Received Balance Training Research Articles

The Effect of Balance Training on Physical Motor Functions TO 11-12 Year Old Female Football Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of balance training on the physical motor function of adolescent female football players. Thirty female football players aged 11-12 years were selected from Ausheng Football Club as the study subjects, and they were divided into a test group and a control group of 15 each using experimental testing and mathematical statistics methods. The experimental group received balance training intervention for a period of 5 weeks while the control group did not receive any intervention. The Y-Balance test and FMS test were used as assessment indicators to evaluate the balance and body movement function of the athletes respectively. Differences in performance between the two groups before and after training were compared and the relationship between balance ability and physical motor function was analyzed by methods such as paired samples t-test and independent samples t-test. The results showed that compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significant improvement in all balance indicators, especially in medial back and overall balance. In addition, the experimental group showed significant improvement in hurdle stride, linear lunge, and rotational stability indicators. The overall motor function of the experimental group improved significantly as assessed by the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), which indicated that the balance training was very effective. The Y-balance test further confirmed that the experimental group showed a substantial improvement in balance, while the control group showed little change. In addition, the results of the Y-balance test showed a moderate positive correlation with the results of the FMS test, suggesting a relationship between balance and functional movement. These findings emphasize the positive impact of balance training on the physical motor function of young female footballers, demonstrating the importance of balance training in motor development and injury prevention.

The Effect of Resistance Exercises Using an Elastic Band on Balance and Fear of Falling in Older Adults With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A 16-week Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThe current study aimed to investigate the effect of resistance training using an elastic band on balance and fear of falling in older adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. DesignThe study was a clinical controlled trial with a repeated measure design. SettingIranian Diabetes Foundation of Mashhad. ParticipantsThe participants were 51 older adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and balance impairment (N=51). InterventionsParticipants were randomly assigned to 2 groups; 1 group received balance training using an elastic band and the other group just received balance training. Main Outcome MeasuresThe main outcomes were balance and fear of falling that were measured using Berg Balance Scale and a short version of the Fall Efficiency Scale-International, respectively. ResultsThe results showed that balance resistance training with and without using an elastic band significantly enhances balance and reduces fear of falling in diabetic older adults suffering from balance issues. However, balance resistance training using an elastic band had a significantly better effect on the balance and fear of falling in the participants. The best results were obtained after week 12 (48 sessions of balance training). ConclusionBalance rehabilitation programs may include an elastic band in balance resistance training for 12 weeks (3-4 sessions a week) for enhancing balance in diabetic older adults suffering from balance impairment.

EFEITO DO TREINAMENTO DE EQUILÍBRIO SOBRE A APTIDÃO FÍSICA DOS MARATONISTAS

ABSTRACT Introduction: As a comprehensive sport, Marathon presents high demands concerning the athletes’ comprehensive capacity. Objective: This paper explores to what extent balance skill training can effectively contribute to improving physical fitness for marathon runners. Methods: 120 marathon runners were selected for the pilot experiment. The experimental group received balance training, while the control group underwent no intervention. Results: In the experimental group, the time with eyes closed and feet apart increased from 33.559 ± 15.8570 to 37.203 ± 15.5865s, the time spent in the T-shaped run from 10.144 ± 0.5063s to 9.908 ± 0.5225s, the time spent in the standing long jump from 2.831 ± 0.2648m to 3.058 ± 0.3183m, and the time spent in the T-shaped run from 55.544 ± 2.2581 to 60.845 ± 2.4367 times/min. The total FMS score changed from 14.618 ± 0.9392 to 18.481 ± 1.3909. Shoulder flexibility increased from 2.777 ± 0.4756 to 2.917 ± 0.2994, and active straight knee raise changed from 2.306 ± 0.4692 to 2.803 ± 0.403. Conclusion: Daily balance training can be added to usual marathon training to improve the fitness of its athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

The Effect of Different Physiotherapy Programs on Pain, Balance and Trunk Functional Capacity in Adolescents with Low Back Pain

