Standing Balance Score Research Articles

SENSORIMOTOR IMPAIRMENTS AND DEMENTIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF NATIONAL HEALTH AND AGING TRENDS STUDY

Abstract Sensory impairments in vision and hearing are linked to dementia in older adults. However, this association has not been investigated in conjunction with motor function performance. We examined cross-sectional sensory and motor function and dementia status data from 1,765 participants in the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS R11, 2021) (32.7% aged ≥80 years; 55% women) who completed objective physical function and sensory testing. Motor function was defined using grip strength (kg), gait speed (m/s), standing balance, and chair stand speed (stands/sec). Sensory function was defined using hearing (pure tone average for better ear (BPTA) (dB)) and vision (contrast sensitivity (logCS)). Dementia was categorized as possible or probable using NHATS dementia classification. Survey-weighted logistic regression models estimated the likelihood of dementia by impairment in sensory and motor function, adjusted for demographic and medical conditions. 185 (10.5%) participants had possible or probable dementia. In models incorporating both motor and sensory impairments, impaired standing balance (<3 standing balance score in SPPB) and slow walking speed (<0.8m/s) were associated with higher odds of dementia (OR=1.75; 95%CI 1.10-2.79; and 2.39 95%CI 1.37-4.15, respectively), while hearing impairment (BPTA>25dB) and contrast sensitivity (<1.55logCS) were not associated with higher prevalence of dementia. In this nationally representative sample of older US adults, results suggest motor function is more strongly associated with dementia relative to sensory function among participants able to complete physical function testing. Future research is needed to understand how the associations of sensory and motor function with dementia change from mid-to-late life.

NQPC-08 Short-time intensive rehabilitation for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma

PURPOSE: Many reports presented that patients with GBM had stable HRQoL during their remission time. However, there are few reports on the situation of ADL that is the basis of QOL. This prospective study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of intensive rehabilitation for physically disabled patients with GBM after the initial treatment. PATIENTS and METHOD: Sixteen patients with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma presenting with severe physical disabilities were registered after the completion of postsurgical radiation therapy combined with TMZ. All patients were evaluated by means of a core set of clinical scales of Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Sitting Balance score, Standing Balance score, and Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE). Patients were evaluated before the beginning and at the end of rehabilitation treatment. The daily rehabilitation program consisted of individual 180-min. sessions of treatment, seven days a week, for four to six consecutive weeks. Speech therapy was included when aphasia was diagnosed. RESULTS: Fifteen of 16 patients presented with improved physical functioning score, and seven of 16 patients returned to their independent life at home, CONCLUSION: A short-time intensive rehabilitation (4 to 6seeks) is effective for GBM patients during TMZ withdrawal period after the postoperative radiation therapy. This effective program requires close teamwork with the medical cooperation teams in the medical and rehabilitation hospitals: explanation to patients of the significance of the short-term rehabilitation, which is different from stroke rehabilitation, adjustment of hospitalization date considering radiotherapy and chemotherapy schedule, and adjustment of MRI imaging or bevacizumab administration schedule during rehabilitation.

NQPC-12 SHORT-TIME INTENSIVE REHABILITATION FOR PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED MALIGNANT GLIOMAS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MEDICAL COOPERATION TEAM

PURPOSEMany reports presented that patients with GBM had stable HRQoL during their remission time. However, there are few reports on the situation of ADL that is the basis of QOL. This prospective study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of intensive rehabilitation for physically disabled patients with GBM after the initial treatment.PATIENTS and METHODTwelve patients with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma presenting with severe physical disabilities were registered after the completion of postsurgical radiation therapy combined with TMZ. All patients were evaluated by means of a core set of clinical scales of Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Sitting Balance score, Standing Balance score, and Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE). Patients were evaluated before the beginning and at the end of rehabilitation treatment. The daily rehabilitation program consisted of individual 180-min. sessions of treatment, seven days a week, for four to six consecutive weeks. Speech therapy was included when aphasia was diagnosed.RESULTSTen of 12 patients presented with mean increased FIM score of 26.6 points that reached the individual maximum point within 10 to 56 days.CONCLUSIONA short-time intensive rehabilitation (4 to 6seeks) is effective for GBM patients during TMZ withdrawal period after the postoperative radiation therapy. This effective program requires close teamwork with the medical cooperation teams in the medical and rehabilitation hospitals: explanation to patients of the significance of the short-term rehabilitation, which is different from stroke rehabilitation, adjustment of hospitalization date considering radiotherapy and chemotherapy schedule, and adjustment of MRI imaging or bevacizumab administration schedule during rehabilitation.

