Lower Limb Balance Research Articles

Effects of Rhythm Step Training on Foot and Lower Limb Balance in Children and Adolescents with Flat Feet: A Radiographic Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Owing to the recent reports regarding the efficacy of rhythm step training (RST) in lower limb muscle development and motor skill enhancement, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of RST on foot and lower limb balance in children and adolescents diagnosed with flat feet using radiographic analysis. Materials and Methods: A total of 160 children and adolescents diagnosed with flat feet from a hospital in Seoul were randomly assigned to the general flat feet training (GFFT) (n = 80) or RST (n = 80) group. Patients in both groups exercised for 50 min once a week for 12 weeks. Key variables, such as quadriceps angle (Q-angle), calcaneal pitch angle (CPA), calcaneal-first metatarsal angle (CFMA), and navicular-cuboid overlap ratio (OR) were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Significant improvements in Q-angle (p < 0.001), CPA (p < 0.001), CFMA (p < 0.001), and navicular-cuboid OR (p < 0.001) were observed in the RST group compared to the GFFT group. RST was found to be more effective in normalizing the biomechanical function of the calcaneus and improving lower limb function. Conclusions: RST significantly enhances foot and lower limb balance in children and adolescents with flat feet, suggesting its potential use as an effective intervention for this population. The study did not specifically analyze the effects of various components of rhythm training, such as music, exercise intensity, and frequency, on the outcomes. Further research is needed to determine how each of these elements individually influences the results.

The effect of Tuina based on the concept of hip-knee-ankle conjugation in patients with chronic ankle instability: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common sports injury disease and characterized by limited mobility, perceived instability and muscle weakness, combined treatment of hip-knee-ankle is a common rehabilitation method. Tuina, as a traditional Chinese manual therapy, is usually used for CAI, but many of them only focus on the local ankle joint rather than the combination of hip and knee joint. Therefore, we have designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effects of Tuina base on the concept of hip-knee-ankle conjugation on the stability and balance of lower limbs and ankle function in patients with CAI. We have designed a randomized controlled trial. A total of 72 participants with CAI will be randomly divided into functional training groups and hip-knee-ankle Tuina combined with functional training group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in control group will receive 8 sessions of functional training (30 min per session, twice a week for 4 weeks). Participants in intervention group will receive 8 sessions of Tuina combined with functional training (twice a week for 4 weeks). The primary outcomes include the Y-Balance Test (YBT) and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). The Secondary outcomes include the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and ankle range of motion (ROM). The outcome assessments will be conducted before the first intervention and after the last intervention. The aim of this study is to explore a safe and effective manipulation program and serve as reference for clinical treatment of CAI and expect to provide the necessary theoretical and practical support to our future research. Chinese Clinical Trail Registry ChiCTR2300068274.

The effect of 12 weeks of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive function, lower limb balance and quality of life of the elderly with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial

article: The effect of 12 weeks of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive function, lower limb balance and quality of life of the elderly with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial - Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2022 November;181(11):811-23 - Minerva Medica - Journals

Effects of ICT‐Based Multicomponent Program on Body Composition and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

AbstractBackgroundInformation and communication technology (ICT)‐based training devices for older adults’ care related to dementia are being developed to enhance older adults’ cognitive functions. Older adults who require bicycle training devices can improve muscle strength and balance of lower limbs by continuously contracting and relaxing lower‐limb muscles and improving cognitive function to prevent dementia. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of an ICT‐based multicomponent program on body composition and cognitive function in older adults.MethodIn a randomized controlled intervention test on 20 people over the age of 60 (exercise group: n = 10; control: n = 10), the multicomponent program was applied to the exercise group twice per week, once per day for 12 weeks, at 30 min per session, whereas the control group was advised to maintain their usual daily activities.ResultComparing body composition changes and cognitive function changes before and after intervention exhibited statistically significant differences in skeletal muscle mass (P = 0.01) and modified Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale–cognitive score (P = 0.01) between the two groups.ConclusionIt can be difficult to be engaged in a simple repetitive exercise program. Therefore, to meet older adults’ interests and expectations, a customized ICT‐based multicomponent program, which can improve body composition and cognitive function in older adults and is believed to help prevent dementia, is recommended.

