climbing of the wall ,indoor volleyball and events that occur in the grassland. This studywas designed to inspect the effectiveness of balance training and strengthening exercise among the athletes withankle sprain.Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of balance training and strengthening exercise on pain and functionalperformance among the athletes with ankle sprain.Materials and Methods: Total of 50 participants were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria from theortho speciality Neha clinic. The participants were treated for four weeks. The study duration from October 2022 to july 2023.Subjects willing to participate were randomly allocated into two groups: balance training group and strengthening exercisegroup. All the subjects underwent pretest measurement with VAS, FAAM and the same procedure repeated for post-test at theend of 4 weeks.Results: The collected data was statistically analyzed using an unpaired t-test. When comparing the balance training group tothe strengthening exercise group, the balance training group indicates more significant effects (p&lt;0.0001) than the strengtheningexercise in lowering pain and improving the functional performance, as assessed by VAS and FAAM.Conclusion: Balance training was found to be more effective than strengthening exercise in reducing pain andimproving functional performance among athletes with ankle sprain.

EFFECT OF ARM MUSCLE POWER AND BALANCE ON PASSING ABILITY ON FOOTBALL STUDENTS IN CLASS XI UPT SMAN 10 ENREKANG

The research aims to determine: (1) The influence of arm muscle power on overhead passing ability, (2) The influence of balance on overhead passing ability, (3) the difference in more effective influence between arm muscle power and balance Enrekang students. Experimental research with the research design used, namely pretest-posttest. The population used in this research was class XI UPT SMAN 10 Enrekang students with a total of 20 students. Sampling used the proportional sampling technique. The group division in this research is ordinal pairing. For the arm muscle power training group and the balance training group. The research results show that: (1) There is an influence of arm muscle power on students' volleyball passing ability with a calculated t value of 12.555 &gt; t table 1.833, and a significant value of 0.000 &lt; 0.05, (2) There is an influence of balance on volleyball passing ability with t calculated value 9.043 &gt; t table 1.833, and significance value 0.000 &lt; 0.05, (3) There is a difference in the influence of arm muscle power and balance on students' volleyball passing ability with t calculated value 1.936 &gt; t table 1.734 and sig. 0.085 &gt; 0.05, the difference in the posttest mean value is 1.00.

Effects of A Single Balance Training Session on Neural Excitability in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability.

Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) demonstrate reduced spinal reflex modulation and corticospinal excitability of the soleus, which may contribute to decreased balance performance. To determine the effects of a single session of balance training on Spinal-reflexive excitability modulation and corticospinal excitability in those with CAI. Randomized controlled trials. Research laboratory. Thirty participants with CAI were randomly assigned to the balance training (BAL) or control (CON) group. Modulation of soleus spinal-reflexive excitability was measured by calculating relative change in normalized Hoffmann reflexes (ratio of the H-reflex to the M-wave) from prone to single-leg standing. Corticospinal excitability was assessed during single-leg stance using transcranial magnetic stimulation, outcomes of which included active motor threshold (AMT), motor evoked potential, and cortical silent period (CSP). Balance performance was measured with center of pressure velocity in anterior to posterior and medial to lateral directions. Separate 2 × 2 repeated-measures analyses of variance were employed to determine the effect of group (BAL and CON) and time (baseline and posttraining) on each dependent variable. There were significant group by time interactions in the modulation of soleus spinal-reflexive excitability (F1,27 = 4.763, P = .04); CSP at 100% AMT (F1,27 = 4.727, P = .04); and CSP at 120% AMT (F1,27 = 16.057, P < .01). A large effect size suggests increased modulation of spinal-reflexive excitability (d = 0.81 [0.03 to 1.54]) of the soleus in BAL compared with CON at posttest, while CSP at 100% (d = 0.95 [0.17 to 1.70]) and 120% AMT (d = 1.10 [0.29 to 1.84]) was reduced in BAL when compared with CON at posttest. After a single session of balance training, individuals with CAI initiated increases in spinal reflex modulation and corticospinal excitability of the soleus. Thus, individuals with CAI who undergo balance training exhibit positive neural adaptations that are linked to improvements in balance performance.

