Sensory Organization Test Composite Score Research Articles

Vestibular Rehabilitation Using Dynamic Posturography: Objective and Patient-Reported Outcomes from a Randomized Trial.

Balance deficits are common and debilitating. Standard treatments have limitations in addressing symptoms and restoring dynamic balance function. This study compares a rehabilitative computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) protocol, computerized vestibular retraining therapy (CVRT), with a home exercise program (HEP) for patients with objectively confirmed unilateral vestibular deficits (UVDs). Single-center, randomized, interventional trial, with 1-sided crossover. A tertiary neurotology clinic. Patients with UVDs and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) score >30 were randomized to receive either CVRT or HEP. After completion of treatment, the HEP group was crossed over to CVRT. Outcome measures were the sensory organization test (SOT) and 3 participants reported dizziness disability measures: the DHI, Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) scale, and Falls Efficacy Score-International (FES-I). We enrolled 37 patients: 18 participants completed CVRT and 12 completed HEP, 11 of whom completed the crossover. Seven participants withdrew. The CVRT group demonstrated a greater improvement in SOT composite score than the HEP group (P = .04). Both groups demonstrated improvement in participant-reported measures but there were no differences between groups (DHI: P = .2604; ABC: P = .3627; FES-I: P = .96). Following crossover to CVRT after HEP, SOT composite (P = .002), DHI (P = .03), and ABC (P = .006) improved compared to HEP alone. CVRT and HEP were both associated with improved participant-reported disability outcomes. CVRT was associated with greater improvement in objective balance than HEP. Adding CVRT after HEP was superior to HEP alone. Multimodal CDP-based interventions, such as CVRT, should be considered as an adjunct to vestibular physiotherapy for patients with UVD.

Quantitative analysis of balance function characteristics in older patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment

BackgroundCognitive decline in older adults may affect balance function, but the relationship between the two is not fully understood, especially in the early stages of cognitive impairment. Mild to moderate cognitive impairment can be assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA). AimThis study quantitatively analyzed balance function in older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment using computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) testing. Methods248 older patients were divided into a cognitive impaired group (MOCA <26, n = 126) and a normal group (MOCA ≥26, n = 122) based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) Beijing Version. Patients underwent CDP testing, which included the sensory organization test (SOT) and the limits of stability test (LOS). ResultsThe cognitive impaired group had significantly lower SOT composite and visual scores, as well as reaction time (RT), movement velocity (MVL), endpoint excursion (EPE), maximum excursion (MXE), and directional control (DCL) of the LOS test. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that RT and MXE were independent factors significantly associated with MOCA, even after adjustment for age and sex. ConclusionsOlder patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment may have reduced sensory integration and balance stability limits, mainly manifested as prolonged motor reaction time and shortened maximum movement distance.

Dynamic posturography after computerized vestibular retraining for stable unilateral vestibular deficits

Background Balance deficits increase the risk of falls and compromise quality of life. Current treatment modalities do not resolve symptoms for many patients. Aims/objectives To measure changes in objective posturography after a computerized vestibular retraining therapy protocol. Materials and methods This was a single-arm interventional study of individuals with a stable unilateral vestibular deficit present for greater than six months. Participants underwent 12 twice-weekly sessions of computerized vestibular retraining therapy. Objective response was measured by the Sensory Organization Test and questionnaires were administered to measure subjective changes. Results We enrolled 13 participants (5 females and 8 males) with a median age of 51 years (range 18 to 67). After retraining, the Sensory Organization Test composite score improved by 8.8 (95% CI 0.6 to 19.1) and this correlated with improvement in the Falls Efficacy Scale-International questionnaire (rs −0.6472; 95% CI −0.8872 to − 0.1316). Participants with moderate-to-severe disability at baseline (n = 7) demonstrated greater improvement in the composite score (14.6; 95% CI 7.0 to 36.9). Conclusions and significance Computerized vestibular retraining therapy for stable unilateral vestibular deficits is associated with improvement in dynamic balance performance. Posturography improvements correlated with a reduction in perceived fall risk.Trial Registration Information Clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT04875013; 04/27/2021

Balance and Cognition in Male Collegiate Lacrosse Players.

