scholarly journals Does the Inclusion of Virtual Reality Games within Conventional Rehabilitation Enhance Balance Retraining after a Recent Episode of Stroke?

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. S. Rajaratnam ◽  
J. Gui KaiEn ◽  
K. Lee JiaLin ◽  
Kwek SweeSin ◽  
S. Sim FenRu ◽  
...  

This randomised controlled and double-blinded pilot study evaluated if interactive virtual reality balance related games integrated within conventional rehabilitation sessions resulted in more superior retraining of dynamic balance compared to CR after stroke. 19 subjects diagnosed with a recent episode of stroke were recruited from a local rehabilitation hospital and randomly assigned to either a control or an experimental group. Subjects in the control groups underwent 60 minutes of conventional rehabilitation while those in the experimental groups underwent 40 minutes of convention rehabilitation and 20 minutes of self-directed virtual reality balanced rehabilitation. Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go, Modified Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, and Centre of Pressure of subjects in both groups were evaluated before and on completion of the rehabilitation sessions. Results indicate that the inclusion of interactive virtual reality balance related games within conventional rehabilitation can lead to improved functional mobility and balance after a recent episode of stroke without increasing treatment time that requires more health professional manpower.

Author(s):  
Humaira Iram ◽  
Muhammad Kashif ◽  
Hafiz Muhammad Junaid Hassan ◽  
Salma Bunyad ◽  
Samra Asghar

Abstract Objective: To determine the effects of proprioception training in improving balance in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Methods: A quasi-experimental design study was conducted at the Safi Hospital Faisalabad for eight weeks from August to December 2019. Out of, 38, 19 patients were placed in exercise group (10 males, 9 females; mean age 64 ± 7.7 years; range 60 to 83 years) and 19 patients were placed in controls group (12 males, 7 females; mean age 63 ± 8.2 years) were included in this study through consecutive sampling technique. Proprioception Training was given to exercise group twice a week for eight weeks and the diabetes awareness campaign was given once a week to the control group. Static and dynamic balance were assessed by using One Leg Standing (OLS) Test with eyes open and closed, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and 10-M Walk Test (10-MWT). The data was collected before and after treatment and was compared using independent sample t-test. Results: The finding of the study showed that OLS score with eyes open improved significantly with p<0.05 and does not show improvement with eyes closed p =.073. The dynamic balance from the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and 10-M Walk Test revealed significant improvement after the balance exercises with p<0.05 Conclusion: It is concluded that proprioception training exercises are effective in improving balance among patients with Diabetic neuropathy. Continuous...


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Wareńczak ◽  
Przemysław Lisiński

Abstract Background: The aim of the study was to conduct a long-term evaluation of whether total hip replacement permanently affects the quality of postural reactions and body balance. Material and methods: The unilateral Total Hip Replacement (THR) group consisted of 30 subjects (mean age: 69.4). The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects (mean age: 68.8). The force platform and functional tests such as Timed Up and Go, 3m walk test, Functional Reach Test, 30s Chair Stand Test, Step Test and Berg Balance Scale were used to assess dynamic balance. Results: Subjects from the study group exhibited significantly increased time (p=0.002) and distance (p=0.012) in the tests performed on the force platform compared to the control group. We also observed worse balance and functional test scores in the THR group: Timed Up and Go test (p<0.001), 3m walk test (p<0.001), Functional Reach Test (p=0.003), 30s Chair Stand Test (p=0.002) and Step Test (operated leg: p<0.001, non-operated leg: p=0.002). The results obtained in the Berg Balance Scale tests were not significantly different between the groups (p=0.597). Conclusions: Our research shows that total hip replacement permanently impairs patients’ dynamic balance and functionality in certain lower-extremity activities. Keywords: balance, total hip replacement, gait, muscle strength


2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 314-324
Author(s):  
Choong-Hee Roh ◽  
Da-Sol Kim ◽  
Gi-Wook Kim ◽  
Yu-Hui Won ◽  
Sung-Hee Park ◽  
...  

Objective To determine the effects of an integrated training device for strength and balance on extremity muscle strength, postural balance, and cognition in older adults using a combination with various rehabilitation training games, in which balance, strength, and cognitive training were configured in a single device.Methods This prospective study included 20 healthy participants aged 65–85 years. Participants trained for 30 minutes daily, 3 days weekly, for 6 weeks with an integrated training device for strength and balance (SBT-120; Man&Tel Inc., Gumi, Korea). Main outcomes were measured using the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (K-MoCA), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Manual Muscle Test. Measurements were taken at three time points: T0 (pretreatment), T1 (immediately after treatment), and T2 (4 weeks after treatment).Results All 20 patients completed the training, and TUG, FRT, and BBS scores significantly improved at T1 and T2 compared to T0. Mean TUG scores decreased by 0.99±2.00 at T1 and 1.05±1.55 at T2 compared to T0. Mean FRT scores increased by 6.13±4.26 at T1 and 6.75±4.79 at T2 compared to T0. BBS scores increased by 0.60±0.94 at T1 and 0.45±1.15 at T2 compared to T0. Moreover, muscle strength and cognition (K-MMSE and K-MoCA scores) increased after training.Conclusion Our findings suggest that an integrated training device for strength and balance can be a safe and useful tool for older adults.


