Improvement In Dynamic Balance Research Articles

Effect of Wearable Vibration Therapy on Muscle Soreness, Joint Position Sense and Dynamic Balance

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of wearable local vibration therapy (VT) on muscle soreness, joint position sense, and dynamic balance in recovery after squat exercise. Twenty males (age: 22.25±1.97 years) participated in the study. Muscle soreness, joint position sense, and dynamic balance were evaluated before exercise, 24 and 48 hours after exercise. All participants performed six sets of 10 repetitions of squat exercises. VT was applied to one thigh of the participants randomly for 10 minutes after exercise, and the other thigh was determined as the control. The muscle soreness increased significantly for VT (p.05). No significant difference was found between VT and control (p>0.05). No significant difference was found after exercise at knee joint position sense for both conditions (p>.05). No significant difference was observed between VT and control (p>.05). There was a significant difference between before exercise and 48 hours after exercise at anterior direction of the modified Star Excursion Balance Test for VT (p=.033). A significant difference was found between before exercise and 24 hours after exercise at posteromedial (p=.012) direction for VT. There was only significant difference at posteromedial (p=.028) direction at 24 hours after exercise between VT and control. The wearable local VT after squat exercise did not affect muscle soreness and knee joint position sense. However, local VT contributed to the improvement of dynamic balance.

Pes Planuslu Hastalarda Kişiye Özel Tasarlamış 3D Baskılı Tabanlıkların Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyi, Denge ve Fiziksel Performans Üzerine Etkisi: Randomize, Plasebo Kontrollü, Çift-Kör Bir Çalışma

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of individually designed insoles on physical activity level, balance and functional performance in patients with pes planus.
 Methods: 38 participants were divided into 2 groups as 3D printed (n=20) and placebo(n=18). In the 3D printed group, medial longitudinal arch support, medial wedge of the foot, medial heel wedge and transverse arch support were given to the insoles according to the needs of the participants. The placebo group received placebo insoles. Range of motion, muscle strength, static and dynamic balance, physical and physical activity levels were measured at baseline, and eight weeks later (clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT05306886).
 Results: Muscle strengths of the plantar flexion and eversion increased after the use of insoles in the 3D printed and placebo groups (p0.05), but there were significant improvements in dynamic balance in both groups (p

The effect of core stability training on the balance ability of young male basketball players.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the impact of a 10-week Core Stability Training (CST) compared to Traditional Strength Training (TST) on the balance abilities of adolescent male basketball players. Methods: Subjects (age: 15.70 ± 0.75, height: 178.4 ± 8.31, weight: 66.55 ± 8.34) were randomly assigned to either the Core Stability Training group or the Traditional Strength Training group. Three selected balance assessment indicators included the Single-leg Standing with Eyes Closed Test, Star Excursion Balance Test, and Core Four-Direction Endurance Test. Results: 1) The scores were significantly different in both groups before and after the Single-leg Standing with Eyes Closed Test; (p < 0.01, d = 1.692, d = 1.837); 2) In the Star Excursion Balance Test, the scores of the experimental group showed significant difference (p < 0.05) or highly significant difference (p < 0.01) with an average effect size of (d = 1.727) when the left or right foot supported in the other directions before and after the training. However, there was no significant difference in scores in the c direction when the left foot supported (p > 0.05, d = 0.954); 3) In the Core Four-Direction Endurance Test, there were no significant differences in scores for the control group before and after training (p > 0.05, d = 0.567), while the experimental group showed significant differences in scores before and after training (p < 0.05, d = 1.889). Discussion: Both CST and TST were effective in enhancing the balance abilities of adolescent basketball players. CST, in particular, demonstrated improvements in dynamic balance and agility across multiple planes. Basketball coaches are encouraged to consider incorporating CST training programs into their overall training plans for optimal balance enhancement.