Concussion screening among collegiate lacrosse athletes is a major safety priority. Although attention has been directed at concussion management following injury, less is known about the association between cognition and balance during preseason screening. The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between balance and neurocognition among collegiate male lacrosse players and to examine predictive determinants of postural stability. Participants included a convenience sample of 49 male collegiate Division 3 lacrosse players who completed a demographic survey and performed the immediate postconcussion test (ImPACT) and instrumented Sensory Organization Test (SOT). There was a significant association between balance SOT performance and both verbal memory (r = .59, p < .01) and visual motor speed scores (r = .43, p < .05). Significant correlations between verbal memory and SOT Conditions 2, 5, and 6 were also noted (all p < .05). Verbal memory predicted 33% of the variance in the SOT composite balance score (p < .001). Our results indicate a significant relationship exists between postural stability and both verbal memory and visual processing speed among collegiate male lacrosse players and supports vestibulocortical associations. Findings warrant ongoing performance and executive function tracking and can serve as a conduit for integrated sensorimotor and dual-task training.

The effects of augmenting traditional rehabilitation with audio biofeedback in people with persistent imbalance following mild traumatic brain injury.

Complaints of non-resolving imbalance are common in individuals with chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Vestibular rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for this population. Additionally, wearable sensors can enable biofeedback, specifically audio biofeedback (ABF), and aid in retraining balance control mechanisms in people with balance impairments. In this study, we described the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation therapy with and without ABF to improve balance in people with chronic mTBI. Participants (n = 31; females = 22; mean age = 40.9 ± 11 y) with chronic (>3 months) mTBI symptoms of self-reported imbalance were randomized into vestibular rehabilitation with ABF (n = 16) or without ABF (n = 15). The intervention was a standard vestibular rehabilitation, with or without ABF, for 45 min biweekly for 6 weeks. The ABF intervention involved a smartphone that provided auditory feedback when postural sway was outside of predetermined equilibrium parameters. Participant's completed the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS). Balance was assessed with the sensory organization test (SOT) and the Central Sensorimotor Integration test which measured sensory weighting, motor activation, and time delay with sway evoked by surface and/or visual surround tilts. Effect sizes (Hedge's G) were calculated on the change between pre-and post-rehabilitation scores. Both groups demonstrated similar medium effect-sized decreases in PCSS and large increases in SOT composite scores after rehabilitation. Effect sizes were minimal for increasing sensory weighting for both groups. The with ABF group showed a trend of larger effect sizes in increasing motor activation (with ABF = 0.75, without ABF = 0.22) and in decreasing time delay (with ABF = −0.77, without ABF = −0.52) relative to the without ABF group. Current clinical practice focuses primarily on sensory weighting. However, the evaluation and utilization of motor activation factors in vestibular rehabilitation, potentially with ABF, may provide a more complete assessment of recovery and improve outcomes.

Normative Data for the NeuroCom Sensory Organization Test in United States Military Academy Boxers.

BackgroundBalance function is a key indicator in the identification of and recovery from concussion. The NeuroCom Sensory Organization Test (SOT) is used to objectively quantify balance using input from the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. Baseline tests are necessary for comparison post-concussion.PurposeThe primary purpose of this study was to establish baseline SOT measures for the population that will be useful in the concussion assessment, diagnosis, and return to duty decisions following a concussion. Secondary aims were to compare females and males as well as concussed versus non-concussed. To the knowledge of the authors these are the only published normative data for a highly-active military population ages 17-23.Study DesignCross-sectional studyMethodsTwo hundred fifty-three (70 female and 183 male) cadets in a boxing course at a service academy were enrolled. The participants were evaluated on the SOT using the NeuroCom Balance Manager (Natus Medical Inc., Seattle, WA) and each condition, composite (COMP) score, and ratio score were recorded.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in SOT COMP scores between females (COMP = 76.67 ± 7.25) and males (COMP = 76.57 ± 7.77), nor between participants with history of concussion (COMP = 75.83 ± 7.90) versus those never concussed (COMP = 76.75 ± 7.57).ConclusionThis study provides SOT reference values for young, healthy, active individuals, which will assist in the interpretation of individual scores for concussion diagnosis and recovery, as well as serve as baseline data for future studies. These data on 17-23-year-olds will add to the currently available normative values of 14-15-year-olds and 20-59-year-olds.Level of Evidence4

Effectiveness of virtual reality-based vestibular rehabilitation in patients with peripheral vestibular hypofunction.