2021 ◽  
pp. bmjstel-2021-000867
Author(s):  
Carole Anne Watkins ◽  
Ellie Higham ◽  
Michael Gilfoyle ◽  
Charley Townley ◽  
Sue Hunter

BackgroundAge simulation can have a positive effect on empathic understanding and perception of ageing. However, there is limited evidence for its ability to replicate objectively the physical and functional challenges of ageing.ObjectiveTo observe whether age suit simulation can replicate in healthy young adults the physical and physiological balance disturbance and falls risk experienced by older adults.MethodologyHealthy young adults aged 20–40 years (16 male) were recruited to the study using convenience sampling from a student population. Participants performed three validated balance tests—Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS)—first without the age suit and then with the age suit, using a standardised protocol, following the same sequence.Results30 participants completed all tests. Statistically significant differences between without-age-suit and with-age-suit performance were recorded for FRT distance (p<0.000005), time taken to complete the TUG (p<0.0005) and BBS score (p<0.001). A comparison of participant scores with normative FRT and TUG scores identified that the suit had ‘aged’ the majority of participants to the normative values for older adults (60+), with some reaching the values for individuals aged 70–89. However, no scores achieved the values indicative of increased falls risk.ConclusionsThe age suit is a valid educational tool that extends the value of age simulation beyond a more general empathising role, enabling those working with an older population to experience and understand the functional challenges to balance experienced by older adults as part of their training.


2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Bennie ◽  
Kathryn Bruner ◽  
Allan Dizon ◽  
Holly Fritz ◽  
Bob Goodman ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Ieva Kvietkutė ◽  
Vilma Dudonienė

All European countries are experiencing significant ageing of the population. As the lifespan of the population increases, so does the prevalence of falls. Falls in older adults are a major public health concern and a main cause of morbidity and disability. More than one-third of persons 65 years of age or older fall each year, and in half of such cases the falls are recurrent. It is very important to maintain physical activity and independence in daily activities in elderly persons as well as to apply appropriate preventive means as soon as possible. Various interventions may be used to promote health, enhance quality life and reduce falls in elderly people: exercises, home modifications, appropriate footwear and walking aids. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of specific balance training exercises for preventing falls among elderly women. Twenty eight women aged 55–75 years participated in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: exercise (n = 14, mean age 67.9 ± 6.13 years) and control (n = 14, mean age 68.9 ± 5.31). Exercise group women performed specific – Cawthorne-Cooksey balance training exercises for 4 weeks, 5 times a week. Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises consisted of moving head in sitting and standing positions with eyes open or closed, exercises on a balance platform, and walking around. One training session lasted for 30-35 minutes. No exercise was performed in the control group. Static and dynamic balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, and Tinetti Balance Scale, walking speed was assessed using Timed Up and Go Test. Risk for falls was assessed using Desmond Fall Risk Questionnaire [4]. Subjects were evaluated twice: before and after applying exercise program. More than 50% of women have had a fall in the past years, difficulty walking in the dark or on uneven surfaces, they have experienced loss of balance or a light-headed feeling standing up, and they could not walk a straight line. Only 29% of subjects participated in a regular exercise programme. The results of Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Tinetti Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test did not differ between groups before applying specific exercise program. Specific exercises significantly improved patients’ static and dynamic balance, reach functions and walking speed, while in the control group the results of all performed tests had tendency to decline. Specific Cawthorne-Cooksey balance training exercises are effective (p < 0.05) in improving balance and preventing falls in elderly women.Keywords: falls, elderly age, balance, risk of falls.