Background. Low back pain is a common problem, adversely affecting balance and strategy for controlling the trunk muscles. There are various methods to treat low back pain, therefore, studies comparing the effectiveness of different programs can help improve the rehabilitation program for patients with low back pain.
 The aim. To evaluate the effect of trunk stabilization and balance exercises performed with different devices on pain, balance and trunk functional capacity in adolescents with low back pain.
 Methods. 12 adolescents with low back pain participated in this study. They were divided into two groups. The first group received 20 minutes of stabilization exercises and 10 minutes of balance training using the Biodex balance system. The second group received 20 minutes of stabilization exercises and 10 minutes of balance training using a vibration platform. All subjects were evaluated before and after 10 physiotherapy procedures. Self-reported pain, balance and static endurance of trunk muscles were assessed before and after the interventions.
 Results. Both programs significantly reduced pain, improved control of the center of gravity within the base of support, reduced the time required to shift weight in different paths, reduced sway index in conditions of eyes open or eyes closed on a firm or foam surface, improved dynamic and static overall postural stability and increased static endurance of trunk muscles. Improvement in control of the center of gravity within the base of support, and reduction in the time required to shift weight in different paths, were more significant in the group that received balance training using the Biodex balance system compared with that in the group that received balance training using a vibration platform.
 Conclusions. Balance training using the Biodex balance system was more effective in improving control of the center of gravity within the base of support and reducing the time required to shift weight in different paths than balance training using a vibration platform.
 Keywords: low back pain, balance, trunk stability, Biodex balance system, vibration platform.
 

A Comparison between Effects of Neurofeedback and Balance Exercise on Balance of Healthy Older Adults.

Background: Balance ability is a crucial component of independent daily activities among the older adultss. Balance impairment is one of the major risk factors for falls and related complications.Objective: The present study aims to investigate and compare the effect of neurofeedback training and balance training on balance and fall risk among older adults.Material and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, a total of 48 older adults aged more than 65 years were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups, neurofeedback group (n=24) and balance exercise group (n=24). Prior to the intervention, the static balance, dynamic balance, and fall risk were measured using Biodex D balance system and Fullerton Advanced Balance scale. Subjects in neurofeedback group received neurofeedback training for 12 sessions of 30-min, every other day. Moreover, subjects in balance exercise group received balance training for four weeks in 12 sessions (45-minute) every other day. After the intervention, balance measurements were repeated in both groups. The significance level was set at p<0.05.Results: Static balance and dynamic balance were shown to significantly improve, after the interventions (p<0.001). Furthermore, fall risk was significantly reduced, after the trial (p<0.001). In addition, the therapeutic effect of neurofeedback training was not less significant than exercises on balance in the older adults (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that both neurofeedback training and balance training improved balance ability among the older adults. Results also show the therapeutic effect of neurofeedback training on balance in older people. However, further research is required to accurately investigate the long-term effects of these two treatment methods among the older adults.

Role Wii Fit exer-games in improving balance confidence and quality of life in elderly population.

To determine the effects of Wii Fit exer-gaming on balance confidence, quality of life and fall risk in elderly population. The double-blind randomised control trial was conducted at Kulsum International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from July 31 to October 30, 2018, and comprised vitally stable, physically independent subjects of either gender aged 60 years and above, having no serious systemic disease. The subjects were randomly allocated into experimental group A and control group B using the concealed envelope method. After baseline assessment, group A received Wii fit gaming, while group B received balance training for 30 minutes twice a week for 8 weeks. Activities balance confidence (ABC), European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ 5D-5L), timed up and go (TUG) and Fukuda were used to assess the impact of the intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 90 subjects, 83(92.2%) completed the study. There were 51(62%) males and 32 (38%) females; and 45(50%) in each of the two groups. Group A had 42(50.6%) subjects with 26(62%) males and 16(38%) females, and 41 were in group B, with 25(61%) males and 16(39%) females. Balance confidence improved in both groups, but it was significantly higher in group A (p<0.001). Mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression as well as timed up and go and Fukuda showed significantly more improvement in group A compared to group B (p<0.05). Wii fit was found to have the potential to improve balance confidence and quality of life, reducing the fall risk among the elderly. IRCT20180417039344N1 by Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials.

Early cardiac rehabilitation for acute decompensated heart failure safely improves physical function (PEARL study): a randomized controlled trial.

