Significant Differences In Balance Research Articles

Effects of sport on static balance in athletes with visual impairments.

Proper balance is crucial for postural control and physical activity performance. Issues related to balance as well as effects of various factors on balance are in the center of attention of specialists in a number of fields including sport. Research results show that every sports discipline demands different motor preparation (including balance) and persons with visual impairments exhibit worse balance compared to their sighted counterparts. Therefore, this study sought to assess static balance in athletes with visual impairments with reference to the type of sport they did, the length of their training experience, training loads and dysfunction level. The study involved 57 men (shooters, tandem cyclists, football and goalball players) with visual impairments. AMTI stabilographic platform was used to assess static balance. The study participants performed the following tests: standing on both feet with eyes open and closed and single-leg stance with eyes open and closed. Balance in tests performed while standing on both feet did not differentiate athletes in terms of the sport they did. Static balance of athletes with visual impairments significantly differs in the single leg stance. Better balance was observed in tests with eyes open. Taking into consideration sports disciplines practiced by the athletes, significant differences in balance in single left leg tests with eyes open and closed were observed. Athletes training more than five hours per week manifested better balance compared to those who practiced less than five hours per week. The findings indicate that athletes performing particular sports may use strategies of maintaining balance that result from the structure of these sports. The lack of differences in balance among athletes with different degrees of dysfunction may indicate their high fitness levels and show how balance is affected by physical activity performance. Results of the analysis of balance with regard to the length of training experience may suggest that it is not this factor but rather the quality of training that may exert an influence on this ability.

Therapeutic potential of the home-based exercise program with the augmented reality system on balance in stroke patients: A preliminary report

Recent advances in the augmented reality (AR) technology have significantly extended to the clinical rehabilitation in patients with stroke. The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic potentials of the home-based exercise program with the AR system to improve balance in stroke patients. The home-based exercise program with AR system was designed as prospective, randomized controlled study with blind observer. We analyzed interim data of total 30 stroke patients who completed functional assessment immediately after the intervention for 4 weeks. In the experimental group ( n = 15), we provided the home-based exercise program with the AR system (Uincare ® ), which was composed with the task-specific game-based system. In the control group ( n = 15), the written home-based exercise pogrom was provided. All participants were recommended the home-based exercise with 30 minutes a day for 4 weeks. Functional assessments with Timed Up and Go test, Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment, and Berg Balance scale were performed before and after the intervention for 4 weeks. There was no significant difference in general and functional characteristics before the intervention. There was no serious adverse effect in both groups. In each group, there was a significant improvement on balance after the home-based exercise for 4 weeks ( P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in balance after the intervention between the two groups. This study was the first clinical trials to use the home-based exercise program with AR system in stroke patients. In addition, the results of present study revealed that a therapeutic potential of the home-based exercise program with the AR system to improve balance in stroke patients. Further study with larger number of patients will be needed to clarify the effects of the home-based exercise program with the AR system.

12주간 필라테스 매트운동이 초고령자 여성의 균형능력에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to research the effect of pilates mat exercise on balance of the very elderly, to provide the basic data for the exercise prescription for the very elderly. For the subject of this study, we selected the elderly who had no experience in participating in a planned exercise program for a year, and can receive the pilates mat exercise group class among female seniors aged 75 years or older who were living in G city, we set 15 elderly among total 30 as exercise group, 15 elderly as control group. This program was conducted three times a week for 60 minutes for 12 weeks. The data was processed by using the SPSS 18.0 program. The mean and standard deviation were calculated and tabulated. The significance level was set to .05. There was a significant difference in balance between forward and rearward on dynamic balance, but there was no significant difference between left and right. There was also a significant difference in the static balance. 12-week pilates mat exercise applied in this study partially increased or decreased balance of the elderly, but it will have a positive effect through continuous exercise.

Effect of Mirror Therapy Combined with Lower Extremity Muscle Strength Exercise on Gait and Balance of Patients with Chronic Stroke

PURPOSE: The present study aims to determine the effect of lower extremity muscle strength exercise at the non-paralyzed side of patients of stroke using a mirror on gait and balance. METHODS: Subjects were assigned randomly to a group of lower extremity exercise without using a mirror (n=10), a group of lower extremity motion exercise using a mirror (n=10), and a group of lower extremity muscle strength exercise using a mirror (n=10). The exercise is added to a physiotherapy program conducted at the hospital and subjects conducted their designed lower extremity exercises 30 times a day (5 sets), five days per week for four weeks. RESULTS: The study result showed that BBS(Berg balance scale)(p<.05) and TUG(timed up and go test)(p<.05) had a significant difference. In the comparison on gait ability, stride length, step length, step width and single support was a significant difference within two groups using a mirror before and after the intervention(p<.05). CONCLUSION: Conclusively, low extremity motion exercise using a mirror and low extremity muscle strength exercise using a mirror conducted along with general physiotherapy exercises had a positive effect on functions of lower extremity in patients with stroke and the recovery of paralyzed side thereby incurring a significant difference in balance and gait abilities.