S9-3 Keep up -groups support fall prevention

Abstract Purpose In Finland one third of home dwelling older adults 70+ fall at least once a year. Falling causes injuries and suffering. The cost of one hip fracture is about 30 000 € on the first treatment year. Balance and functional training is effective in preventing falls. Half of hip fractures can be prevented by exercising. Project or policy description Development: Age Institute is a partner in Age-friendly South Karelia project coordinated by Wellbeing Services County of South Karelia. The project acts through a network with municipalities, NGO’s, congregations, and older people councils. Preventing falls became an important goal of project since the number of hip fractures was increasing and higher than the average in Finland. Several actions were developed: educating professionals, giving information to older people, and improving exercise groups. Implementation ‘Keep up’ exercise group for older adults with increased risk of falling was implemented in every municipality (9) of the county. The risk of falling was assessed using a screening questionnaire in health care centers or in events, where participants with high scores were guided to the groups. Municipal sport sector organized the strength and balance training group once a week. The participants were encouraged to do home exercise weekly. The groups also included discussion and tasks about falls prevention. Themes were e.g. nutrition, fear of falling, medication and safe environment. Age Institute made the material for the group. Evaluation SPPB test was made in the beginning and in the end of the 10 weeks training period. Majority of participants improved their physical performance. According to a questionnaire the participants perceived mostly good or strong benefits. Especially mood, strength, and knowledge of preventing falls improved. After the training period the participants were guided to continue exercising. Dissemination The municipalities continue to organize Keep up groups. The good practice will be disseminated to other municipalities and counties involved in Strength in Old Age Programme. Conclusions With multisectoral co-operation you can find older adults with increased risk of falling and guide them to exercise group. Strength and balance training combined with getting more knowledge is a feasible good practice.

Effects of whole-body vibration on sensorimotor deficits and brain plasticity among people with chronic ankle instability: a study protocol for a single-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChronic ankle instability (CAI) is a form of musculoskeletal disease that can occur after a lateral ankle sprain, and it is characterized by pain, recurrent ankle sprains, a feeling of “giving way” at the ankle joint, and sensorimotor deficits. There has been increasing evidence to suggest that plastic changes in the brain after the initial injury play an important role in CAI. As one modality to treat CAI, whole-body vibration (WBV) has been found to be beneficial for treating the sensorimotor deficits accompanying CAI, but whether these benefits are associated with brain plasticity remains unknown. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the effect of WBV on sensorimotor deficits and determine its correlation with plastic changes in the brain.MethodsThe present study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 80 participants with CAI recruited from the university and local communities will be divided into 4 groups: whole-body vibration and balance training (WBVBT), balance training (BT), whole-body vibration (WBV), and control group. Participants will be given the WBV intervention (25-38 Hz, 1.3-2 mm, 3-time per week, 6-week) supervised by a professional therapist. Primary outcome measures are sensorimotor function including strength, balance, proprioception and functional performance. Brain plasticity will be evaluated by corticomotor excitability, inhibition, and representation of muscles, as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation. Activation of brain areas will be assessed through functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Secondary outcome measures are self-reported functional outcomes involving the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure. All tests will be conducted before and after the WBV intervention, and at 2-week follow-up. Per‑protocol and intention-to-treat analysis will be applied if any participants withdraw.DiscussionThis is the first trial to investigate the role of brain plasticity in sensorimotor changes brought by WBV for individuals with CAI. As plastic changes in the brain have been an increasingly important aspect in CAI, the results of the current study can provide insight into the treatment of CAI from the perspective of brain plasticity.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300068972); registered on 02 March 2023.

Effect of Balance Training in Sitting Position Using Visual Feedback on Balance and Gait Ability in Chronic Stroke Patients.

Chronic stroke often results in balance and gait impairments, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the combined effect of unstable surface balance training and visual feedback, based on proprioceptive neuromuscular stimulation in patients with chronic stroke, is effective in restoring balance and gait ability. A total of 39 chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to a visual feedback combined with unstable surface balance training group (VUSBG), an unstable surface balance training group (USBG), or a conventional physical therapy group (CG). This study was conducted with the Trunk Impairment Scale, the Bug Balance Scale, the Timed Get Up and Go Test, and Gait Analysis. VUSBG and USBG improved function and gait (stride length and hip/knee flexion angle), but there was no significant difference in the CG group. Specific results showed that the stride length in the VUSBG improved by 25% (p < 0.05), and the hip/knee flexion angle improved by 18% (p < 0.05). The post-hoc analysis revealed that VUSBG had a greater impact on the hip/knee flexion angle relative to the other two groups, as well as gait velocity and stride length relative to CG. Visual feedback complex exercise based on the principle of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation could be an intervention strategy to improve gait speed, trunk stability, and mobility in chronic stroke patients.