RObotic-Assisted Rehabilitation of Lower Limbs for Orthopedic Patients (ROAR-O): A Randomized Controlled Trial

Osteoarthritis is a common chronic condition in the elderly population and, with falls, represents a major public health problem. Patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis often have poor balance, which is considered an important risk factor for falls. In recent years, there has been increasing research supporting the use of robotic rehabilitation to improve function after total knee and hip replacement. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of robotic balance rehabilitation on elderly patients who have undergone hip and knee replacement, with the aim of reducing the risk of falls and improving balance and walking, as well as motor function, fatigue, and overall quality of life. Twenty-four elderly patients with knee or hip replacement underwent robotic balance treatment with the Hunova® platform or conventional treatment three times a week for four weeks. Patients underwent an assessment of balance, walking, autonomy, quality of life and fatigue. Patients who underwent rehabilitation with Hunova® showed an improvement in dynamic balance (p = 0.0039) and walking (p = 0.001) and a reduction in both motor (p = 0.001) and cognitive (p = 0.05) fatigue. The study found that specific treatment for balance disorders in these patients could improve balance and reduce the risk of falling.

Effects of therapeutic exercise on the motor function of adults with Down syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Therapeutic exercise exerts positive effects by mitigating or reducing the motor or cognitive changes that people with Down syndrome undergo throughout their life. There are no updated systematic reviews that integrate the evidence available in a way that facilitates decision-making for physical rehabilitation teams. This study therefore aimed to consolidate the information available and compare the effects of different types of physical exercise on the motor function of adults with DS. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies. The literature search was performed between January 2023 and February 2023 using the PubMed, SCIELO, Epistemonikos, and Lilacs databases. Studies were selected according to pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk-of-bias assessment was performed using the risk-of-bias rating tool for randomized clinical trial (RoB) and the risk of bias of non-randomized comparative studies was assessed using the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Risk-of-bias assessment and meta-analyses were performed using the RevMan software package. Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria for the qualitative synthesis and 4 were included in the meta-analyses. Combined exercise significantly increased muscle strength both in the upper limbs (SMD = 0.74 [95% CI 0.25–1.22]) and lower limbs (SMD = 0.56[95% CI 0.08–1.04]). Aerobic exercise improved spatiotemporal gait parameters. Aerobic exercise showed significant improvements in dynamic balance while combined exercise significantly increased dynamic and static balance. The certainty of the evidence was low to moderate for all outcomes. There was low and moderate certainty of evidence for the outcomes proposed in this review. However, therapeutic exercise could be effective in improving muscle strength and gait functionality.

Intrinsic Foot Muscle Exercises With and Without Electric Stimulation.

Exercising intrinsic foot muscles (IFMs) can improve dynamic balance and foot posture. The exercises are not intuitive and electrotherapy (neuromuscular electrical stimulation [NMES]) has been suggested to help individuals execute the exercises. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of training IFM program on dynamic balance and foot posture and compare traditional training methods (TRAIN) with traditional training plus NMES on the perceived workload of the exercises, balance, and foot posture. Randomized controlled trial. Thirty-nine participants were randomized to control, TRAIN, or NMES. TRAIN and NMES performed IFM exercises daily for 4weeks; NMES received electrotherapy during the first 2weeks of training. The Y-Balance test and arch height index were measured in all participants at baseline. The training groups were measured again at 2weeks; all participants were measured at 4weeks and 8weeks, after 4weeks of no training. Perceived workload (National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index) of exercises was assessed throughout the first 2weeks and at 4weeks. A 4-week IFM training program demonstrated increases in Y-Balance (P = .01) for TRAIN and in arch height index (seated P = .03; standing P = .02) for NMES, relative to baseline. NMES demonstrated improvement in Y-Balance (P = .02) and arch height index standing (P = .01) at 2weeks. There were no significant differences between the training groups. Groups were similar in the number responding to exercises in excess of minimal detectable change on all clinical measures. Perceived workload of the exercises decreased during the first 2weeks of training (P = .02), and more notably at 4weeks (P < .001). The groups did not differ in how they perceived the workload. A 4-week IFM training program improved dynamic balance and foot posture. Adding NMES in early phases of training provided early improvement in dynamic balance and foot posture, but did not affect perceived workload.