Geriatrics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Kyeongjin Lee

Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death in the elderly. This study evaluated the effect of virtual reality gait training (VRGT) with non-motorized treadmill on balance and gait ability of elderly individuals who had experienced a fall. Fifty-six elderly individuals living in local communities participated in this study. Subjects who met the selection criteria were randomly divided into a VRGT group (n = 28) and a control group (n = 28). The VRGT group received VRGT with non-motorized treadmill for 50 min a day for 4 weeks and 5 days a week. The control group received non-motorized treadmill gait training without virtual reality for the same amount of time as the VRGT group. Before and after the training, the one-leg-standing test, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach test, and Timed Up and Go test were used to assess balance ability, and the gait analyzer system was used to evaluate the improvement in gait spatiotemporal parameters. In the VRGT group, the balance ability variable showed a significant decrease in the one-leg-standing test and a significant improvement in the Timed Up and Go test. With respect to spatiotemporal gait parameters, velocity and step width decreased significantly in the VRGT group (p < 0.05), and stride length and step length were significantly improved in the VRGT group (p < 0.05). VRGT with non-motorized treadmill has been shown to improve balance and gait ability in the elderly. This study is expected to provide basic data on exercise programs for the elderly to prevent falls.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanta Pandian ◽  
Kamal Narayan Arya ◽  
Dharmendra Kumar

Background. Balance and functional abilities are controlled by both sides of the body. The role of nonparetic side has never been explored for such skills.Objective. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of a motor therapy program primarily involving the nonparetic side on balance and function in chronic stroke.Method. A randomized controlled, double blinded trial was conducted on 39 poststroke hemiparetic subjects (21, men; mean age, 42 years; mean poststroke duration, 13 months). They were randomly divided into the experimental group(n=20)and control group(n=19). The participants received either motor therapy focusing on the nonparetic side along with the conventional program or conventional program alone for 8 weeks (3 session/week, 60 minutes each). The balance ability was assessed using Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Functional Reach Test (FRT) while the functional performance was measured by Barthel Index (BI).Result. After intervention, the experimental group exhibited significant(P<0.05)change on BBS (5.65 versus 2.52) and BI (12.75 versus 2.16) scores in comparison to the control group.Conclusion. The motor therapy program incorporating the nonparetic side along with the affected side was found to be effective in enhancing balance and function in stroke.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Ramazan Kurul ◽  
Tamer Cankaya ◽  
Necmiye Un Yildirim

Background/AimsAnkle proprioception and neuromuscular feedback from this region provides the sensory input needed for balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of repeated correction taping applied on the ankle and peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles on balance and gait in patients with stroke.MethodsA total of 61 patients with stroke with a mean age of 62.25 ± 7.04 years were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n=30) received 1 hour of rehabilitation, which took place during weekdays over the course of 2 weeks. The intervention group (n=31) received 1 hour of daily rehabilitation as well as having kinesio tape applied to their ankle. Both groups were assessed with the Balance Evaluating Systems Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test, Tetrax Balance System and Barthel Index. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline, immediately after the first application, 1 week and 2 weeks later, following the first taping.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in the Balance Evaluating Systems and Functional Reach Tests scores between the first and last measurements in favour of the intervention group (P<0.05). There were no significant changes between baseline and immediately after assessment for all measurements (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in Tetrax scores, Timed Up and Go Test and Barthel Index scores (P>0.05).ConclusionsIn this study, it was found that dynamic balance was improved by taping the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles, but the static balance did not change. One week of kinesio taping would be beneficial; however, prolonged use would not provide further improvement.


2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 630-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa María Garrido-Ardila ◽  
María Victoria González-López-Arza ◽  
Maria Jiménez-Palomares ◽  
Agustín García-Nogales ◽  
Juan Rodríguez-Mansilla

Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of a core stability training physiotherapy programme vs. acupuncture for the management of balance and functional capacity impairments of women with Fibromyalgia. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatients setting. Subjects: Women with Fibromyalgia and balance impairment. Interventions: Participants were randomized to a core stability physiotherapy programme group ( n = 45), acupuncture treatment group ( n = 45) and control group ( n = 45) for 13 weeks. Main Measures: Measures were taken at baseline (week 0), postintervention (week 6) and follow-up (week 13). The primary outcome measures were static balance (posturography) and dynamic balance and functional mobility (Berg Balance Scale, timed up and go test and 10-m walk). The secondary outcome measure was functional capacity (Fibromyalgia Health Assessment Questionnaire and the physical function item from the Spanish Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire). Results: In all, 103 participants completed the study. The results showed statistically significant improvements in the acupuncture and physiotherapy groups vs. the control group at week 6 regarding Berg Balance Scale ( P = 0.00, both groups), timed up and go test ( P = 0.00 and P = 0.01, respectively) and 10-m walk test at comfortable speed ( P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). The 10-m walk test at maximum speed showed significance when comparing the physiotherapy and control group ( P = 0.03). However, no significant differences were found between the physiotherapy and the acupuncture groups. In relation to functional capacity, the improvements achieved after the treatments were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Core stability-based physiotherapy and acupuncture improve dynamic balance and postural control in women with Fibromyalgia.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document