Effect of Whole Body Horizontal Vibration Exercise in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients: Vertical Versus Horizontal Vibration Exercise.

ObjectiveTo elucidate the effect of a 12-week horizontal vibration exercise (HVE) in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients as compared to vertical vibration exercise (VVE).MethodsTwenty-eight CLBP patients were randomly assigned to either the HVE or VVE group. All participants performed the exercise for 30 minutes each day, three times a week, for a total of 12 weeks. Altered pain and functional ability were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. Changes in lumbar muscle strength, transverse abdominis (TrA) and multifidus muscle thicknesses, and standing balance were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer, ultrasonography, and balance parameters, respectively. These assessments were evaluated prior to treatment, 6 weeks and 12 weeks after the first treatment, and 4 weeks after the end of treatment (that is, 16 weeks after the first treatment).ResultsAccording to the repeated-measures analysis of variance, there were significant improvements with time on VAS, ODI, standing balance score, lumbar flexor, and extensor muscle strength (all p<0.001 in both groups) without any significant changes in TrA (p=0.153 in HVE, p=0.561 in VVE group) or multifidus (p=0.737 in HVE, p=0.380 in VVE group) muscle thickness. Further, there were no significant differences between groups according to time in any of the assessments. No adverse events were noticed during treatment in either group.ConclusionHVE is as effective as VVE in reducing pain, strengthening the lumbar muscle, and improving the balance and functional abilities of CLBP patients. Vibrational exercise increases muscle strength without inducing muscle hypertrophy.

Adapted Taekwondo Training for Prepubertal Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

This study evaluated the effectiveness of adapted Taekwondo (TKD) training on skeletal development and motor performance in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). One hundred forty-five prepubertal children with DCD were allocated to either the TKD or control groups. Children in the TKD group participated in a weekly 1-hour adapted TKD intervention and daily TKD home exercises for 12 weeks. The primary outcome (delay in skeletal development) and secondary outcomes (Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) total impairment score, eye–hand coordination (EHC) scores, and a standing balance score) were measured at baseline, after the intervention and 3 months after the intervention. Skeletal development improved in both groups over time (p < 0.017). The TKD group had a significant delay in skeletal development at baseline compared to the control group (p = 0.003) but caught up with the controls at 3 months (p = 0.041). Improvements in the MABC scores were also seen in both groups across time (p < 0.017). Only the TKD group had a significant improvement in the EHC movement time at 3 (p = 0.009) and 6 months (p = 0.016). The adapted TKD intervention may be effective in improving the skeletal development and EHC movement time of children with DCD. For motor performance, the effect of maturation might be more profound.

R33 - Early rehabilitation after surgery for glioblastoma multiforme: report from a monocentric experience

Background: Neuro-oncological patients often present neurological deficits related to tumor itself and/or to the administered treatments. Although previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment for neuro-oncological patients, few data still exist about the role of rehabilitation in patients who underwent surgery for gliomas.The aim of this experience was the evaluation of functional outcomes when rehabilitation is administered early after neurosurgery for glioblastoma multiforme (GB). Methods: From January 2010 to January 2014 we consecutively enrolled 39 pts who underwent surgery for GB. Main characteristics of pts were as follows: M:F = 23:16, median age: 62 yrs (36-73), median ECOG PS 1 (1-3), complete surgery 24 pts – partial surgery 15 pts. All pts were admitted to our Rehabilitation Unit within two weeks of surgery. No patient was treated with chemo and/or radiotherapy during the rehabilitation period. All pts were evaluated using a core set of scales: Functional Indipendence Measure (FIM), Sitting Balance Score, Standing Balance Score, Hauser Index, MGH Functional Ambulation Classification (MGHFAC). Pts were evaluated before the beginning (T0) and at the completion of rehabilitation treatment (T1). Results: At T0 median FIM, Sitting Balance score, Standing Balance score, Hauser Index and MGHFAC scores were 44 (28-57), 1.2 (0.6-2), 0.4 (0.3-0.9), 8.5 (7.9-9.5), 1.1 (0.3-2.2), respectively. After the planned four weeks of rehabilitation programme we observed a substantial improvement in all the evaluated scales: total FIM 80,1 (45-105), Sitting Balance score 3,1 (2,7-4,4), Standing Balance score 2,1 (0,6-3,7), Hauser Index 6,0 (3,1-0,9), MGHFAC 2,7 (1,1-4,5). Conclusions: Based on these findings, early rehabilitation for pts who underwent surgery for GM clearly improves functional outcome.