Static- vs. Dynamic-Stretching in Development of the Dynamic Balance; Chronic Effects of Specific Training Interventions in Female Football Players

Flexibility is an important determinant of dynamic balance, but studies rarely examined the chronic effects of flexibility training on changes in balance capacity. This study aimed to determine the influence of different forms of flexibility exercises on dynamic balance in female professional football players. Participants were 30 female professional football players (age =19.0±4.1 years), divided into three groups dynamic stretching group (DSG; N=10, age =18.9±3.3 years), static stretching group (SSG; N=10, age =19.5±4.3 years) and control group (N=10, age =18.5±3.3 years). All groups participated in equal football training, while DSG and SSG performed additional flexibility training 3-times a week (10-15 min of duration) throughout the study course (16 weeks). Dynamic balance was measured by the Y-balance test (YBT), and ANOVA for repeated measurement was applied to identify the effects. Results evidenced the significant influence of both flexibility programs on dynamic balance. Both DSG and SSG were equally effective in the first part of the study (until the 8th week), but between the 8th and 16th study week, only DSG improved their balance capacity significantly. Static stretching should be applied in the first phases of flexibility training aiming at the improvement of dynamic balance, but in later phases, usage of dynamic stretching is suggested.

Randomized controlled trial to compare conventional physiotherapy with task-oriented exercises after total hip replacement.

Different interventions are used during rehabilitation after hip replacement surgery, but it is unclear if task-oriented exercise is more effective than conventional physiotherapy. This study compared the effectiveness of conventional physiotherapy (CPT) programme with task-oriented exercise (TOE) on hip pain, function, static and dynamic balance during the early rehabilitation stage after total hip replacement. This randomized controlled parallel-group trial was executed in an inpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation centre. The study included 40 patients who were randomly classified into CPT and TOE groups (n= 20 in each). Hip pain (assessed by visual analogue scale), function in the operated leg (assessed by modified Harris Hip Score, mHHS), static balance (assessed by Abili Balance analyser system) and dynamic balance (assessed by Berg Balance Scale) were evaluated at baseline and after 18 days of rehabilitation. Cohen's effect size (d) was calculated. Greater pain reduction (p< 0.05; d= 0.08) was observed after TOE (1.6 ± 0.68 scores) compared with the CPT programme (2.2 ± 0.83 scores). Hip function assessed by the modified mHHS improved more (p< 0.05; d= 0.30) in the TOE group (73.45 ± 6.23 scores) than in the CPT group (54.90 ± 6.28 scores). Static balance improved significantly in both groups after the interventions but did not differ significantly between the groups. The improvement in dynamic balance was significantly greater (p< 0.05; d= 0.45) after TOE (50.55 ± 1.57 scores) than after CPT (38.55 ± 3.43 scores). Both interventions reduced pain and improved function of the operated leg and static and dynamic balance. The effect on hip function was superior for TOE compared with CPT.

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Selected Corrective Games on the Balance, Proprioception, and Changes in the Arch of the Foot in Adolescent Girls With Pronation Distortion Syndrome

Purpose: Pronation distortion syndrome is one of the most common physical abnormalities causing abnormalities in the lumbar pelvic and lower limb structures. This research was conducted to determine the effect of eight weeks of selected corrective games on balance, proprioception, and changes in the arch of the foot in adolescent girls with pronation distortion syndrome. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study and clinical trial, 40 girls with pronation distortion syndrome with an age range of 7-12 years participated and were randomly divided into two equal control and experimental groups. The people of the experimental group played selected corrective games for 8 weeks (3 sessions per week, 60 minutes each session); however, the control group did their normal and daily activities. The modified star or Y balance test was used to measure the dynamic balance index, a goniometer to measure proprioception and measure navicular bone loss index using the method described by Brody (Brody) in the pre-test and post-test. To analyze the data, the combined repeated measure statistical test was used (P&lt;0.05). Results: The results of the present study showed a significant improvement in dynamic balance (P&lt;0.001), proprioception (P&lt;0.001), and a reduction in flat foot (P&lt;0.001) after playing eight weeks of games. Correction in girls with pronation distortion syndrome. Conclusion: Considering the favorable impact of corrective games and the greater compatibility of these programs with the physical-psychological characteristics of children, it is suggested to use corrective games for this age period.

