Kinesthetic Ability Trainer Research Articles

THE EFFECTS OF VISUAL BIOFEEDBACK ON INDICES OF BALANCE

PURPOSE The effects of visual feedback on unilateral balance were assessed in 16 college-aged males (mean age ± SD = 24 ± 3 y) free of orthopedic problems. METHODS The Kinesthetic Ability Trainer (KAT 2000) system was used to measure balance index (BI), fore/back ratio (F/B), and right/left ratio (R/L) with eyes closes (EC), eyes open (EO), and eyes open with biofeedback (EO-BF). RESULTS The results were statistically analyzed with MANOVA. Further analyses included one-way ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test to discern any differences in main effect. MANOVA revealed that there was a significant difference between conditions on the linear combination of the dependent variables (p <0.001). ANOVA revealed that only BI differed significantly between groups (p <0.001). Probability values for F/B and R/L were 0.074 and 0.599, respectively. BI values for EC, EO, and EO-BF were 1363.98 ± 508.56, 666.77 ± 268.01, and 180.79 ± 110.40, respectively. Tukey tests revealed that these differences were significant (p <0.001).Table 1: Dependent Variable Scores for Each Visual ConditionCONCLUSION BI scores for EO-BF were better than EC and EO, and BI scores were better for EO than EC. These data indicate that, while visual input may positively affect unilateral postural control, specific biofeedback significantly adds to the control of balance. This suggests that clinicians should consider the use of accessory stimuli in the treatment of sensory impairments.

EFFECTS OF A NEUROMUSCULAR TRAINING PROGRAM ON BALANCE IN OLDER ADULTS

Studies in the area of balance have shown that the hip girdle musculature is involved in one of the main strategies employed in regaining balance. It has also been shown that 12 week strength training programs undertaken at any age can show modest improvements in strength and profound effects in functional independence. Purpose: To examine the relationship between neuromuscular recruitment in the muscles associated with the hip girdle and functional balance in a 12 week training program with healthy older adults. Methods: Forty-four women aged 70 and older volunteered into the control (n1 = 22, Mean Age = 75.91 ± 3.66) or training group (n2 = 22, Mean Age = 76.05 ± 4.78). Subjects were tested on 2 functional lower body tests; a Timed Two-Legged Squat (TTLS) and Timed Chair Stand (TCS). Functional balance was assessed using the Kinesthetic Ability Trainer (KAT). The KAT uses an inflatable air bladder to alter the stability of the platform. Platform stability was timed under 3 conditions (psi levels: 1.0, 2.5, 4.0) with eyes open and closed. Subjects in the training group were allotted to training workouts consisting of 1 hour stretching and strengthening programs 3x/wk for 12 weeks. Subjects in the comparison group were asked to maintain their daily routines and not participate in additional activities. A subjective questionnaire on general well-being was administered to both groups after the completion of the study. Results: Currently with 9 of 22 completed 12 weeks of training (n1 = 9, n2 = 9), a 2×2 ANOVA with repeated measures on one factor demonstrated a statistical significant effect in the TTLS (p = 0.01), and TCS (p < 0.01). As well, as expected, the TTLS was negatively correlated with the TCS. The results of the questionnaire suggest that undertaking a strength-training program can improve one's quality of life. However, no significant difference was noted under any of the balance conditions. Conclusion: These results suggest that resistance training improves strength, functional independence and quality of life. Further research, with larger sample sizes, is warranted to assess the effects on balance.

The reliability of balance tests performed on the kinesthetic ability trainer (KAT 2000).

The Kinesthetic Ability Trainer (KAT 2000) is a balance platform designed for training and functional testing of the neuromuscular control system. Forty healthy and sports-active persons were tested and 1 month later retested to investigate the reliability of the KAT 2000 testing "one-leg static balance" and "two-leg dynamic balance". A significant improvement at retesting on the same day was seen in both tests; furthermore the dynamic test result improved significantly with retesting 1 month later. The data obtained made it possible to calculate the 95% confidence limits for an unchanged test result for a single person and a group of persons. The results show a clear learning effect when the persons are retested, especially in the dynamic test. The KAT 2000 can be used as a tool for testing groups of persons both in short- and long-term studies, but it cannot be used for testing single persons due to the great variance in the test results. Further investigations involving injured persons are needed to determine the range of improvement after intervention.