Improvements in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) rather than exercise tolerance reportedly led to favorable prognosis in elderly patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). However, about 50% of heart failure shows heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, safe and effective interventions to improve SPPB for these types remain unclear. In addition, although a standard cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program for heart failure is widely used in Japan, whether this is sufficient to improve SPPB in elderly patients with ADHF remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether the addition of multidisciplinary physical interventions to the standard CR program would prove effective for improving SPPB among elderly patients with ADHF regardless types of heart failure. The design of this study was randomized, prospective study. Patients admitted to our hospital due to ADHF in Japan. Elderly patients with ADHF between March 2019 and March 2020 were randomized to two groups, an Intervention group and a Control group. The Control group performed standard CR. The Intervention group received balance training and resistance training and used a cycling ergometer in addition to the standard CR program. The primary outcome was the improvement in SPPB after CR. Seventy-five patients with ADHF were divided into the two groups (Intervention group, N.=36; Control group, N.=39). At baseline, both groups showed low physical performance and a high prevalence of frailty. Intervention size effect was an improvement in SPPB score of +2.2 (+3.7±1.1 vs. +1.5±1.7; P<0.001). Of the 3 components of SPPB, both gait speed and timed repeated chair rise were significantly improved in the Intervention group compared to the Control group, with intervention size effect of +0.76 and +0.94, respectively (P<0.001). Subgroup analysis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction showed significant improvement in SPPB score in the Intervention group compared to the Control group (P<0.001). No adverse events were observed during the study period. A multi-faceted intervention in addition to standard CR improved physical performance among elderly patients with ADHF regardless types of heart failure. We believe that use of a cycling ergometer and load-specific resistance training provide specific CR for patients with ADHF during acute hospitalization and highlight the need for active intervention.

A prospective randomized controlled study of the effects of balance training combined with routine training on patients with lower limb motor and balance dysfunction after severe burns

Objective: To observe the effects of balance training combined with routine training on patients with lower limb motor and balance dysfunctions after severe burns. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. From January 2016 to January 2020, sixty-four patients with lower limb motor and balance dysfunction after severe burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University＆Wuhan Third Hospital. According to the random number table, the patients were divided into routine training (RT) group and combined training (CT) group. There were 32 cases in each group, 22 males and 10 females in RT group, aged 40.5 (35.5, 52.8) years, and 24 males and 8 females in CT group, aged 37.0 (30.0, 44.0) years. Patients in RT group performed conventional treatment including knee joint stretch, continuous passive motion, lower limb muscle strength training, and pressure therapy etc., while patients in CT group received balance training in addition to RT treatment including sitting balance, center of gravity transfer, pelvic stability, standing alternately on one leg, and standing on balance pad. Patients in both groups were treated for 4 months. Before treatment and after 4 months of treatment, the Berg Balance Scale, Lower Extremity Function Scale, and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale were used to evaluate the balance function, lower limb function, and balance activity self-confidence of patients respectively. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, paired sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank test or chi-square test. Results: Before treatment, the Berg balance score of patients in RT group was (25±9) points, which was similar to (25±7) points in CT group (t=-0.154, P>0.05). After 4 months of treatment, the Berg balance score of patients in CT group was (43±6) points, which was significantly higher than (40±6) points in RT group (t=2.028, P<0.05). The Berg balance scores of patients in RT and CT groups after 4 months of treatment were obviously higher than those before treatment (t=-15.189, -26.200, P<0.01). Before treatment, the lower limb function score of patients in RT group was 25.0 (16.5, 30.0) points, which was similar to 23.0 (10.3, 28.8) points in CT group (Z=-1.575, P>0.05). After 4 months of treatment, the lower limb function score of patients in CT group was 55.0 (35.0, 60.0) points, which was significantly higher than 43.0 (36.0, 53.0) points in RT group (Z=-2.744, P<0.01). The lower limb function scores of patients in RT and CT groups after 4 months of treatment were obviously higher than those before treatment (Z=-4.943, -4.955, P<0.01). Before treatment, the balance activity self-confidence scores of patients in the two groups were similar (t=-0.966, P>0.05). After 4 months of treatment, the balance activity self-confidence scores of patients in CT group was significantly higher than that in RT group (t=3.343, P<0.01). The balance activity self-confidence scores of patients in RT and CT groups after 4 months of treatment were obviously higher than those before treatment (t=-19.611, -34.300, P<0.01). Conclusions: Conventional treatment combined with balance training for patients with lower limb motor and balance dysfunctions after severe burns can effectively promote the recovery of their lower limb motor and balance function.