The effect of proprioceptive training in the STAR Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)

Abstract Introduction. To control the movement, the brain must process proprioceptive information provided by mechanoreceptors. The role of proprioception in carrying out daily activities and physical exercises, was presented, using the SEBT technique and the proprioceptive mechanisms that represent the base of dynamic postural control. Objective. The aim was to highlight the effects of proprioceptive training on lower limb balance in subjects with lower limb injuries but also in healthy subjects, and to evaluate the effectiveness of proprioceptive programs based on postural instability to reduce knee sprains by developing proprioceptive control. These findings indicate the improvement of proprioceptive control which may be a key factor in reducing knee sprain. Working hypothesis. Applying a kinetic intervention protocol, consisting of static proprioceptive exercises, stimulates the body to maintain balance in situations of imbalance and increases the stability of the knee joint in Ministry of National Defense workers with a history of sprained knee or predisposition to injury. Methods. The research was performed on 30 subjects, male and female, employees of the Ministry of National Defense, distributed in two experimental groups: G1 and G2. Results. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the applied program, both for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, in increasing postural balance and proprioceptive control. Conclusions. Knee sprain is a trauma that occurs frequently among athletes. Like athletes, the Ministry of National Defense employees represent a population at high risk of injury or recurrence.

Sprained Knee Prophylaxy Using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)

"Introduction. To control the movement, the brain must process proprioceptive information provided by mechanoreceptors. The role of proprioception in daily activities, physical exercises, were presented, using the SEBT technique and the proprioceptive mechanisms that represent the base of dynamic postural control. Objective. The aim was to highlight the effects of proprioceptive training on lower limb balance in subjects with lower limb injuries but also in healthy subjects, and to evaluate the effectiveness of proprioceptive programs based on postural instability to reduce knee sprains by developing proprioceptive control. These findings indicate the improvement of proprioceptive control which may be a key factor in reducing knee sprain. Methods. The research was performed on 30 subjects, male and female, employees of the Ministry of National Defense, distributed in two experimental groups: G1 and G2. Results. SEBT has become a dynamic test used in clinical trials and research. The results of the research showed validity for SEBT. Conclusions. Knee sprain is a trauma that occurs frequently among athletes. Like athletes, the Ministry of National Defense employees represent a population at high risk of injury or recurrence. Keywords: knee sprain, postural control, neuromuscular control, dynamic balance test. "

Study on the Influence of Proprioceptive Control versus Visual Control on Reaction Speed, Hand Coordination, and Lower Limb Balance in Young Students 14-15 Years Old.

Currently, sports activities require a high reaction speed, coordination, and balance, highlighting the relationship between proprioceptive control, visual control, and hand–eye coordination in youth. The present research assessed the proprioceptive control, reaction speed, and lower limb balance of youth from five different schools to identify the level of physical preparation of children in this direction. This prospective study was conducted between 1 January 2020 and 29 February 2020. A total of 107 healthy children (33 females and 74 males) with appropriate medical conditions, aged between 14 and 15 years, from five Romanian schools were included in the experiment. All children were assessed for visual control and reaction speed with the ruler drop test, and for lower limb balance, the standing stork test was used. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, data series distribution, and comparison of means and medians using specific statistical programs. Comparison of medians highlighted significant statistical differences in the standing stork test with eyes closed and the dominant leg compared with the nondominant leg (p = 0.0057). Males were compared to females at the nondominant leg (p = 0.0179); closed eyes were compared with opened eyes for the nondominant leg (p = 0.0175 and 0.0006) for the ruler drop test comparing the dominant hand with the nondominant hand (p = 0.0212). Children who engage in sports activities better integrated sensory information in motor action execution based on reaction speed and coordination with the nondominant hand.