Fall Risk and Laterality in the Elderly

Elderly people often show impairment in several motor skills, such as balance and coordination, and their laterality may also be affected. This study sought to analyse the relationship between fall risk and laterality in an elderly population. Thirty-three elders who were participating in exercise programs were studied using two instruments: the Tinetti Mobility Test (TMT), as a clinical test that predicts fall risk in the elderly, and the Dynamic-LATMO, a tool for observing the use of laterality in motor skills execution. Results showed a significant association between the standing balance score on the TMT and the task of standing on one leg in the laterality test.

Influences of visual and supporting surface conditions on standing postural control and correlation with walking ability in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia.

[Purpose] To quantify the influence of visual and under-foot-surface conditions on standing balance in patients with post stroke hemiplegia and examine associations of this ordinal score with somatosensory disturbance and walking ability. [Subjects] Sixty-six patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. [Methods] Standing balance was tested in 4 conditions (firm floor or foam rubber surface with eyes open or eyes closed) for 30 s per condition and scored using a 5-category ordinal scale. The accuracy of the standing balance score to distinguish patients above/below cut-offs for the timed up-and-go test (14 s) and functional ambulation category (4) was determined. [Results] Standing balance score was correlated with sensory impairments (tactile and vibration perception) and walking ability (up-and-go and functional ambulation category). The standing balance score distinguished patients with up-and-go times ≤14 and >14 s with moderate sensitivity and specificity, and distinguished patients with functional ambulation category <4 and ≥4 with high sensitivity and specificity. [Conclusion] Patients with post-stroke hemiplegia may be unable to adapt to changing visual or surface conditions. Therapists should perform comprehensive balance tests. The standing balance ordinal scale score was moderately correlate with walking ability, distinguishing patients according to walking ability. This scale’s validity and reliability must be assessed in clinical settings.

Diabetes and Risk of Hospitalized Fall Injury Among Older Adults

OBJECTIVETo determine whether older adults with diabetes are at increased risk of an injurious fall requiring hospitalization.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSThe longitudinal Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study included 3,075 adults aged 70–79 years at baseline. Hospitalizations that included ICD-9-Clinical Modification codes for a fall and an injury were identified. The effect of diabetes with and without insulin use on the rate of first fall-related injury hospitalization was assessed using proportional hazards models.RESULTSAt baseline, 719 participants had diabetes, and 117 of them were using insulin. Of the 293 participants who were hospitalized for a fall-related injury, 71 had diabetes, and 16 were using insulin. Diabetes was associated with a higher rate of injurious fall requiring hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR] 1.48 [95% CI 1.12–1.95]) in models adjusted for age, race, sex, BMI, and education. In those participants using insulin, compared with participants without diabetes, the HR was 3.00 (1.78–5.07). Additional adjustment for potential intermediaries, such as fainting in the past year, standing balance score, cystatin C level, and number of prescription medications, accounted for some of the increased risk associated with diabetes (1.41 [1.05–1.88]) and insulin-treated diabetes (2.24 [1.24–4.03]). Among participants with diabetes, a history of falling, poor standing balance score, and A1C level ≥8% were risk factors for an injurious fall requiring hospitalization.CONCLUSIONSOlder adults with diabetes, in particular those using insulin, are at greater risk of an injurious fall requiring hospitalization than those without diabetes. Among those with diabetes, poor glycemic control may increase the risk of an injurious fall.

Identification of high risk fallers among older people living in residential care facilities: A simple screen based on easily collectable measures

PurposeTo develop a simple screen based on easily collectable measures to identify older people living in residential care facilities at high risk of falls. MethodsThis prospective study was conducted in seven residential care facilities in the U.K.Residents aged>60 years who were not bedbound or terminally ill participated. Demographics, medical history, medication use, cognition (mini mental state examination (MMSE)), function (Barthel, balance and sit-to-stand ability) and behavior (neuro-psychiatric inventory (NPI) and impulsivity) were recorded at baseline. Falls and injuries were prospectively recorded over 6 months. Data were analyzed for differences between fallers and non-fallers and significant variables entered into logistic regression analysis. ResultsTwo hundred and forty residents completed the study. In the follow-up period, 50% fell ≥1 times. Fallers had worse function, cognition, behavior and balance and took more medications. Falling in the past year, walking frame and hypnotic/anxiolytic and anti-depressant medication use were also associated with increased likelihood of falling. Logistic regression identified MMSE<17, impulsivity score≥2, standing balance score<6, requiring a walking frame, falling in the previous year and use of antidepressants and hypnotics/anxiolytics as independent and significant predictors of falls. The area under the receiver operating curve (ROC) for this model was 0.79 (95% CI 0.73–0.84). ConclusionsThis tool comprising multi-factorial measures provides a simple way of quantifying the probability with which a care home resident will fall over a 6-month period. The tool may also assist in guiding the development and targeting of interventions to prevent falls in this group.