DIFFERENCES IN BALANCE AND ACTIVITY CONFIDENCE BETWEEN GERIATRIC POPULATION OF HILLY AND PLAIN AREA

Objective: This study aims to explore differences in balance and activity confidence between geriatric population of hilly and plain areas. Material &amp; Method: This study was a comparative cross sectional survey conducted 60 years or above geriatric population from hilly and plain areas. The sample (n=204) were collected through convenient sampling technique. The sample was divided into two groups Group A (Hilly area, n= 102) and Group B (Plain area, n=102). The informed consent was taken and demographic was noted. The standardized balance assessment tool includes Berg Balance Scale, activity balance confidence test (ABC) and time up and go test were used for balance assessment. Data was analyzed through SPSS ver 21. Results: There is no statistically significant difference in balance, activity confidence and time up and go test of both groups. But activity confidence is significantly more in male as compare to female (p=0.00) Conclusion: The populations of plain and hilly areas have almost same level of postural control and stability. But activity balance confidence is more in male as compare to female. Key words: Balance problems, Geriatric population, Postural control

A pilot study of motor disturbances in children with ADHD belonging to Chilean schools

ABSTRACTThe present pilot study aimed to determine motor control alterations in children with ADHD belonging to public schools, using Da Fonseca’s Psychomotor Battery (BPM). This was a descriptive cross-sectional comparative study. The sample consisted of two groups, each group composed of 15 children between 7 and 9 years old belonging to public educational institutions both with and without ADHD diagnosis. The ADHD group reached lower scores than the control group in all factors, with significant differences in Balance, Body Awareness, Directional and Temporal Awareness, and Gross Motor Skills factors. Children with ADHD between 7 and 9 years belonging to Chilean Public Schools show poorer motor skills than controls compared by BPM.

Thai Elephant-Assisted Therapy Programme in Children with Down Syndrome.

The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of the Thai Elephant-Assisted Therapy Programme for children with Down syndrome (DS) (TETP-D) on balance, postural control and visual motor integration (VMI). A quasi-experimental design with blind control was used. Sixteen children with DS from grades 1 to 6, in a Thailand, public school were recruited for this study. The participants were divided voluntarily into two groups: control and experimental. These both groups received regular school activities, but the experimental group had added treatment, which consisted of TETP-D twice a week for 2 months. The balance subtest of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency 2, the postural control record form and Beery VMI were applied as outcome measure 1 week before and after the TETP-D. The results showed no significant difference in balance or postural control. However, a significant difference of VMI was shown between the two groups (z = 13.5, p = .04). Children with DS benefited from the TETP-D as it improved their VMI. The TETP-D could improve balance and postural control if provided within a suitable frequency and duration. Further research is needed to test this hypothesis. The limitations of this study are the significant differences in some aspects of the groups at pre-test such as gender and supine flexion of postural control. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Improvements in cognition, quality of life, and physical performance with clinical Pilates in multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the effects of clinical Pilates in multiple sclerosis patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty multiple sclerosis patients were enrolled in this study. The participants were divided into two groups as the clinical Pilates and control groups. Cognition (Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite), balance (Berg Balance Scale), physical performance (timed performance tests, Timed up and go test), tiredness (Modified Fatigue Impact scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and quality of life (Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life Questionnaire) were measured before and after treatment in all participants. [Results] There were statistically significant differences in balance, timed performance, tiredness and Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite tests between before and after treatment in the clinical Pilates group. We also found significant differences in timed performance tests, the Timed up and go test and the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite between before and after treatment in the control group. According to the difference analyses, there were significant differences in Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite and Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life Questionnaire scores between the two groups in favor of the clinical Pilates group. There were statistically significant clinical differences in favor of the clinical Pilates group in comparison of measurements between the groups. Clinical Pilates improved cognitive functions and quality of life compared with traditional exercise. [Conclusion] In Multiple Sclerosis treatment, clinical Pilates should be used as a holistic approach by physical therapists.