The rehabilitation of classical peripheral vestibular disorders is long and costly. Recently, interactive systems based on virtual reality (VR) technology have reduced the cost of vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) and made the process more enjoyable. This study aims to investigate the effects of VR-based VRT in patients diagnosed with peripheral vestibular hypofunction (PVH). In this study, a VR-based VRT program that utilized Sony Playstation®4 VR Head Mounted Display was applied to 25 patients (between 18-60) diagnosed with PVH. PVH was diagnosed by evaluating the patients' clinical histories, the findings in the "Micromedical Technologies VisualEyes Spectrum" videonystagmography (VNG) and the "Micromedical Aqua Stim" model bithermal water caloric tests. VR-based VRT program was applied to the patients for 4 weeks, 2 sessions per week, 8 sessions in total. Each session lasted around 30 to 40 min. All patients underwent the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Sensory Organization Test (SOT), Adaptation Test (ADT), Limits of Stability (LOS), and Rhythmic Weight Shift (RWS) before, after, and 8-week follow-up of the VRT program. In addition, the Cybersickness Survey was applied to the patients at the end of the VR-based VRT session every week. The DHI mean scores of the patients were 54.60, 19.20, and 16.84, respectively, before, just after, and at the 8-week follow-up VRT (p < 0.001). The mean SOT composite score of the patients was obtained as 58.08 before VRT; 77.16 after VRT and 76.40 at 8-week after VRT (p < 0.000). On the other hand, the values in the 'movement velocity' and "direction control" parameters of the patients in LOS and RWS showed a significant improvement after VRT compared to before VRT (p < 0.000). From before VRT to 8 weeks after VRT, the patient's oscillation averages in the 'toes up' and 'toes down' positions in ADT reduced progressively (p < 0.000). This study demonstrates that implementing a VR-based VRT protocol may be an efficient option to improve posture stability and the quality of life in patients with PVH. In addition, VR-based vestibular rehabilitation therapy has shown to be effective for PVH patients in the mid-term.

Caffeine Enhances the Balance System and Postural Balance in Short Time in Healthy Individuals.

Objective:This study aimed to explore the effects of caffeine on balance function by determining the extent to which caffeine consumption affects postural sway and balance control in healthy individuals.Methods:Thirty healthy participants aged 20–35 years without any vestibular disorder were enrolled in this study. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, and those in Group 1 were given two cups of regular coffee (300–350 mg) while those in Group 2 were given two cups of decaffeinated coffee. The sensory organization test, the head shake sensory organization test, the limits of stability test, and the adaptation test were performed on all participants before and after coffee intake using computerized dynamic posturography.Results:The sensory organization test composite scores (p=0.001) and the head shake condition 5 (C5) equilibrium scores (p=0.001) of the participants in Group 1 showed a statistically significant increase after coffee intake while the composite scores (p=0.001) and the head shake condition (C5) equilibrium scores (p=0.001) of those in Group 2 showed a statistically significant decrease. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the equilibrium scores in the pitch plane (p=0.001), the yaw plane (p=0.001), and the roll plane (p=0.001) of C5 after coffee intake.Conclusion:Consumption of an appropriate dose of caffeine may enhance body position, postural stability, and voluntary motor control ability. The combined use of the sensory organization test, the head shake sensory organization test, the adaptation test, and the limits of stability test in evaluating the balance mechanism in individuals with normal vestibular findings provides detailed information about postural sway.