Early rehabilitation after surgery improves functional outcome in inpatients with brain tumours

Clinical experience suggests that application of the fundamental principles of rehabilitation medicine can improve the care of patients with cancer. Despite the high incidence of neurological and functional deficits in patients affected by brain tumours (BTs), rehabilitation treatment of this population is not as well established as it is for patients with other neurological conditions. To assess functional outcome in brain tumour inpatients who underwent early rehabilitation after surgery. 75 patients who had undergone neurosurgery for primary BTs and 75 patients affected by stroke were enrolled in a case-control study. All patients were evaluated by means of a core set of clinical scales (Functional Independence Measure, Sitting Balance score, Standing Balance score, Hauser Index, Massachusetts General Hospital Functional Ambulation Classification). Patients were evaluated before the beginning (T0) and at the end (T1) of rehabilitation treatment. The neurorehabilitation programme consisted of individual 60-min sessions of treatment, administered once a day, six days a week, for four consecutive weeks. Speech therapy was included when aphasia was diagnosed. All the measures of outcome were indicative of substantial improvements for neuro-oncological and for stroke patients (P = 0.000). Analysis of subgroups showed that patients affected by meningioma achieved better results (in efficiency terms) as regards independence in activities of daily living (P = 0.02) and mobility (P = 0.04) compared with patients affected by glioblastoma or stroke. Rehabilitation after surgery can improve functional outcome, justifying the delivery of rehabilitation services, even during the acute phase, to BTs inpatients, irrespective of tumour type.

The Effects of Combined Insulin and Metformin Therapy in Obese Patients with Diabetes Mellits Type 2 in the Early Stage of the Disease

In General Hospital setting, where varieties of patients are included in neurorehabilitation process, set of multidisciplinary functional tests were established, as a routine in daily work. Tests were done by physiotherapists and occupational therapists who were members of rehabilitation team. Our aim was to select the tests which can be used as a routine and are applicable for different neurological impairments in daily work. Tests were applied to inpatients admitted to the Medical, Trauma, Neurology and Neurosurgery wards in the Rashid Hospital, DOHMS, Dubai. Fifty inpatients with different neurological impairments admitted to totally 8 wards, were tested in the beginning of rehabilitation process and on discharge from the hospital. Nine tests were used as standardized tests for measuring motor, cognitive, focal impairment, ADL activities and disability: Motricity Index, Trunk Control Test, Standing Balance score, Functional Ambulation Categories test, Mini Mental State Examination, Canadian Neurological Scale, Action Research Arm test, Bartel Index and Functional Independent Measurements. FIM, Motricity Index and Trunk Control Test were applicable for all tested patients, with required adaptation for different neurological conditions within the same score. Other tests were not applicable for all patients as routine, but there were very useful for certain number of patients as a measurement of functional improvement. It is very important to have proper setup of tests, which are simple, reliable and valid for measuring impairment, disability and handicap and which can be used as standardized part of assessment protocol. Also, they must be applicable for different neurological impairments to monitor treatment progress. Combination of tests performed by different professionals and comprehensive approach of all team members is very important for measuring outcomes in rehabilitation and evaluating patient's impairment and disability. Proper hospital setup, optimal number of staff, good communication and team work are leading to better outcome in neurorehabilitation process.

Asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease is independently associated with impaired lower extremity functioning: the women's health and aging study.

We report the implications of asymptomatic lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) for lower extremity functioning among participants in the Women's Health and Aging Study, an observational study of disabled women > or = 65 years of age living in and around Baltimore. The ankle brachial index (ABI) and measures of upper and lower extremity functioning were measured among study participants. Of 933 women with ABI < or =1. 50, 328 (31%) [corrected] had an ABI <0.90, consistent with PAD. Sixty-three percent of PAD participants had no exertional leg pain. Among participants without exertional leg pain, lower ABI levels were associated with slower walking velocity, poorer standing balance score, slower time to arise 5 times consecutively from a seated position, and fewer blocks walked per week, adjusting for age, sex, race, cigarette smoking, and comorbidities. ABI was not associated independently with measures of upper extremity functioning. Asymptomatic PAD is common and is independently associated with impaired lower extremity functioning. In addition to preventing cardiovascular morbidity and death, further study is warranted to identify effective interventions to improve functioning among the growing number of men and women with asymptomatic PAD.