Pilates and improvement of balance and posture in older adults: A meta-analysis with focus on potential moderators

• Pilates training improves balance in older adults, but changes seem to be more consistent in dynamic than static balance. • Favorable adaptations in posture are less convincing due to the limited quantity of trials producing significant effect sizes. • Study quality moderated the effects on dynamic balance, with greater effect sizes reported by poorer quality trials. • Greater training volumes (duration x number of sessions) produced higher effect sizes for changes in dynamic balance and posture. The moderators of Pilates training on balance and posture in older individuals are unclear. We investigated through meta-analysis the effectiveness of Pilates to improve the balance and posture of older individuals and examine potential moderators of those effects. Electronic databases were searched by multiple reviewers until September 30th, 2021 to locate articles published in English, Spanish or Portuguese. Qualifying trials included adults aged ≥60 y and measured static/dynamic balance or posture pre-post intervention. Data on study design, sample characteristics, and features of Pilates interventions were tested as moderators of balance and posture outcomes. Twenty-seven trials included 1,017 individuals (69.2±4.7 y). Overall, sessions of 58.2±8.6 min were performed 2.1±0.5 d/wk for 12.3±9.7 wk. Information on loads was often imprecise. The effect sizes (ES) in controlled vs. uncontrolled trials were: static balance ( k =13, ES 0.270, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.182-0.358 vs. k =4, ES 0.284, CI 0.155-0.413); dynamic balance ( k =14, ES 0.714, CI 0.428-1.000 vs. k =4, ES 0.648, CI (-0.008-1.303); posture ( k =2; ES 0.311, CI -0.106-0.729 vs. k =5, ES 0.349, CI 0.240-0.458). Trials with lower methodological quality as reflected by the median of TESTEX inventory produced greater ES for dynamic balance (ES 0.928 vs. 0.523; p<0.05). Greater training volumes (duration x number of sessions) increased ES of dynamic balance (ES 0.743 vs. 0.715) and posture (ES 0.422 vs. 0.176), the opposite occurring for static balance (ES 0.237 vs. 0.405) (p<0.05). Pilates seems to improve static and dynamic balance in older adults, while data on posture are less convincing. Poor study quality may overestimate the effects on dynamic balance. Greater training volumes appear to favor improvements in dynamic balance and posture.

Effects of Open and Closed Chain Exercises on Dynamic Balance and Range of Motion in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: RCT

Background: Osteoarthritis is a combination of mechanical problems characterized by degradation of articular cartilage, articulating joints and subchondral space. Aim: To compare the effects of open chain kinetic exercises and closed kinetic chain exercises in improving dynamic balance and range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methodology: Study was conducted at Chugtai Medical center Lahore and sample of 46 patients were recruited and were randomly allocated in two groups. One group performed OKC exercises and the other group was asked to perform CKC exercises, while both of the groups received a common baseline treatment prior to corresponding intervention. Two session a week were given for a period of one month. Goniometry and Y-balance scale were used to assess ROM and dynamic balance pre and post treatment, respectively. Data was evaluated by using SPSS version 23. Results: In this study, the intra-group analysis illustrated that the increase in range of motion and improvement in dynamic balance was statistically significant in both groups with p-value&lt;0.05. Whereas, the inter-group analysis showed that both interventions were clinically effective in treating knee osteoarthritis with p-value&gt;0.05 during the treatment session of four weeks. Practical Implication: This study highlighted that physical training that includes open kinetic chain (OKC) and closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises were found to be effective in improving balance and in increasing range of motion by reducing pain among osteoarthritis patients. Conclusion: It was concluded that patients with OKC exercises have shown equal improvement in ROM and dynamic balance compared to those who have been treated with CKC exercises. Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Exercises and Dynamic Balance.