A Prospective, Multicenter Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Translingual Neurostimulation Plus Physical Therapy for the Treatment of a Chronic Balance Deficit Due to Mild-to-Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury

ObjectivesTranslingual neurostimulation (TLNS) studies indicate improved outcomes in neurodegenerative disease or spinal cord injury patients. This study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of TLNS plus targeted physical therapy (PT) in people with a chronic balance deficit after mild‐to‐moderate traumatic brain injury (mmTBI).Materials and MethodsThis international, multicenter, randomized study enrolled 122 participants with a chronic balance deficit who had undergone PT following an mmTBI and had plateaued in recovery. Randomized participants received PT plus either high‐frequency pulse (HFP; n = 59) or low‐frequency pulse (LFP; n = 63) TLNS. The primary efficacy and safety endpoints were the proportion of sensory organization test (SOT) responders (SOT composite score improvement of ≥15 points) and fall frequency after five weeks of treatment, respectively.ResultsThe proportion of SOT responders was significant in the HFP + PT (71.2%) and LFP + PT (63.5%) groups compared with baseline (p < 0.0005). For the pooled population, the SOT responder rate was 67.2% (p < 0.00005), and there were clinically and statistically significant improvements in SOT composite scores after two and five weeks (p < 0.0005). Both groups had reductions in falls and headache disability index scores. Mean dynamic gait index scores in both groups also significantly increased from baseline at weeks 2 and 5.ConclusionsSignificant improvements in balance and gait, in addition to headaches, sleep quality, and fall frequency, were observed with TLNS plus targeted PT; in participants who had a chronic balance deficit following an mmTBI and had plateaued on prior conventional physiotherapy.

Comparison of Activity-Based Home Program and Cawthorne-Cooksey Exercises in Patients With Chronic Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Disorders

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of an activity-based home program and an exercise-based home program on dizziness severity, balance, and independent level of daily life activities in patients with dizziness due to chronic unilateral peripheral vestibular disorders. DesignA single-blind randomized controlled trial. SettingUniversity dizziness management clinics. ParticipantsIndividuals (N=75) between 18 and 65 years of age who had chronic unilateral peripheric vestibular disorders and vestibular rehabilitation indication. InterventionParticipants were randomly divided into 3 groups: an activity-based home program (group 1/activity group), an exercise-based home program (group 2/exercise group), and a control group (group 3). After an initial assessment, all groups participated in the patient education program. In addition, the activity-based home program was administered to the first group, while the Cawthorne-Cooksey home exercise program was administered to the second group. Main Outcome MeasuresVisual analog scale (VAS), Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL), and computerized dynamic posturography before and immediately after the treatment program. ResultsA statistically significant improvement was found in the activity and exercise groups in terms of VAS, VADL, Sensory Organization Test (SOT) 5, SOT 6, and SOT (composite) scores compared with the control group (P<.05). A statistically significant improvement was found in the activity group in terms of the instrumental subscale of VADL, SOT 5, SOT 6, and SOT (composite) scores compared with the exercise group. ConclusionsThe activity-based home program was more effective in improving the home management task, the occupational task, and balance than the exercise-based home treatment program in patients with chronic peripheral vestibular disorders.

Normative values for the Sensory Organization Test in an active duty military cohort

BackgroundComputerized dynamic posturography is commonly used to assess balance in service members, but normative values for the military population have not been established. Research questionWhat are the normative values for the Motor Control Test (MCT), Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and the enhanced SOT (eSOT) within the military population and at which point do they differ? MethodsCross-sectional study. 237 active duty service members (78 % male) completed the MCT, SOT and the eSOT with the sway manipulated at a gain of 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, or 2.0. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the means of men and women for the SOT and MCT composite scores. A Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the means of age groups for the SOT composite score. An independent t-test was used to compare the SOT composite scores from our military population to the manufacturer’s normative (civilian) data. The means and standard deviations for the eSOT scores were reported for each gain. Paired-samples t-tests were performed to compare the SOT composite score with the eSOT composite score for each level of gain. ResultsThere was no difference between SOT composite scores for men and women (Mann-Whitney U = 4363.50, p = 0.19) or among age groups (Kruskal-Wallis = 2.77, p = 0.25). The mean SOT composite scores were not different from the manufacturer’s normative values (p = 0.155). SOT composite scores were significantly higher than eSOT composite scores for gains of 1.4 (t = 3.16, p = 0.003), 1.6 (t = 5.73, p < 0.001), 1.8 (t = 5.26, p < 0.001) and 2.0 (t = 5.89, p < 0.001). MCT composite scores were lower in the 18−26 year old than the 36−45 year old age group (p = 0.013). SignificanceThis study establishes normative values for the MCT, SOT and eSOT in active duty military service members. The results suggest that the manufacturer’s normal values are appropriate for making judgments about the postural stability of service members.