Differences in the Influence of Core Stability and Balance Training Training on the Risk of Falling in the Elderly

Background of the problem: The aging process causes a decrease in the sensory system, musculoskeletal system, and neurological system which will cause balance disorders and also the risk of falling, to reduce these problems, physical activity must be increased, to improve this there are several exercises such as core stability and balance training. Research Objectives: This study aims to determine differences in the effect of core stability training and balance training on reducing the risk of falling in the elderly. Research Methods: The research design was two group pre and post test design. Research Subjects: The subjects in this study were the elderly who were at risk of falling in the Independent Children's Social Service Institution for the Elderly Social Service "Pucang Gading" who met the inclusion criteria. The number of subjects as many as 30 subjects were divided into 2 groups divided by randomization. Group I was given core stability training and group II was given balance training. Fall risk measurement uses the Time Up and Go Test (TUGT). Research Results: The results of different test groups of core stability and balance training post test using the Independent T-Test showed p = 0.00 (p = &lt;0.05). This shows that there is a difference in the effect of core stability training and balance training on reducing the risk of falling in the elderly. The results of the mean difference in the core stability and balance training groups showed that the core stability group was greater than the balance training group. Conclusion: Core stability has more influence on reducing the risk of falling in the elderly than balance training Group

Changes in selected exerkines concentration post folk-dance training are accompanied by glucose homeostasis and physical performance improvement in older adults

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of selected exerkines concentration induced by folk-dance and balance training on physical performance, insulin resistance, and blood pressure in older adults. Participants (n = 41, age 71.3 ± 5.5 years) were randomly assigned to folk-dance (DG), balance training (BG), or control group (CG). The training was performed 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Physical performance tests—time up and go (TUG) and 6-min walk test (6MWT), blood pressure, insulin resistance, and selected proteins induced by exercise (exerkines) were assessed at baseline and post-exercise intervention. Significant improvement in TUG (p = 0.006 for BG and 0.039 for DG) and 6MWT tests (in BG and DG p = 0.001), reduction of systolic blood pressure (p = 0.001 for BG and 0.003 for DG), and diastolic blood pressure (for BG; p = 0.001) were registered post-intervention. These positive changes were accompanied by the drop in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (p = 0.002 for BG and 0.002 for DG), the increase of irisin concentration (p = 0.029 for BG and 0.022 for DG) in both groups, and DG the amelioration of insulin resistance indicators (HOMA-IR p = 0.023 and QUICKI p = 0.035). Folk-dance training significantly reduced the c-terminal agrin fragment (CAF; p = 0.024). Obtained data indicated that both training programs effectively improved physical performance and blood pressure, accompanied by changes in selected exerkines. Still, folk-dance had enhanced insulin sensitivity.

Effects of Motor-Cognitive Dual-Task Standing Balance Exergaming Training on Healthy Older Adults' Standing Balance and Walking Performance.

Objective: This study examined the effects of motor-cognitive dual-task exergaming standing balance training on healthy older adults' static, dynamic, and walking balance. Methods: Twenty-four adults older than 70 years (control group: n = 9, males = 6, balance training group: n = 15, males = 8) completed the experiment. Dual-tasking standing balance training comprised the accurate control of a ping-pong ball on a tray held with both hands, while standing on one leg (analog training) and three modules of Wii Fit™ exergaming (digital training). The duration of balance training was ∼15 minutes per day, 2 days per week for 8 weeks, in total 16 sessions. We measured one-leg standing time, functional reach distance, walking balance evaluated by the distance walked on a narrow beam (4-cm long, 4-cm wide, and 2-cm high) with single and dual tasking, habitual and maximal walking speed, and muscle strength of the hip extensor, hip abductor, hip adductor, knee extensor, and plantarflexor muscle groups in the right leg at baseline and after 8 weeks. Results: Control group decreased, but balance training group increased one-leg standing time. Only the balance training group improved functional reach distance and hip and knee extensor strength. There was no change in walking speed and walking balance in either group. In the balance training group, changes in maximal speed correlated with changes in dual-tasking walking balance and changes in one-leg standing time correlated with changes in single-tasking walking balance. Conclusion: These results suggest that 16 sessions of motor-cognitive dual-task standing exergaming balance training substantially improved healthy older adults' static and dynamic balance and leg muscle strength but failed to improve walking speed and walking balance. Balance exercises specific to walking balance need to be included in balance training to improve walking balance.