114 THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A 26-WEEK CLASS AND HOME-BASED OTAGO EXERCISE PROGRAMME ON BALANCE CONFIDENCE AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Background Falls have a substantial burden on the Irish economy and on the individual. The Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) is a cost-effective falls prevention programme that can prevent 35% of falls. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 26-week modified OEP using a combined delivery approach of physiotherapists and Exercise Therapists (ET) on balance confidence and physical performance in older adults in rural Ireland. Methods Study-design: A prospective pre-post single arm intervention study. Older adults (≥60 years) were recruited from HSE waiting lists for the OEP which consisted of a group-class (1x/week) and a home OEP (3x/week). Participants were assessed at baseline, 6, 16 and 26 weeks. Outcome measures (OMs) were compared pre and post intervention using Paired T-Tests and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests. A repeated-measures ANOVA compared OMs across the time points. Results Improvements were detected in the CONFbal scale (diff = 2.12, 95% CI=1.353-2.803, p&amp;lt;0.01), 30-second sit-to-stand (diff = 3.49, CI= 2.361-4.201, p&amp;lt;0.01), timed-up and go (diff = 2.38, CI=8.08-12.0, p&amp;lt;0.01), functional reach (diff = 9.158, CI=6.758-11.294, p&amp;lt;0.01), 180° turn (diff = 1.04, CI=3-5, p&amp;lt;0.01), and the four-test balance scale (diff = 0.61, CI=1.0-3.0, p&amp;lt;0.01). Significant changes are noted for each measure (p&amp;lt;0.05) with small-moderate positive effects (ηp2=0.32-0.512). The most significant changes in the 180° turn are seen between week-0 (4.92 ±1.784) and week-6 (4.44 ±1.258) followed by a plateau in results. Conclusion Confidence and physical performance improved significantly pre and post intervention, suggesting the physiotherapist and ET combined delivery of the programme is effective. Static and dynamic balance improvements may plateau after 6-weeks of the OEP suggesting the participants may not have been adequately challenged. Lower limb strength and mobility continued to improve throughout suggesting the modified OEP is an effective intervention for older adults in Ireland.

THE INFLUENCE OF DOUBLE AND TRIPLE TASKS ON RECOVERING BALANCE DURING WALKING IN PATIENTS WITH BRAIN INJURIES

The work highlights the problem of restoration of dynamic balance during walking in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Determining and correcting gait and balance disorders is a significant challenge for the rehabilitation and recovery of people who have suffered a TBI, although it is generally not known to the end which means and methods of treatment will be the most effective.  Restoring balance and walking is also an aspect of fall prevention. Cognitive deficits, which are a frequent consequence of TBI, can also negatively affect the quality of walking, so understanding how the combination of attention and mobility can affect the balance and safety of patients with neurological disorders is a very important issue. The aim of the study was to develop and test the effectiveness of dual- and triple-task-based programs to restore balance during walking in individuals with Rancho level 7 traumatic brain injury.&#x0D; The objectives of the study: to analyze the scientific evidence literature on the peculiarities of disorders in craniocerebral trauma, as well as on the use of double and triple tasks in dynamic balance disorders during walking, to develop programs based on the use of double and triple tasks to improve dynamic balance under walking time in individuals with brain injury with Rancho level 7, to test the effectiveness of programs based on the use of dual and triple tasks to improve dynamic balance during walking in individuals with brain injury with Rancho level 7, to develop practical recommendations for physical therapists working on improving dynamic balance during walking in individuals with TBI.&#x0D; The following methods were used in the research: analysis of scientific and methodical literature; sociological methods (survey, case history, observation and data analysis); clinical and instrumental research methods (International Classification of Functioning, Rancho Scale, Berg Balance, Community Mobility and Balance Scale), methods of mathematical statistics.&#x0D; In this work, the effectiveness of individual physical therapy programs for restoring balance during walking, which are based on the use of double and triple tasks, was developed and tested. Practical recommendations for physical therapists working on restoring dynamic balance during walking were developed.&#x0D; Physical therapy programs were selected individually and differed for each participant, although the tasks could be similar or the same, the dosage and the order of execution was different for each participant. The selection of exercises and tasks was based on survey data and information obtained from questionnaires that each participant filled out before the start of the study.&#x0D; The practical significance lies in the development of practical guidelines for physical therapists regarding the use of dual and triple tasks to restore dynamic balance during walking in individuals with Rancho level 7 TBI.&#x0D; We determined that the application of dual and triple tasks contributes to the improvement of dynamic balance during walking in individuals with brain injury, therefore we decided to test the effectiveness of the application of dual and triple tasks to restore dynamic balance during walking in individuals with TBI.