Translingual Neurostimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Symptoms Due to Mild-to-Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of high- and low-frequency noninvasive translingual neurostimulation (TLNS) plus targeted physical therapy (PT) for treating chronic balance and gait deficits due to mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury (mmTBI). DesignParticipants were randomized 1:1 in a 26-week double-blind phase 1/2 study (NCT02158494) with 3 consecutive treatment stages: in-clinic, at-home, and no treatment. Arms were high-frequency pulse (HFP) and low-frequency pulse (LFP) TLNS. SettingTLNS plus PT training was initiated in-clinic and then continued at home. ParticipantsParticipants (N=44; 18-65y) from across the United States were randomized into the HFP and LFP (each plus PT) arms. Forty-three participants (28 women, 15 men) completed at least 1 stage of the study. Enrollment requirements included an mmTBI ≥1 year prior to screening, balance disorder due to mmTBI, a plateau in recovery with current PT, and a Sensory Organization Test (SOT) score ≥16 points below normal. InterventionsParticipants received TLNS (HFP or LFP) plus PT for a total of 14 weeks (2 in-clinic and 12 at home), twice daily, followed by 12 weeks without treatment. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary endpoint was change in SOT composite score from baseline to week 14. Secondary variables (eg, Dynamic Gait Index [DGI], 6-minute walk test [6MWT]) were also collected. ResultsBoth arms had a significant (P<.0001) improvement in SOT scores from baseline at weeks 2, 5, 14 (primary endpoint), and 26. DGI scores had significant improvement (P<.001-.01) from baseline at the same test points; 6MWT evaluations after 2 weeks were significant. The SOT, DGI, and 6MWT scores did not significantly differ between arms at any test point. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events. ConclusionsBoth the HFP+PT and LFP+PT groups had significantly improved balance scores, and outcomes were sustained for 12 weeks after discontinuing TLNS treatment. Results between arms did not significantly differ from each other. Whether the 2 dosages are equally effective or whether improvements are because of provision of PT cannot be conclusively established at this time.

Optimizing ankle foot orthosis stiffness substantially improves energy cost compared to usual orthotic care in persons with calf muscle weakness

Postural stability depends on the integration of the multisensory system to produce motor outputs. When visual and somatosensory input is reliable, this reduces reliance on the vestibular system. Despite this, vestibular loss can still cause severe postural dysfunction. Training one or more of the three sensory systems through vestibular habituation and adaptation can alter sensory weighting and change postural behavior.The purpose of this study was to assess sensory reweighting of postural control processing after combined vestibular activation with voluntary weight shift training in healthy adults.Thirty-three healthy individuals (18–35 y.o.) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: No training (control), visual feedback weight shift training (WST) coupled with an active horizontal headshake (HS) activity to elicit a vestibular perturbation, or the same WST without HS (NoHS). Training was performed 2x/day, every other day (M, W, F), totaling six sessions. Pre- and post- assessments on the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) were performed. Separate between- and within- repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyze the six SOT equilibrium scores, composite scores, sensory ratios and center of pressure (COP) variables by comparing baseline to post-training. Alpha level was set at p < .05.There was a significant group x session x condition change (p = .012) in the COP multiscale entropy (MSE) velocity sway in the HS group during SOT conditions 5 and 6. Similarly, COP medio-lateral standard deviation sway (ML Std) showed group x session x visual condition (p = .028), due to HS in condition 6 relative to other two groups.Postural training can alter sensory organization after a visual feedback-vestibular activation training protocol, suggesting a possible sensory reweighting through vestibular adaptation and/or habituation.Translating these findings into a vestibular-impaired population can stimulate the design of a rehabilitation balance protocol.