Effects of Game Based Weight-Bearing Training on Lower Extremity Muscle Activation and Balance in Stroke Patients

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of game based weight-bearing training (GBWBT) on lower extremity muscle activation and balance in stroke patients. Methods: Thirty subjects were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group I (n=15) and control group II (n=15). Each group was provided intervention under two conditions, as follows: in the Game based weight-bearing training (group I), 30 minutes per day, five times per week, with physical therapy for 30 minutes, and in the functional weight-bearing training (group II), 30 minutes per day, five times per week, with physical therapy for 30 minutes The training program was conducted for a period of eight weeks. Subjects were measured on lower extremity muscle (rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius) by electromyography and balance by Biorescue. ANCOVA was performed for comparison of lower extremity muscle activation and balance between different intervention methods. All patients were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the treatment protocol. Statistical significance was tested between the patients before and after treatment by t-test. Results: Significant difference in lower extremity muscle activation was observed in experimental group I compared with control group II (p<0.05). Significant difference in balance was observed in experimental group I compared with control group II (p<0.001). Conclusion: Findings of this study suggest that game based weight-bearing training may have a beneficial effect on improvement of lower extremity muscle activation and balance in stroke patients.

Repeated Head Injuries In High School Have No Lasting Effects On Balance In Collegiate Athletes

There has been an increased focus in research and media attention on the lasting impact of multiple concussions in athletes. The majority of these studies investigate neuropsychological impairments, such as concentration, memory, and judgment in individuals that were former athletes. Deficits in balance and postural stability are components that have also been linked to be indicators of a concussion. Studies have identified temporal or permanent deficits in static and/or dynamic balance in individuals with mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury and similar balance deficits have been reported in sports-related concussions. PURPOSE: To assess whether collegiate athletes that reported a history of multiple concussions during high school have deficits in their balance and postural stability compared to their teammates with no previous concussions. METHODS: Fifty-two Division I track and field athletes (26 male; 19.59 ± 1.23 years) completed the BESS and the SWAY balance assessments concurrently. Eight subjects (4 male; 20.25 ± 1.16 years) reported a history of 2 or more concussions in high school (4-6 years prior) and no concussion in the past 12 months. A modified version of BESS was used for testing, with participants completing the balance stances on solid ground and did not repeat stances on foam. Participants simultaneously completed SWAY, by holding an iPod Touch mid-sternum and completing 5 different balance stances. The stances included a double leg stance, single leg stance (tested for dominant and non-dominant leg separately), and tandem stance (tested with dominant foot in front and again with non-dominant in front). A lower score on the BESS indicates better balance, whereas, a higher score on SWAY indicates better balance. RESULTS: The mean Abbreviated BESS score for the athletes with no history of concussion was 5.93 ± 4.45 while the mean SWAY score was 81.79 ± 14.06. Athletes with a history of 2 or more concussions scored 6.88 ± 4.49 and 80.80 ± 9.40, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although numerous studies have shown long-term cognitive effects of multiple concussions, our study showed no significant difference in balance or postural stability amongst collegiate athletes with no history of concussions compared to those with more than two concussions.

Coordination and balance in children with birth-related brachial plexus injury: a preliminary study.

Most children with severe birth-related brachial plexus injury (BRBPI) have some functional impairment, but information on the impact of BRBPI on coordination and balance is limited. The study's purpose was to determine whether children with BRBPI exhibit deficits in body coordination and balance. A prospective cohort study involving 39 children with BRBPI aged 5-15 years was conducted. Range of motion, strength, active movement, and balance and coordination motor skills were assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2), and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (MABC-2). A self-report measure of physical disability, the Activities Scale for Kids-Performance Version (ASKp), was also administered. Participants scored a mean of 44.72 on the BOT-2 Body Coordination composite subtest; scores can range from 20 to 80. Eleven participants (28.2%) scored below average on this test. Participants scored a mean of 7.3 on the Balance subtest of the MABC-2; scores can range from 1 to 19. Twenty-six participants (66.7%) scored below average on this test. Of 38 participants, 25 (65.8%) had an ASKp score indicating some level of disability (<95/100); we found a statistically significant difference in balance (p=0.007) between these 25 participants and those without disability (ASKp score 95-100). The majority of our study population scored in the categories of at risk or significant difficulty for balance on the MABC-2. Balance rehabilitation may be a valuable treatment adjunct for children with BRBPI.