The Effect of FIFA 11 based warm up program on „Y” Balance Test in Teenager football players

Background. The FIFA 11 program was designed and introduced for the team of footballers and its goal was reduction of injuries in footballers. Moreover, the FIFA 11 warm up program introduced in the group of teenage footballers can contribute to improvement of body balance and “Y” test results. Therefore, the main goal of this paper was assessment of FIFA 11 program effectiveness in improvement of „Y” balance test in the sample of teen­age footballers. Material and methods. 30 subjects were selected for the study and the sample was next randomly divided into 2 equal groups: the experimental group and the control group. The participants’ age ranged from 16 to17 years. In order to assess body balance the test was performed twice prior to FIFA11 warm up program an on completion of the 10-weeks’ workout program. Next, the competitors’ body balance was assessed using „Y” test. In the experimental group, the competitors participated in FIFA warm up program instead of doing standard warm up. Results. The results indicate body balance improvement in the teenager footballers after the 10-day FIFA 11 program, and the “Y” test revealed an improvement of dynamic balance (the right and left lower limbs, mean forward movement p&lt;0.05 and the overall result p&lt;0.05). Moreover, the applied FIFA 11 program contributed to improvement of the total normalized value (as compared with the result of the first test) and the final assessment of 50% of participants (as compared with the first study) revealed that the total result obtained in the experimental group during “Y” test was above 89.6%. Conclusions. The 10 day FIFA 11 program contributed to the improvement of selected parameters of “Y” balance test in teenage football players. Moreover, the introduced FIFA 11 program contributed to the improvement of the normalized value obtained in “Y” test, which was above 89.6%. The presented experimental research has confirmed the potential of FIFA 11 in improvement of selected balance parameters.

Effects Of The FIFA11+ Training Programon Injury Prevention In Football Players

PURPOSE: To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of the FIFA 11+ training program on injury prevention and dynamic balance in football players. METHODS:The databases PubMed, EMBASE, Ebsco, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from 2004 to March 1, 2021. We selected randomized controlled trials to assessed the effect of FIFA 11+ injury prevention programmes. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias following the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCT. Risk ratios, standard mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. RESULTS: Five randomised controlled trials had assessed the effect of FIFA 11+ injury prevention programmes compared with controls on the overall football injury incidence. The analysis showed a reduction in the overall injury risk ratio(risk ratio = 0.58;95% CI 0.53 to 0.65; p < 0.001)favouring the FIFA 11+ injury prevention programmes. For the effect of dynamic balance, six randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The result indicated a improvements in dynamic balance(standard mean difference = 0.28; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.48; P = 0.006) compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: An injury-preventing effect of the FIFA 11+ injury prevention programmes compared with controls was shown in football.FIFA 11+ training can improve dynamic balance and can be considered for inclusion in the training of football players.

Effects of Aquatic Training and Bicycling Training on Leg Function and Range of Motion in Amateur Athletes with Meniscal Allograft Transplantation during Intermediate-Stage Rehabilitation.

Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is a treatment modality for restoring knee function in patients with irreversible meniscal injury. Strengthening programs to promote functional recovery are treated with caution during the intermediate rehabilitation phase following MAT. This study analyzed the effects of aquatic training (AQT) and bicycling training (BCT) during the intermediate stage of rehabilitation in amateur athletes that underwent MAT. Participants (n = 60) were divided into AQT (n = 30) and BCT (n = 30) groups. Both groups performed training three times per week from 6 to 24 weeks following surgery. International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form (IKDC) score, knee joint range of motion (ROM), isokinetic knee strength, and Y-balance test (YBT) performance were evaluated. All measured variables for the AQT and BCT groups improved significantly after training compared with pre-training values. The IKDC score and YBT were significantly higher for AQT than for BCT. The knee flexion ROM and isokinetic muscle strength were significantly improved in the BCT group compared to those in the AQT group. The AQT group exhibited greater improvement in dynamic balance, whereas BCT provided greater improvement in isokinetic muscle strength. AQT and BCT were effective in reducing discomfort and improving knee symptoms and functions during intermediate-stage rehabilitation following MAT in amateur athletes.

The Effects of Different Exercise Intensities on the Static and Dynamic Balance of Older Adults: A randomised Controlled Trial

This study aims to find the effectiveness of different exercise intensities (high-, moderate-, and low-intensity) on the dynamic and static balance of elderly women. A single-blinded factorial design study was conducted in healthy older adults (>65 years) in 12 weeks. The authors have assessed the Forward Reach Test (FRT), Lateral Reach Test (LRT), One Leg Stand (OLS), Tandem Stand Test (TST) in 60 healthy older women at a gym centre, Fit House located in Bukit Rimau, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Participants were randomly assigned to a High-Intensity Training (HIT) group; (n=15) (Mean age 69.60 ± 3.68) who performed four exercises [Leg Press (LP), Leg Extension (LE), Leg Curl (LC), and Calf Raises (CR)] at 80 to 90% of One-Repetition Maximum (1RM); Moderate-Intensity Training (MIT) group (n=15) (Mean age 69.27 ± 3.41) performed at 65 to 75% of 1RM; Low- Intensity Training (LIT) group (n=15) (Mean age 69.27 ± 1.94) performed at 50 to 60% of 1 RM; and a Control Group (CG) (n = 15) (Mean age 68.67 ± 2.38) with no training. Data was collected at pre-test, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks of intervention. 60 participants were analysed and the main effect of time showed a statistically significant difference in the mean of all variables (all p < 0.001), and also there was a statistically significant interaction between intervention and time on all variables (all p < 0.001). Different levels of intensity on only the lower extremities muscles had a significant effect on the dynamic balance and static balance of the elderly population. After four weeks of training HIT, MIT, and LIT illustrated significant improvement in dynamic balance, as well as static balance.

Efficacy of Open versus Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises on Dynamic Balance and Health Status in Individuals with Osteoarthritis of Knee Joint: A Quasi-experimental Study