Vestibular training promotes adaptation of multisensory integration in postural control

BackgroundPostural stability depends on the integration of the multisensory system to produce motor outputs. When visual and somatosensory input is reliable, this reduces reliance on the vestibular system. Despite this, vestibular loss can still cause severe postural dysfunction. Training one or more of the three sensory systems through vestibular habituation and adaptation can alter sensory weighting and change postural behavior. AimThe purpose of this study was to assess sensory reweighting of postural control processing after combined vestibular activation with voluntary weight shift training in healthy adults. MethodsThirty-three healthy individuals (18–35 y.o.) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: No training (control), visual feedback weight shift training (WST) coupled with an active horizontal headshake (HS) activity to elicit a vestibular perturbation, or the same WST without HS (NoHS). Training was performed 2x/day, every other day (M, W, F), totaling six sessions. Pre- and post- assessments on the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) were performed. Separate between- and within- repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyze the six SOT equilibrium scores, composite scores, sensory ratios and center of pressure (COP) variables by comparing baseline to post-training. Alpha level was set at p < .05. ResultsThere was a significant group x session x condition change (p = .012) in the COP multiscale entropy (MSE) velocity sway in the HS group during SOT conditions 5 and 6. Similarly, COP medio-lateral standard deviation sway (ML Std) showed group x session x visual condition (p = .028), due to HS in condition 6 relative to other two groups. ConclusionPostural training can alter sensory organization after a visual feedback-vestibular activation training protocol, suggesting a possible sensory reweighting through vestibular adaptation and/or habituation. SignificanceTranslating these findings into a vestibular-impaired population can stimulate the design of a rehabilitation balance protocol.

Reliability and Validity of Computerized Force Platform Measures of Balance Function in Healthy Older Adults

Postural control declines with aging and is an independent risk factor for falls in older adults. Objective examination of balance function is warranted to direct fall prevention strategies. Force platform (FP) systems provide quantitative measures of postural control and analysis of different aspects of balance. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of FP measures in healthy older adults. This study enrolled 46 healthy elderly adults, mean age 67.67 (5.1) years, who had no history of falls. They were assessed on 3 standardized tests on the NeuroCom Equitest FP system: limits of stability (LOS), motor control test (MCT), and sensory organization test (SOT). The test battery was administered twice within a 10-day period for test-retest reliability; intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change based on a 95% confidence interval (MDC95) were calculated. FP measures were compared with criterion clinical balance (Mini-BESTest and Functional Gait Assessment) and gait (10-m walk and 6-minute walk) measures to examine concurrent validity using Pearson correlation coefficients. Multiple linear regression analysis examined whether age and activity level were associated with FP performance. The α level was set at P < .05. SOT composite equilibrium scores, MCT average latency, and LOS end point excursion measures all demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.90, 0.85, and 0.77, respectively), whereas moderate to good reliability was found for SOT vestibular ratio score (ICC = 0.71). There was large variability in performance in this healthy elderly cohort, resulting in relatively large MDC95 for these measures, especially for the LOS test. Fair correlations were found between LOS end point excursion and clinical balance and gait measures (r = 0.31-0.49), and between MCT average latency and gait measures only (r =-0.32). No correlations were found between SOT measures and clinical balance and gait measures. Age was only marginally significantly (P = .055) associated with LOS end point excursion but was not associated with SOT or MCT measures, and activity level was not associated with any of the FP measures. FP measures provided reliable information on balance function in healthy older adults; however, small learning effects were evident, particularly for the SOT. The SEM and MDC95 for the LOS and SOT measures were relatively large for this healthy elderly cohort. A relationship between FP measures, which assess underlying balance mechanisms, and clinical balance and gait measures was not strongly supported in this study. Further research is needed to justify the value of adding FP measures to a test battery for balance assessment in older adults without a history of falls.