Effects of ICT-Based Multicomponent Program on Body Composition and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study.

PurposeInformation and communication technology (ICT)-based training devices for older adults’ care related to dementia are being developed to enhance older adults’ cognitive functions. Older adults who require bicycle training devices can improve muscle strength and balance of lower limbs by continuously contracting and relaxing lower-limb muscles and improving cognitive function to prevent dementia. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of an ICT-based multicomponent program on body composition and cognitive function in older adults.Patients and MethodsIn a randomized controlled intervention test on 20 people over the age of 60 (exercise group: n = 10; control: n = 10), the multicomponent program was applied to the exercise group twice per week, once per day for 12 weeks, at 30 min per session, whereas the control group was advised to maintain their usual daily activities.ResultsComparing body composition changes and cognitive function changes before and after intervention exhibited statistically significant differences in skeletal muscle mass (P=0.01) and modified Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale–cognitive score (P=0.01) between the two groups.ConclusionIt can be difficult to be engaged in a simple repetitive exercise program. Therefore, to meet older adults’ interests and expectations, a customized ICT-based multicomponent program, which can improve body composition and cognitive function in older adults and is believed to help prevent dementia, is recommended.Trial RegistrationUMIN000042129 (https://www.umin.ac.jp/english/).

Investigation of Muscle Strength, Motor Coordination and Balance in Children with Idiopathic Toe Walking: A Case-control Study

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare muscle strength, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), motor coordination and balance, between children with and without Idiopathic Toe Walking (ITW). Materials and methods: This is an observational case-control study. The primary outcome is the triceps surae muscle strength. The secondary outcomes are the anterior tibialis muscle strength, lower limb balance, motor coordination, and ankle dorsiflexion ROM. Thirty-eight children were recruited: 19 between 5 to 11 years old with ITW and 19 healthy (control). Ankle dorsiflexion ROM, triceps surae, anterior tibialis muscle strength, motor coordination, and balance were assessed. Results: Children with ITW showed reduced triceps surae strength [mean difference (MD): 16.2 kgf/kg*100; 95% confidence interval (CI) −32.72 to 0.28; p = .05], reduced anterior tibialis strength (MD: 8.5 kgf/kg*100; 95% CI −13.35 to −3.05; p ≤ 0.001), reduced ankle dorsiflexion ROM (MD: 19.6 degrees; 95% CI 15.43 to 23.77; p ≤ 0.001) and impaired motor coordination and balance (MD: 17.7; 95% CI −25.54 to −9.82; p ≤ 0.001) compared to healthy children. Conclusion: Children with Idiopathic Toe Walking, presented in this study, demonstrated triceps surae and anterior tibialis muscle strength reduction, ankle dorsiflexion ROM reduction, impaired motor coordination, and balance compared to healthy children.

Study on the Efficacy of Hydrotherapy Exercise Prescription on Walking Ability of Patients with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Objective: Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of cerebral palsy and is characterized by increased skeletal muscle tone throughout the body, especially in the lower extremities. Long-term muscle spasticity and muscle strength imbalance can cause different degrees of fixed deformities in the lower extremities of cerebral palsy patients, which can seriously affect their walking ability and even their daily life. In this study, we will conduct hydrotherapy exercise prescription rehabilitation training for patients with spastic cerebral palsy aged 20-40 years old and analyze the effect of hydrotherapy exercise prescription on patients' walking ability using gait analysis system to provide a new idea of treatment for improving walking ability of cerebral palsy patients. Methods: Thirty-two patients with spastic cerebral palsy admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to February 2018 were selected as the experimental group, and a walking tank manufactured by HYDRO PHYSIO, UK, was used to maintain the water temperature at 34-40°C. 32 patients were rehabilitated with hydrotherapy exercise prescription for 8 weeks, 1 time/day, 20-30 min/time. In the experimental group, gait data were collected in Vicon 3D gait analysis system after 8 weeks. The gait data of 32 normal subjects in the control group and the gait data of the experimental group before and after treatment were compared and analyzed to study the effect of hydrotherapy exercise prescription on the walking ability of patients with spastic cerebral palsy aged 20-40 years. Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, the patients' gait data in frequency, stride length, stride speed, single support and double support were significantly improved (p < 0.05). Conclusion Hydrotherapy exercise prescription is effective in the treatment of walking ability in patients with spastic cerebral palsy and helps patients' lower limb balance and stability, which is worthy of application and promotion.