Effects of horse-riding exercise on balance, gait, and activities of daily living in stroke patients.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of horse-riding exercise on balance, gait, and activities of daily living (ADLs) in stroke patients. [Subjects] Among 20 participants with stroke, 10 were randomly assigned to the experimental group, and 10 were randomly assigned to the control group. The experimental group participated in horse-riding exercise for 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Balance was tested with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Gait was measured using the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). ADLs were tested with the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Differences between pre- and post-experiment values within the two groups were compared using paired t-tests. Between-group differences were compared using independent t-tests. [Results] The experimental group showed significant improvements in balance, gait, and ADLs following horse-riding exercise. Additionally, the experimental group showed significant differences in balance, gait, and ADLs compared with in the control group. [Conclusion] These results support that horse-riding exercise enhances balance, gait, and ADLs in stroke patients. This study supports the need for further research on horse-riding exercise programs.

시흥시 만 5세 유아들의 영양지식·식태도·식행동 및 신체·기본운동능력 실태조사

The purpose of this study was to measure the nutrition knowledge, dietary attitude, eating behavior, physical ability and locomotion of 5-year-old-children, and thereby to provide the fundamental information necessary to develop a nutritionrelated physical education program. A survey was performed on 143 5-years-old boys and 113 girls. The results were as follows. The average score in the nutrition knowledge item, was 7.22 out of a possible 10 points; in the dietary attitude item, 32.46 out of 50 points; in the eating behavior item, 26.67 out of 40 points. According to body measurement, there was a significant difference in height by gender (p<0.05), Significant differences in muscle mass and basal metabolic rate were also observed by gender (p<0.001). Gender also influenced the flexibility and reflexibility (p<0.001), with significant difference in balance of the right side (p<0.01). Although this study was limited by its cross-sectional study design, the body muscle (p<0.05) and basal metabolic rate (p<0.05) were observed to have a positive relation with nutritional knowledge. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between nutritional knowledge and dietary attitude (p<0.01). According to the results, it is necessary to develop a long-term and systematic program with the combination of nutrition and physical education to develop correct dietary habits and for the balanced growth of children.

The Effects of Proprioceptor Training and Vestibular Organ Training on Balance Ability of Adults

The purpose of this study was to analysis of the effect of proprioceptor training and vestibular organ training for balance ability. The subjects was consist of two different subjects group, proprioceptor training group and vestibular organ training group. Proprioceptor training group consisted of 10 subjects and vestibular organ training group consisted of 10 subjects. Training was performed 3 times per week, 30 minutes per day, for 3 weeks. Balance ability analysis was performed using Romberg's one leg standing test and BT4 when opened eyes and closed eyes. The analysis results were as follows. There was no significant differences in balance after the training in both groups when they opened their eyes(p

Balance and Risk of Fall in Individuals with Bilateral Mild and Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis

Balance is essential for mobility and performing activities of daily living. People with knee osteoarthritis display impairment in knee joint proprioception. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate balance and risk of fall in individuals with bilateral mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis. Sixty subjects aged between 50 and 70 years volunteered in this study. They were categorized into three groups which were healthy (n = 20), mild (n = 20) and moderate (n = 20) bilateral knee osteoarthritis groups. Dynamic and static balance and risk of fall were assessed using Biodex Stability System. In addition, Timed Up and Go test was used as a clinical test for balance. Results of this study illustrated that there were significant differences in balance (dynamic and static) and risk of fall between three groups. In addition, the main (most significant) difference was found to be between healthy group and moderate group. Furthermore, on clinical scoring of balance, the “Timed Up and Go” test, all three groups showed significant difference. In conclusion, bilateral knee osteoarthritis impaired the balance and increased the risk of fall, particularly in people with moderate knee osteoarthritis.

Does Robot-Assisted Gait Rehabilitation Improve Balance in Stroke Patients? A Systematic Review

The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the improvements in balance after robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in stroke patients. Two databases were searched: PubMed and Web of Knowledge. The most important key words are “stroke,” “RAGT,” “balance,” “Lokomat,” and “gait trainer.” Studies were included if stroke patients were involved in RAGT protocols, and balance was determined as an outcome measurement. The articles were checked for methodological quality by 2 reviewers (Cohen’s κ = 0.72). Nine studies were included (7 true experimental and 2 pre-experimental studies; methodological quality score, 56%-81%). In total, 229 subacute or chronic stroke patients (70.5% male) were involved in RAGT (3 to 5 times per week, 3 to 10 weeks, 12 to 25 sessions). In 5 studies, the gait trainer was used; in 2, the Lokomat was used; in 1 study, a single-joint wearable knee orthosis was used; and in 1 study, the AutoAmbulator was used. Eight studies compared RAGT with other gait rehabilitation methods. Significant improvements (no to large effect sizes, Cohen’s d = 0.01 to 3.01) in balance scores measured with the Berg Balance Scale, the Tinetti test, postural sway tests, and the Timed Up and Go test were found after RAGT. No significant differences in balance between the intervention and control groups were reported. RAGT can lead to improvements in balance in stroke patients; however, it is not clear whether the improvements are greater compared with those associated with other gait rehabilitation methods. Because a limited number of studies are available, more specific research (eg, randomized controlled trials with larger, specific populations) is necessary to draw stronger conclusions.