EFFICACY OF BALANCE TRAINING TO IMPROVE BALANCE OF YOUNG FEMALE GYMNASTS

Gymnastics is a popular sport that has potential strength, flexibility, and personal growth benefits for athletes. Both static and dynamic balance are developed from a young age and are fundamental to higher-level gymnastics. PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of a balance training protocol in improving the dynamic balance of young female gymnasts. METHOD: 19 female Junior Olympic (JO) Level 3 gymnasts, ages 6-11, were randomly assigned to the Balance Training (BT) or control groups. The BT group completed a variety of balance exercises during each practice (2x/wk for eight weeks), including one-footed balance, hopping skills, and leaps onto surfaces of varying stability. Gymnasts in the control group continued with their normal gymnastics practices. Gymnasts were tested before training, after week 4, and after week 8 to assess improvements in the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Center of Pressure Path length (COP Path length), and Joint Position Sense (JPS) scores. RESULTS: An improvement in SEBT for the gymnasts’ dominant foot reaching anteriorly (p=0.03) was observed. Otherwise, there were no significant differences between improvements in scores for the control group and the experimental group. CONCLUSION: JO Level 3 gymnasts, who are early in their training and development, demonstrated no additional benefit from twice weekly balance training beyond normally prescribed practice and skills training. While anecdotal evidence suggested a possible acute effect on balance performance immediately following balance exercises, further research is needed.

Balance Training with Weight Shift-Triggered Electrical Stimulation for Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to determine the effects of balance training with weight shift-triggered electrical stimulation to improve balance, lower-extremity motor function, and activities of daily living in patients with stroke. The participants were randomly allocated to the balance training with electrical stimulation group (BT-ESG, n = 29) or the balance training group (BTG, n = 30). Both groups were trained 5 times per week for 6 weeks for 50 min per session. To evaluate static balance, postural sway was assessed and dynamic balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and functional reach test (FRT). Lower-extremity motor function was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer assessment. Daily activities were assessed using the Modified Barthel Index. As for static balance, BT-ESG showed a significant improvement compared to BTG in postural swat in both the eyes-open (velocity moment; effect size, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, -1.16 to -1.30), or eyes-closed state (velocity moment; effect size, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, -1.22 to -0.27). Dynamic balance, which includes TUG (effect size, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, -4.67 to -1.25), BBS (effect size, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, -2.84 to 6.83), and FRT (effect size, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.92 to 4.08), in addition to lower-extremity motor function (effect size, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 2.25 to 4.97), and activities of daily living (effect size, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 2.04 to 937), showed significant improvement in BT-ESG compared to BTG. These results suggest that balance training with weight shift-triggered electrical stimulation effectively improves balance, lower-extremity motor function, and activities of daily living in patients with stroke.

The effect of single and dual-task balance exercises on balance performance in older adult patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) may present with balance disorder and risk of falling as a result of posture problems. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of single-task and dual-task balance exercise programs on balance performance and activity-specific balance confidence in adults with LSS. MethodsForty-three patients with LSS over the age of 65 were randomly divided into 2 groups as single-task balance training (group 1, n=21) and double-task balance training (group 2, n=22). Patients in both groups were given exercises by an experienced physiotherapist. Only balance exercises were applied to Group 1 under single task conditions, and Group 2 performed balance exercises accompanied by predetermined cognitive tasks. Patients were evaluated with Berg balance scale (BBS), timed up and go (TUG) test, and 10-meter walking test for single and dual tasks, Tinetti balance and gait test, single leg stance test, and activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) scale at baseline and at the end of four weeks. The Mann-Whitney U Test was used to compare the pre- and post-treatment differences in the groups. ResultsDemographic data did not show any statistical significance between the two groups. When the pre- and post-treatment differences of the 10-meter walk test were compared between the single-task training group and the dual-task training group, it was observed that there was a difference in favor of the dual-task training group in the 10-meter walk test was performed separately in the single-task and dual-task training group (p < 0.05). When the differences before and after treatment were compared, no difference was observed in the BBS, TUG, Tinetti balance and gait test, single leg stance test, and ABC scale data between the groups (p > 0.05). ConclusionSingle- and dual-task exercises significantly improved static balance, dynamic balance, and activity-specific balance confidence in older adults with spinal stenosis. However, the dual-task exercise program was superior to the single-task exercise program in improving 10-meter walk test scores and walking speed, with or without cognitive dual-tasking.