Immersive virtual reality is effective in the rehabilitation of older adults with balance disorders: A randomized clinical trial.

What are the effects of immersive virtual reality (IVR) training compared to conventional physiotherapy on body balance and risk of falls in older adults with balance disorders? A randomized controlled trial with two intervention arms, concealed allocation, per-protocol analysis, and blinded assessment. Thirty-seven older adults with balance disorders and risk of falling. Participants were randomized into two groups: a control group, which received balance training with conventional physiotherapy using multimodal circuit exercises, and an experimental group, which received balance training using immersive virtual reality. Both groups received 16 individual sessions, twice a week. The primary outcome was functional balance. Secondary outcomes were static balance, gait speed, functional range, dizziness symptoms, and fear of falling. Safety was ensured by assessing any adverse events during the intervention. After 16 sessions, in the intragroup analysis, the functional balance score in the experimental group increased by 3.00 (95% CI 1.42 to 4.57) and in the control group by 3.88 (95% CI 2.16 to 5.59). Both groups improved in assessments of sensory interaction and anterior reach. Only the experimental group presented increased mobility and reduced dizziness. After two months, there was a maintenance of gains in functional balance and a reduction of the gains in functional reach for both groups. In the intergroup comparison, there was no significant difference. Immersive Virtual Reality training proved to be effective for balance-related outcomes, although it was not superior to conventional therapy. RBR-3tk7fw.

Effects of biodex balance training on symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in Rawalpindi: A randomized control trial.

To determine the effect of Biodex training on lower limb functional performance, balance, pain and proprioception in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis patients. The randomised controlled study was conducted at the Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from February to June 2018, and comprised patients of both genders aged 35-65 years with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. The patients were randomised using sealed envelope method into two equal control and experimental groups. The former received traditional exercise programme, while the latter received balance training on Biodex and traditional exercise programme. Assessment was done at baseline and post-intervention, and the two values were compared both intra-group and inter-group. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 48 patients, there were 24(50%) in each of the two groups. Experimental group showed significant improvement in pain severity, overall stability and in terms of anteroposterior stability (p<0.05). There was significant improvement in both groups from the baseline (p<0.05). Biodex balance training was found to be more effective in improving functional performance, stability, proprioception and in decreasing sway and pain compared to the traditional exercise programme.

Effects of Wii Fit exer-gaming on balance and gait in elderly population; a randomized control trial

To assess the effect of exer-gaming on balance and gait in the elderly. The randomised controlled trial was conducted at Kulsum International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from July to October 2018, and comprised physically independent subjects aged 60 years and above who were randomised into experimental and control groups using concealed envelope method. The cases received exer-gaming for 30 minutes twice a week for 8 weeks, while the controls received balance training exercises twice a week for 8 weeks. Assessment was done at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. Outcome measures were assessed with Berg balance scale and the gait abnormality rating scale modified. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 90 subjects, there were 45(50%) in each of the two groups. The intervention group had better outcome in terms of gait (p<0.05) except for foot contact and shoulder extension (p>0.05), while the difference related to balance was not significant (p>0.05). Exer-gaming was found to be effective in improving various components of gait in the elderly compared to exercises.

Balance training: its influence on pulmonary rehabilitation

BackgroundBalance disorders are one of the most important complications for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of adding balance training to pulmonary rehabilitation program in improving balance in patients with COPD.Patients and methodsA total of 48 male patients diagnosed as having COPD were selected from the outpatient clinic of Wadi El-Neel Hospital, Cairo, and their ages ranged from 60 to 65 years. Patients were assigned randomly into two equal groups. The study group received balance training with pulmonary rehabilitation program, and the control group received pulmonary rehabilitation program only. Exercise training was performed for both groups three times a week for 8 weeks. Balance assessment was performed by Berg Balance Scale, Balance Evaluation Systems Test, and 6-min walking test before and after training.ResultsThe 2×2 mixed-model analysis of variance analysis demonstrated significant increase in the Berg Balance Scale and Balance Evaluation Systems Test after treatment in both groups, with a percentage of improvement in control group was 5.01 and 9.15%, respectively, whereas in the study group was 16.04 and 25.46%, respectively. However, the study group showed significant improvement than the control group after treatment in both tests. Regarding 6-min walking test, both groups showed significant increase after treatment, with a similar percentage of improvement in the control group (23.95%) and the study group (24.93%). There was no significant difference between the control and the study group after treatment.ConclusionAddition of balance training to pulmonary rehabilitation program was more effective in improving balance in elderly patients with COPD.