Change in Visual Perception and Balance Caused by Different Types of Hat

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effect of the type of hat worn on balance, eye-hand coordination, and visual perception of normal adults. [Subjects and Methods] Eight healthy male (20.87±1.95 years, 171.38±4.03 cm, 60.75±7.94 kg) and seven female (20.14±0.89 years, 160.57±5.25 cm, 57.14±7.92 kg) university students participated in this study. Balance ability, eye-hand coordination, and visual perception were measured when subjects were bare-headed, and when they wore a hat, cap or hood. [Results] There were significant differences in balance and visual perception according to the type of hat worn, but eye-hand coordination did not change. Therefore, field of vision and visual perception changed according to the type of hat worn. [Conclusion] These results show that field of vision can be blocked, depending on the size of the hat visor, resulting in poor visual perception and consequently balance. Therefore, there are potential risks associated with wearing certain types of hat.

The Effects of Virtual Reality-based Balance Training on Balance of the Elderly.

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to determine the effects of virtual reality-based balance training on balance of the elderly. [Methods] The subjects were 32 healthy elderly people aged between 65 and 80, who were divided into a VR (virtual reality) training group (n=17) and a control group (n=15). The VR training group engaged in a 30-minute exercise session using Wii Fit three times a week for eight weeks, while the control group received no intervention. The balance of the two groups was measured before and after the intervention. [Results] According to the Romberg Test conducted to examine the effects of the training on balance, both the area covered by the body’s center of pressure movement, and movement distances per unit area of the body’s center of pressure envelope significantly decreased in the VR training group. Moreover, the two groups showed significant differences in balance. [Conclusion] Virtual reality training is effective at improving the balance of the healthy elderly. Thus, virtual reality training can be proposed as a form of fall prevention exercise for the elderly.

Balance Control During the Delivery Stride in Competitive Older Age Lawn Bowlers

This project assessed dynamic balance and stability in aged lawn bowlers during the delivery stride. Participants were divided into two groups: aged 65 years or less (n = 14) and aged over 65 years (n = 16). Standard balance-based center of pressure (CoP) and ground reaction force variables were recorded and a Dynamic Postural Stability Index (DPSI) was used for calculating during ten deliveries. None of the balance variables correlated significantly with age although years of bowling experience correlated with DPSI scores (r = -.42, P = .019). The over 65 group had significantly greater variance in the mediolateral CoP movements, with no other significant differences in balance or postural stability variables between groups. Analysis of covariance indicated that the DPSI data were influenced significantly by bowling experience regardless of age group. It was concluded that in older aged lawn bowlers, playing experience rather than age is a key determinant of balance control during the lawn bowls delivery action.

Intradialytic Modified Tai Chi Exercise among End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: An Exploratory Pilot Study

Background: Evidence suggests that intradialytic exercise benefits end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. We examined the feasibility of intradialytic modified Tai Chi (IMTC) among ESRD undergoing hemodialysis and assessed IMTC’s impact on risk of falls, bone metabolism, oxidative stress damage, and quality of life in ESRD patients. Methods: Forty-five ESRD patients were randomized to either non-exercising control group (CON, n=25) or IMTC group (n=20) who performed IMTC exercise 3/week, 45 min/session while sitting in a recliner with one arm connected to the dialysis machine for 12 weeks. At baseline and 12 weeks, we measured risk-of-falls related parameters (balance, gait, and functioning strength), biomarkers of bone metabolism and oxidative stress damage, and quality of life. Results: Thirty-four participants completed the study. The feedback from participants suggests that IMTC exercise is easy to learn and feasible. After 12 weeks, IMTC tended to lower tartrate- resistant acid phosphatase (bone resorption biomarker) and improved quality of life (role physical and vitality) compared to CON. There was no significant difference in balance, gait, and functional strength, possibly due to a ceiling effect. There was no significant difference in serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus and intact parathyroid hormone levels, plasma 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine levels, and other domains of quality of life. The CON group experienced a 20% decrease in 25-hydroxy vitamin D at the end of study. Conclusions: IMTC exercise was safe and well accepted by ESRD patients. It improved quality of life, tended to suppress bone resorption, and helped maintain 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in ESRD patients. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger, more sufficiently powered efficacy study.