Impairments in Postural Control and Retest Reliability of Dynamic Posturographic Measures After Lung Transplantation.

The aims of the study were to classify impairments in postural control using computerized posturography in lung transplant recipients undergoing subacute rehabilitation and to examine the retest reliability of these measures. In a prospective repeated-measures study, 50 lung transplant recipients underwent clinical and quantitative posturographic testing (SMART EquiTest), which included the sensory organization test, motor control test, and limits of stability test. Testing was repeated after 1 to 2 days and upon completion of rehabilitation, 2 mos later. Main outcome measures were the following: sensory organization test-composite score, motor control test-latency and amplitude scaling, limits of stability test-movement velocity, and endpoint excursion/maximum excursion. At the beginning of rehabilitation, the mean sensory organization test-composite score and limits of stability test, but not the motor control test scores, were below normative reference values and and did not return to normal after rehabilitation. Intraclass correlation coefficients(2,1) yielded excellent relative reliability for all posturographic tests. The smallest detectable differences observed for the sensory organization test and limits of stability test exceeded the mean changes observed upon completion of rehabilitation. Impairments in sensory and anticipatory postural control were insufficiently restored after subacute lung transplantation rehabilitation. The little sensitivity of the sensory organization test-composite score or limits of stability test scores to detect a minimal change in performance due to rehabilitation limits the clinical applicability of these tests as objective outcome measures in lung transplantation rehabilitation.

Multi-sensory training and wrist fractures: a randomized, controlled trial

BackgroundAsymmetric vestibular function, decreased plantar sensation, postural control and functional ability have been associated with fall-related wrist fractures.ObjectiveTo investigate whether multi-sensory training (MST) improves postural control, vestibular function, foot sensation and functional ability among people with fall-related wrist fractures compared to wrist stabilization training (WT).MethodsThis was an assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Ninety-eight participants, age 50–75 years, were randomized to MST or WT. Pre- and post-training measurements: Head Shake Test (HST), Video-Head Impulse Test (vHIT), Semmes–Weinstein Monofilaments (SWF), Biothesiometer (BT), Sensory Organization Test (SOT), 10-m Walk Test (10MWT), Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSTS), Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) and Dizziness Handicap Inventory Scales (DHI). The training period was 12 weeks, with six supervised sessions by a physical therapist and daily home exercises for both groups.ResultsThere were significant endpoint differences in SOT (p = 0.01) between the two groups, in favor of the MST group, but no changes were seen in other outcome variables. Subgroup analysis with participants below normal baseline SOT composite scores indicated that the MST was more effective in improving 10MWT fast (p = 0.04), FTSTS (p = 0.04), SWF (p = 0.04) and SOT scores (p = 0.04) than the WT.ConclusionsMST improves postural control among people with a fall-related wrist fracture. The results further suggest that the program is more effective for those with SOT balance scores below age-related norms.

Baseline Concussion Clinical Measures Are Related to Sensory Organization and Balance.

This study aimed to examine relationships among baseline demographics, symptom severity, computerized neurocognitive outcomes, and balance performance in collegiate athletes. Collegiate varsity athletes (N = 207, age = 19.3 ± 1.0 yr) participating in an ongoing clinical research program who completed concussion baseline assessments including a demographic questionnaire, a graded symptom checklist, a neurocognitive assessment, and the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) were included in this study. The SOT composite equilibrium score (COMP) and three sensory ratio scores-vestibular (VEST), visual (VIS), and somatosensory (SOM)-were used to describe athletes' overall sensory organization and ability to use input from each sensory system to maintain balance. Separate stepwise multiple linear regression models were performed for each SOT outcome. Total symptom severity level and CNS Vital Signs domain scores served as predictor variables. Stepwise regression models for COMP (R = 0.18, F4,201 = 11.29, P < 0.001), VEST (R = 0.14, F4,201 = 8.16, P < 0.001), and VIS (R = 0.10, F4,201 = 5.52, P < 0.001) were all significant. Faster reaction times and higher executive function scores were associated with higher COMP and VEST scores in separate models. Those with faster reaction times also had significantly higher VIS scores. Reaction time and executive function demonstrated significant relationships with SOT balance performance. These cognitive processes may influence athletes' ability to organize and process higher-order information and generate appropriate responses to changes in their environment, with respect to balance and injury risk. Future investigations should consider these relationships after injury, and clinicians should be mindful of this relationship when considering concussion management strategies.