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory disorder characterised by changes in the biomechanics, biochemistry and genetic background of joint cartilage and subchondral bone. When distal parts move freely throughout exercises in a weight-bearing position, the phrase open kinetic exercises is employed. Closed kinetic exercises are employed in a weight-bearing position when the body travels through a hard and quick distal phase. Aim: To compare the efficacy of Open Kinetic Chain (OKC) and Closed Kinetic Chain (CKC) exercises on dynamic balance and health status in individuals with osteoarthritis of knee joint. Materials and Method: A single-blinded experimental study was conducted from April 2020 to May 2021 at Dr D.Y. Patil college of Physiotherapy, Pimpri-Chinchwad area, Pune, Maharashtra, India. A sample of 30 subjects with unilateral osteoarthritis of knee joint, between the age of 40-60 years of both genders, were recruited. They were divided into open kinetic group (Group A) and closed kinetic group (Group B) using convenient sampling method. Y-balance and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index of Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) (Pune CRD version) were used as outcome measures-preintervention, post two weeks and post four weeks of intervention. Data normality was tested by Shapiro-wilk test. Significance was tested using paired t-test within the groups for WOMAC and Y-balance test. Unpaired t-test was used between the groups. Results: Among 30 subjects, 17 were males and 13 females. There was a significant improvement in dynamic balance (p-value=0.001) and WOMAC (p-value=0.001) in both the groups. In group A, preintervention mean values for WOMAC was 41.2±10.53, and post four weeks of intervention it was 34.53±10.12 (p-value=0.001). Preintervention mean for Y-balance test was 0.554±14.6 and after four weeks of intervention mean was 0.586±13.8 (p-value &lt;0.001). In group B, preintervention mean for WOMAC was 40.87±8.33, and after four weeks of intervention, mean was 30.47±7.22 (p-value=0.001); while preintervention mean for Y-balance test was 0.583±7.8 and after four weeks of intervention, mean was 0.645±7.0 (p-value=0.001). Between groups, analysis showed p-value=0.051 for both groups post four weeks of intervention. Conclusion: The study concluded that CKC exercises are more effective than OKC exercises in improving dynamic balance and decrease in pain, stiffness, and improving physical function in knee osteoarthritis.

Effects of Rehabilitation Before Lung Transplantation on Balance

Purpose: This study examined the effects of prelung transplant rehabilitation on balance and examined the relationship between clinical balance tests, instrumented balance assessments, and functional measures of strength and exercise capacity. Methods: Participants completed 1-month of 5 d/wk, multimodal, outpatient rehabilitation. They performed the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Four Square Step Test, Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) Scale, Short-Form FAB, Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction with Balance (mCTSIB), Limits of Stability Test (LOS), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and clinical strength assessments. Changes prerehabilitation to postrehabilitation were assessed using t tests. Pearson correlation coefficient assessed the relationship between baseline tests. Effect size was calculated using Cohen d. Results: Thirty-nine participants (age = 50 [16] years) completed pretransplant rehabilitation. Participants showed impaired dynamic balance measured through clinical balance tests and LOS which significantly improved with moderate change postrehabilitation. Most mCTSIB components had a small, nonsignificant change. Functional strength and 6MWD improved significantly prerehabilitation to postrehabilitation. Changes in clinical balance were correlated with changes in LOS, SPPB, 5 times sit-to-stand, and arm strength. Conclusions: Balance improvements in candidates for lung transplant, after a multimodal rehabilitation program, seem to be most closely associated with improvement in dynamic balance and lower extremity functional strength.

A Pilot Study to Assess the Immediate Effect of Dynamic Carbon Ground Reaction Ankle Foot Orthoses on Balance in Individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth in a Clinical Setting

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) causes muscle weakness and atrophy generally in distal extremities, with or without sensory changes. These impairments contribute to impaired balance and gait and increase risk for falls and secondary injuries. Dynamic Carbon Ground Reaction Ankle Foot Orthoses (DCGR-AFOs) are one type of lower extremity orthosis that can be prescribed to help improve gait and balance in this patient population. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the immediate impact of DCGR-AFOs on gait and balance in this population. In this pilot study, 9 individuals with CMT and gait impairment were seen in clinical setting by a physical therapist and orthotist. Participants were asked to complete the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) and tasks on the 4-Item Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) with and without bilateral DCGR-AFOs to assess static and dynamic balance. The average DGI scores were 6/12 without the DCGR-AFOs and 10/12 with the DCGR-AFOs. Improvements on the mCTSIB varied. The findings in this study suggest an immediate improvement in dynamic balance during ambulation with the use of DCGR-AFOs, as assessed by the 4-Item DGI. Data on static balance did not reach significance suggesting the need for future studies to further assess the effects of DCGR-AFOs on static standing balance, as well as the impact of training with physical therapists. This pilot study demonstrates that it is possible to demonstrate potential benefits of DCGR-AFOs with a gross fitting in a clinical setting, prior to referral to an orthotist for custom fitting.