Baseline Measures of Cortical Inhibition Predict Motor Performance Changes after Exercise Interventions

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To investigate the relationship of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures on cortical inhibition before and after an exercise intervention in older adults. Our hypothesis is that higher levels of cortical inhibition would predict greater motor skill acquisition. We predicted that persons randomized to an aerobic spin exercise intervention would increase cortical inhibition and motor performance as compared to light strength training. <h3>Design</h3> The study design is randomized controlled trial with two groups investigating a balance and strength training intervention (both lasting 12-weeks or 36 sessions) against an Aerobic Cycling Intervention. The assessment sessions included behavioral testing, TMS taken at study baseline and after 12-weeks. <h3>Setting</h3> This project involved community dwelling older adults and was performed in a medical center. The main study sites were the Atlanta VA and Emory University. <h3>Participants</h3> We randomized 20 participants to either an exercise intervention or a balance and strength training group after obtaining informed consent. Participants were required to be over the age of 60 years and reportedly healthy at inclusion. This report is on 13 completers. <h3>Interventions</h3> Participants were randomized to either a 12-week interval aerobic spin cycling (HIIT spin) or a 12-week intervention involving light strength training both under supervised trainers thrice weekly for up to 45 minutes per session. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> We acquired transcranial magnetic stimulation measures of: cortical excitability (motor threshold), Short intracortical inhibition, Long Intracortical Inhibition, Short Interhemispheric inhibition, long interhemispheric inhibition. Speed and accuracy of motor learning was the behavioral outcome. <h3>Results</h3> Baseline measures of SICI and LICI showed participants with higher levels of disinhibition showed better motor performance. We found no effect for group. Contrary to our hypothesis, individuals with greater increases in TMS inhibition showed lower motor skill performance after interventions. <h3>Conclusions</h3> We can conclude from the preliminary data that measures of cortical inhibition taken from TMS do show change associated with interventions in older adults and predict improvement in motor skill acquisition. Additional study is needed to identify the mechanisms of change in cortical inhibition. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None.

Kinetic Effects of 6 Weeks' Pilates or Balance Training in College Soccer Players with Chronic Ankle Instability.

Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is a common sports injury that frequently occurs in active individuals. LAS is characterized by a high recurrence rate, with a large proportion of patients progressing to chronic ankle instability (CAI). Pilates exercises have provided positive results in health care and in rehabilitation. This study compared Pilates training (PT) with traditional balance training (BT) in patients with CAI. Fifty-one college football players with CAI, divided into PT (n = 26) and BT (n = 25) groups, were included in the study. The groups performed PT or BT training as assigned, three times per week for 6 weeks. Isokinetic ankle strength, one-leg hop tests, Y-balance test (YBT), and foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) were evaluated before and after training. There were considerable improvements in both the PT and BT groups after training. Group and time comparisons revealed that the PT group achieved better triple hop test results than the BT group, whereas the BT group exhibited a greater improvement in YBT posteromedial and posterolateral reach distances. In athletes with CAI, both PT and BT effectively improved symptoms and function. These findings suggest that ankle strength, balance, and core stability should be comprehensively evaluated and targeted in CAI rehabilitation programs.

The effect of Dual-Task balance exercises on cognitive functions among children with mild and borderline mental retardation: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dual-task balance training (DTBT) in improving the mental performance of children with intellectual disabilities. Materials and Methods Forty-five children (aged 6–13 years) with mild mental retardation (intelligence quotient: 50–79) were randomised to receive cognitive training and DTBT (group A), standard balance and cognitive training (group B), or only cognitive training (control group). The intervention was provided twice a week for 12 weeks (totally 24 sessions). The WISC-R intelligence and MOXO attention tests were used for outcome analysis. All outcome assessments were made before, after, and three months after the study. Results There were significant improvements after using DTBT compared to the other two sets of interventions, at least in selected aspects of intelligence and mental performance. Conclusions A precisely planned, progressive DTBT program can be effective in developing and sustaining improvements in mental abilities among children with intellectual disabilities. This study is recorded in ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04114487)