Effect of Pro-kin visual feedback balance training system on gait stability in patients with cerebral small vessel disease.

Due to the indistinct nature of symptoms for Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD), diagnosis is often missed. With significant deterioration of movement disorder, risk of falls increases dramatically.Comparison study was conducted to explore the association between balance function and gait instability, and the treatment effectiveness of visual feedback balance training on the gait disorder in CSVD patients.Fifty-six patients with CSVD were studied. They were randomly divided into observation and control groups, and were given conventional gait rehabilitation training, including single-leg weight, shift of the center of gravity, step and hip extension training, stepping up and down on stairs with the affected leg, standing up with hip extension and support of the leg, lateral walking, and in situ walking. Training was performed twice a day for 20 minutes each for 4 consecutive weeks. In addition, the observation group received balance training using Pro-Kin visual feedback balance training system. Both groups were evaluated prior and post-treatment using the Tinetti Scale and the Pro-Kin Visual Feedback Balance Training System. For the Tinetti Scale, lower score indicates more serious gait balance dysfunction. For the Pro-Kin, greater length means poorer balance function. Larger area means poorer balance function. Smaller value of the 2 parameters indicates better balance function.After training, the trajectory lengths and areas of orbital motions were significantly decreased (P < .05). However greater decrease was seen in the observation group (P < .01). The trajectory length and area for both groups were less when the eyes open than closed (P < .01). The Tinetti scores for balance and gait functions of both groups improved significantly (P < .05). However, the observation group showed even greater results than the control group (P < .01). Results from Person test showed there was a significant correlation between balance and gait functions.Combination of visual feedback balance training with conventional rehabilitation treatment could gain a greater result than conventional rehabilitation alone. It indicates that balance training may serve as an additional method for gait stability training for CSVD patients.

Evaluation of the effect of balance training in hemiplegic patients

Aim of the work: To assess the postural instability in hemiplegic patient and evaluate the effect of balance training by the biodex balance system (BBS-SD). Patients and methods: Forty patients with hemiplegia (hemiplegic group) and 30 healthy volunteers (control group). The hemiplegic group was subdivided randomly into two subgroupsnI and IInaccording to the rehabilitation program. Group, I received balance training by BSS-SD in addition to traditional rehabilitation program for hemiplegia. Group II received a traditional rehabilitation program for hemiplegia. All patients were functionally assessed by Stroke Specific Quality of life scale (Ss-QOL) scale and balance assessment by berg balance scale and by using BSS-SD. Results: There was significant affection of overall stability index of postural stability test, fall risk test and parameters of limits of stability (LOS)test in hemiplegic group in comparison to the apparently control group (p ≤ 0.05 ). There was a statistically significant improvement in both hemiplegic subgroups but more significant in group I regarding postural stability test, fall risk test and limits of stability test. Also, there was an improvement in Ss-QOL scale and BBS that was more significant in group I. Conclusions: Stroke patients have postural instability and increased risk of falling. Balance training by using BSS-SD in addition to the traditional rehabilitation program decreases the postural instability, also improves the quality of life more than the traditional rehabilitation program only.

Muscle-specific Cortical Adaptations To Balance Training With Electromyographic Biofeedback In Able-bodied Individuals