Níveis de equilíbrio e de força de resistência abdominal em adolescentes iniciantes na prática de slackline: um estudo experimental

Introdução: O slackline oferece inúmeros benefícios, sendo necessárias diversas habilidades físicas como: coordenação motora, equilíbrio dinâmico e estático, força de resistência abdominal e força de membros inferiores.&#x0D; Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos do treinamento de slackline sobre os níveis de equilíbrio e de força de resistência abdominal (FRA) em adolescentes iniciantes na modalidade.&#x0D; Métodos: Estudo experimental, com amostra por conveniência, que se constituiu de 14 adolescentes, de ambos os sexos,com idades entre 14 e 18 anos. Os testes foram realizados no início e no término do período de treinamento (oito semanas), totalizando 24 sessões, com uma hora de duração cada. Para avaliar o equilíbrio dinâmico, utilizou-se o Y Balance Test e para avaliar a FRA, utilizou-se o Teste Abdominal de um minuto. As análises descritivas dos dados foram apresentadas em média e desvio padrão, sendo aplicado um Teste de Wilcoxon para amostras dependentes.&#x0D; Resultados: Quanto ao equilíbrio de membros inferiores, houve diferenças significativas nos resultados pós-teste para o membro direito (99,6 ± 6,41) e para o membro esquerdo (98,68 ± 8,26) quando comparados ao pré-teste do membro direito (96,2 ± 7,62) e do membro esquerdo (96,16 ± 7,34). Quanto à força de resistência abdominal, os valores obtidos no pós-teste (29,7 ± 5,95) em comparação ao pré-teste (26,4 ± 7,16) foram maiores.&#x0D; Conclusão: A partir dos resultados deste estudo é possível concluir que oito semanas de treinamento em slackline foi capaz de melhorar o equilíbrio dinâmico e a força de resistência abdominal em uma população de adolescentes iniciantes no esporte.

Effect of Acupuncturing Zhaohai with Reducing Approach and Shenmai with Reinforcing Approach on Patients with Post-stroke Lower Limb Balance Dysfunction

Effect of Acupuncturing Zhaohai with Reducing Approach and Shenmai with Reinforcing Approach on Patients with Post-stroke Lower Limb Balance Dysfunction

Effect of isotonic and isokinetic exercise on muscle activity and balance of the ankle joint.

[Purpose] This study was performed to examine how the balance of lower limbs and the muscle activities of the tibialis anterior (TA), the medial gastrocnemius (GCM), and the peroneus longus (PL) are influenced by isotonic and isokinetic exercise of the ankle joint. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were healthy adults (n=20), and they were divided into two groups (isotonic=10, isokinetic=10). [Methods] Isotonic group performed 3 sets of 10 contractions at 50% of MVIC and Isokinetic group performed 3 sets of 60°/sec. Muscle activity was measured by EMG and balance was measured by one-leg standing test. [Results] For muscle activity, a main effect of group was found in the non-dominant TA, and the dominant TA, GCM and PL. For balance, a main effect of time was found in both groups for the sway area measured support was provided by the non-dominant side. [Conclusion] In terms of muscle activity, the two groups showed a significant difference, and the isokinetic group showed higher muscle activities. In terms of balance, there was a significant difference between the pre-test and the post-test. The results of this study may help in the selection of exercises for physical therapy, because they show that muscle activity and balance vary according to the type of exercise.