Computerised Dynamic Posturography in Premanifest and Manifest individuals with Huntington\u2019s Disease

Evidence from small-scale studies indicates that impairments in postural stability are an early and disabling feature of Huntington’s disease (HD) and may be a useful clinical endpoint for disease modifying trials. Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and the suitability of postural stability outcomes as clinical endpoints. Static and dynamic postural stability were evaluated in 54 premanifest HD, 36 manifest HD and 45 healthy individuals using the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and Limits of Stability (LOS) test. Manifest HD displayed significantly lower scores on all SOT conditions and on the SOT composite score and had more falls than healthy and premanifest HD (p < 0.05). Premanifest and manifest HD demonstrated significantly lower endpoint excursion (p < 0.001), maximum excursion (p ≤ 0.001), and directional control (p ≤ 0.004) values than healthy individuals on the LOS test. Deficits in LOS were found to manifest on the left side of premanifest HD. Significant but low associations were observed between UHDRS-TMS, disease burden score, diagnostic confidence level, SOT conditions and SOT composite score. We confirm here that individuals with premanifest and manifest HD display significant impairments in static and dynamic postural stability. Dynamic posturography assessments should be considered as clinical endpoints for future disease modifying trials.

Relationship between Soleus H Reflex and Balance Metrics in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system with poor balance as one of the most reported symptoms. Previous research has shown limb to limb differences in a number of physiological measures (e.g., leg strength). One measure yet to be evaluated between limbs in MS patients is the soleus Hoffmann (H) reflex, which is regarded as the electrical analogue to the stretch reflex. PURPOSE: The intent of this study was to 1) quantify the soleus H reflex in both legs to determine whether asymmetry was present and 2) correlate H reflex asymmetry to balance performance. METHODS: The study consisted of six visits. The first visit consisted of paperwork and familiarization. The soleus H reflex was measured twice in both legs over four visits (V2 - V5) to assess bilateral differences in 17 participants (MS=9, Age=49.3±11.3 years; Non-MS=8, Age=48.6±11.3 years). Balance testing was conducted on the final visit, and consisted of a sensory organization test (SOT) and limits of stability (LOS). RESULTS: One MS participant was unable to complete balance testing, leaving 16 participants in the balance analyses. The mean expanded disability status score for the MS participants was 3.4±2.2 (range=1 to 6; median=2), indicating mild-to-moderate disability. No difference was observed between limbs in the soleus H reflex for either group; however, when converted into an asymmetry score (AS) the MS group had significantly more asymmetry (MS=26.1±16.6, Non-MS=4.6±3.9; p=0.01). The MS group had a significantly lower SOT composite score (MS=80.4±4.0, Non-MS=85.8±2.9, p < 0.05). Sagittal plane endpoint excursion (EPE) and maximum excursion (ME) were significantly less in the MS group (EPE: MS=36.8±9.2, Non-MS=69.0±11.4, p <0.001; ME: MS=61.5±16.4, Non-MS=83.0±10.2, p <0.01) during LOS testing. A significant negative relationship was observed between AS and EPE (r=-0.625), ME (r=-0.709), and directional control (r=-0.615) during LOS testing in the sagittal plane. A significant positive relationship (r=0.518) was observed between AS and reaction time in the sagittal plane during LOS testing. CONCLUSION: Differences in the soleus H reflex asymmetry was observed between groups, which appears to significantly influence balance performance as the Non-MS participants generally performed better than the MS participants.