The use of electromyography biofeedback (EMG-BF) is frequently incorporated among patients with neurological and musculoskeletal injury to restore neuromuscular function and improve real-time awareness of muscle function. Its effects on central nervous system function are not well documented in lower leg models, leaving its efficacy in certain populations unclear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to measure reflexive and cortical excitability before and after a balance training intervention with and without EMG-BF. METHODS: Nineteen healthy participants volunteered for this study (183.0±20.1cm; 69.0±13.1kg; 21.1±2.3yrs). Reflexive excitability was assessed using the Hoffmann reflex from the tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL), and soleus (SOL) through peripheral stimulation of the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa to obtain Hmax:Mmax ratios. Cortical excitability was assessed via transcranial magnetic stimulation to quantify motor evoked potential (MEP) size at 110 percent of TA resting motor threshold. Neural excitability was measured before and after two 30-minute balance training sessions. The control group (n=9) performed only balance training while the experimental group (n=10) received balance training with EMG-BF to maintain 30 percent of maximal PL contraction. Differences before and after training across groups were assessed using factorial analysis of variance (α=0.05). RESULTS: No differences between groups were observed for reflexive excitability (F=0.00, p=0.96). No MEP size differences were observed for TA (F=0.63, p=0.45) or PL (F=0.53, p=0.48); but a significant time by group interaction was observed for SOL (F=4.315, p=0.044). EMG-BF decreased SOL MEP size after training (0.083%Mmax to 0.048%Mmax). CONCLUSIONS: EMG-BF with short-term balance training decreased cortical excitability to SOL compared to balance training alone, perhaps representing reciprocal inhibitory mechanisms to the postural plantarflexors. These findings may have implications when considering interventions for dystonic or spastic populations.

Effects of different exercise modalities on ataxia in multiple sclerosis patients: a randomized controlled study

Purpose: To investigate the effects of different exercise protocols on ataxia in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).Method: A total of 42 MS patients, 17 male and 25 female (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): 3–5), were enrolled in this randomized controlled study. The patients were divided into three groups: a balance training (BT) group, a lumbar stabilization (LS) group and a task-oriented training (TT) group. All groups received balance training; additionally, the LS group received lumbar stabilization exercises, and the TT group received task-oriented training. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), Functional Reach Test (FRT), 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), Sensory Organization Test (SOT), and measurement of Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEPs) were performed before and at the end of the 18 training sessions.Results: The BBS, ICARS, FRT, 2MWT, and composite balance score of the SOT were improved in all groups. The ICARS kinetic function sub-score and the left limb cortical onset amplitudes of SSEPs were increased significantly in both the TT and the LS groups. The ICARS total score, composite balance score, and 2MWT were different between groups (p < 0.05). According to multiple comparison analyses of the ICARS total score and the composite balance score, the LS, and the TT group were different from the BT group (p < 0.005), while the LS and the TT groups improved similarly (p > 0.005). The 2MWT results were better for the LS group than the BT group, while the BT and the TT groups improved similarly.Conclusion: Balance training alone is not sufficient for rehabilitation of ataxic MS patients. A combination of lumbar stabilization exercises or task-oriented training increases the success of balance rehabilitation.Implications for rehabilitationMultiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease of central nervous system and ataxia is one of the most challenging symptoms of this disease.Different exercise modalities are commonly employed to control ataxic symptoms in MS patients.Lumbar stabilization exercises or task-oriented training should be considered as complementary approach to improve balance and coordination in ataxic multiple sclerosis patients.

Exergaming (XBOX Kinect™) versus traditional gym-based exercise for postural control, flow and technology acceptance in healthy adults: a randomised controlled trial.

BackgroundThe use of exergaming is a potential alternative to traditional methods of balance training, which can be repetitive and somewhat monotonous. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of exergaming using XBOX Kinect™ versus traditional gym-based exercise with no virtual stimuli (TGB) on postural control, technology acceptance, flow experience and exercise intensity, in young healthy adults.MethodsFifty healthy active adults (age: 33.8 ± 12.7 years, height: 172.9 ± 11.9 cm, weight: 75 ± 15.8 kg) were recruited; 44 completed both baseline and post-intervention data collection. Participants were randomised (blind card) allocation to one of two groups: (1) received balance training using the XBOX Kinect™ and (2) performed traditional gym-based exercise. Exercises were matched for intensity, duration and movement patterns across groups. All participants completed three, 30-minute, exercise sessions a week for four weeks. Postural sway was measured using a Kistler™ Force platform during unipedal standing. Mean heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected during each exercise session to determine and verify that intensity of exercise was matched between groups. Technology acceptance was measured with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and flow experience with the Flow State Scale (FSS).ResultsHeart rate was matched between groups and BORG RPE was significantly lower in the Kinect™ group. There were significant between-group differences in postural sway in the medial-lateral direction and CoP. There were also significant differences in technology acceptance between groups for performance expectancy, social influence and behavioral intention, with higher values in the Kinect exercise group. The flow state scale showed significant differences between the groups on several dimensions, with higher values in the Kinect exercise group.ConclusionObjective physiological demand of exercise (HR) was matched across groups, but the exergaming group perceived it as being less demanding and of lower intensity. This suggests that exergaming may offer an alternative method of rehabilitation exercise through improved concordance. Balance training in healthy adults using the Kinect is both accepted and intrinsically motivating.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered on 27th July 2016. Trial number NCT02851017.

Effect of Balance training on turning ability of geriatric stroke patient.

Background and purpose: Impaired balance is strongly associated with function and recovery particularly in stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Balance training on turning ability of geriatric stroke patients. Methods: Forty stroke hemiparetic male patients were participated in this study. Patient's age ranged from 60 to 65 years old. Patients were assigned into two equal groups; A and B. Group (A) received Balance training while group (B) received the traditional physical therapy protocol. Patients in both group received two months of training, three times per week. Patient's turning ability assessed using balance master system including step quick turn [turn sway (deg.)], limit of stability [direction control (%)] and also Berg balance scale. The Results: This study revealed that balance is significantly improved in the group (A) treated by Balance training than those of traditional physical therapy protocol. Conclusion: Turning ability could be considered a valuable method for treating balance in geriatric stroke patients. Balance training improves the turning ability in geriatric stroke patient.

Effects of Balance Training on Different Support Surface on Balance and Gait in Patients with Chronic Stroke

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of balance training on different support surface (affected and non-affected sides) on the balance and gait function of chronic stroke patients. METHODS: The patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups. Group 1 received balance training on the stable surface, group 2 received balance training on the unstable surface, group 3 received balance training on different support surface (affected side: stable surface, non-affected side: unstable surface), and group 4 received balance training on different support surface (affected side: unstable, non-affected side: stable). Twelve sessions (30 min/d, 3 times/wk for 4 wk) were applied. There were assessed before and after the intervention with Balancia, functional reach test (FRT), lateral reach test (LRT), timed up-and-go (TUG), and 10-meter walking test (10MWT). RESULTS: After the training, all of the groups improved significantly than before training in Balancia, FRT, LRT, TUG, and 10MWT. There were significantly variable in sway distance, FRT, LRT, TUG, and 10MWT among the 4 groups. Post hoc analysis revealed that the group 3 had significantly higher results than other 3 groups in sway distance, and FRT, LRT, TUG, and 10MWT. CONCLUSION: Balance training on different support surface (affected side: stable surface, non-affected side: unstable surface) could facilitate a stronger beneficial effect on balance and walking ability than other balance trainings on different support surface in patients with stroke.

The effects of exergaming on balance, gait, technology acceptance and flow experience in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundExergaming is a promising new alternative to traditional modes of therapeutic exercise which may be preferable and more effective for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Impaired balance is reported as one of the most disabling aspects of MS. The purposes of this study were to examine the effects of exergaming on: (1) postural sway, (2) gait, (3) technology acceptance and (4) flow experience in people with MS. Secondary outcomes were disability: 12‐item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) questionnaire.MethodsFifty-six adults (mean age = 52 years, SD = 5.8; 38 women) with a clinical diagnosis of MS and able to walk 100 meters with or without use of a walking aid were included in this study and randomized into 3 groups. Group 1 received balance training using the Nintendo Wii Fit™ (exergaming) and Group 2 undertook traditional balance training (non-exergaming). Group 3 acted as a control group, receiving no intervention. Exergaming and traditional balance training groups received four weeks of twice weekly balance-orientated exercise. Postural sway was measured using a Kistler™ force platform. Spatiotemporal parameters of gait were measured using a GAITRite™ computerised walkway. Technology acceptance and flow experience were measured using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and the Flow State Scale questionnaires, respectively.ResultsThere were significant improvements in bipedal postural sway in both intervention groups when compared to the control group; and no effects of either intervention on gait. There were no significant differences between the interventions in technology acceptance but on several dimensions of flow experience the Wii Fit™ was superior to traditional balance training. Both interventions showed improvements in disability compared to control.ConclusionsIn terms of the physical effects of exergaming, the Wii Fit™ is comparable to traditional balance training. These findings would support the use of the Wii Fit™ as an effective means of balance and gait training for people with MS, which is both accepted and intrinsically motivating to MS users.Trial registrationControlled Trials ISRCTN13924231.