scholarly journals Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Nordic Walking Training in Improving the Gait of Persons with Down Syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Skiba ◽  
Jakub Marchewka ◽  
Amadeusz Skiba ◽  
Szymon Podsiadło ◽  
Iwona Sulowska ◽  
...  

People with Down syndrome (DS) show dysfunction of gait, expressed by disturbed character of angular changes and values of the spatiotemporal parameters as compared to the physiological norm. It is known that exercises and various activities have positive effect on balance and gait, but there are only a few scientific proofs concerning above-mentioned in people with DS. Furthermore, the effect of Nordic Walking (NW) training on gait in people with DS is unexplored. We enrolled 22 subjects with DS, aged 25-40 years, with moderate intellectual disability. Participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: NW training group which underwent 10 weeks of training at a frequency of 3 times a week and control group with no specific intervention. Subjects were examined twice: 1 week before training and a week immediately after intervention. Gait was evaluated by the Vicon 250: a computerized system of three-dimensional analysis of motion, connected to 5 infrared video cameras. We conducted mixed-design ANOVA model to assess the effects of time and type of training on spatiotemporal parameters. We found significant favorable time by group interaction in the following parameters: step length in right leg: F(1,15) =14,47, p=0.002; left leg accordingly F(1,15) =5,15, p=0.038, cycle length in right leg: F(1,15) =14,48, p=0.002; left leg accordingly F(1,15) =15,09, p=0.001; and gait standardised speed F(1,15) =5,35, p=0.035. Statistically significant changes were observed in numerous kinematic parameters of ankle, knee, pelvis, and shoulder in NW group. Regular NW training has positive influence on selected spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters in people with Down Syndrome and may be an attractive and safe form of rehabilitation.

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (82) ◽  
pp. 11-19
Author(s):  
Amadeusz Skiba ◽  
Agnieszka Stopa ◽  
Iwona Sulowska ◽  
Wiesław Chwała ◽  
Anna Marchewka

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nordic Walking training and physical training on the balance and body composition in adult people with Down syndrome. Basic procedures We enrolled 32 subjects with Down syndrome, aged 25-40 years with moderate intellectual disability. They were randomly divided into three groups: Nordic Walking training group, physical training group and control group with no intervention. Training sessions were held for 10 weeks at a frequency of 3 times a week. Subjects were examined twice: 1 week before training and a week immediately after intervention. To evaluate balance we applied modified Clinical Test for Sensory Integration and Balance (mCTSIB) on BioSway platform. Evaluation of body composition was assessed with Tanita Body Composition Analyzer TBF – 300. Results After training, in the mCTSIB statistically significant changes were observed only in the Nordic Walking group. In the control group in the mCTSIB the changes were not reported. There were observed improvements in the body composition after Nordic Walking training and in the control group there were deteriorated. Conclusions The research shows that regular physical activity such as Nordic Walking training has positive influence on the balance in people with Down syndrome. The changes were greater in people participated in Nordic Walking training rather than physical training. Both of the study groups presented improvement compared to controls. Key words: Down syndrome, Nordic Walking, disability, balance, stability, BMI, mCTSIB, body composition, rehabilitation


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai-Qiao Wang ◽  
Gui-Rong Dong ◽  
Chun-Ling Bao ◽  
Zhi-Hua Jiao

Objective To investigate the immediate effect of scalp acupuncture on walking pattern, using three-dimensional gait analysis (3D-GA), among patients in the subacute stage of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Methods A subset of 30 patients with subacute ICH participating in a recently published randomised controlled trial who were able to walk independently were assessed by 3D-GA before and immediately after scalp acupuncture treatment (treatment group) or no intervention (control group) and the results presented here as a secondary analysis. The acupuncture manipulation was repeated three times with an interval of 5 min. Spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters during walking were collected and analysed using a 3D motion analysis system. Results After treatment, there were significant differences between the treatment and control groups in the spatiotemporal parameters of step length, velocity and cadence (p<0.05) and double-limb support. No significant difference was found in step width. When kinematic parameters were evaluated, the treatment group showed a significantly decreased peak pelvic anterior tilt angle and an increased hip extension angle after scalp acupuncture treatment, whereas the control group demonstrated no temporal changes. There were no significant changes in any other kinematic parameters in either group. Conclusions As the first exploratory study to investigate the effect of the scalp acupuncture on gait performance in patients with subacute ICH, this secondary analysis of a recent randomised trial suggested an immediate effect of treatment on spatiotemporal parameters. Improvement in gait pattern may be associated with a decreased anterior tilt of the pelvis and augmented hip joint motion during walking. Trial Registration Number ChiCTR-TRC-08000225; Post-results.


2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (80) ◽  
pp. 77-85
Author(s):  
Zofia Ignasiak ◽  
Alicja Nowak ◽  
Dorota Cichoń ◽  
Anna Sebastjan ◽  
Tomasz Ignasiak

Aim: the purpose of the research was an assessment of increased physical activity influence on selected elements of elderly women biological condition. Basic procedures: the research material consisted of measurement data of 80 elderly women that were divided into two grups: active (n=31) which participated in a health training, and control (n=49). We measured: basic somaic features, BMI, WHR, BMD and functional physical fitness. Results: analysed parameters of bone mineral density were slightly better of the physically active women in comparison to the unactive women. During analysis of physical fitness tests, active achieved decidedly higher results, which indicates positive influence of the nordic walking health training on functional physical fitness of elderly women. Conclusions: Utilised health training was an optimal stimulus for the examined women – their functional physical fitness and BMD improved considerably. No similar changes were noted in the control group


Author(s):  
Hui Feng ◽  
Jie Lian ◽  
Yingjie Zhao

In language acquisition, stress is one of the most prominent prosodic features of English. Previous studies have found that music training has a positive influence on second language acquisition. Under the guidance of the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, this study aims to find whether music training can improve English stress production among Chinese English learners without music background. Major findings are as follows: (1) Music training has a significant influence on the stress production by Chinese English learners. Specifically, after eight weeks of music training, there has been evident improvement in pitch and intensity in the training group in distinguishing stressed and unstressed syllables in disyllabic pseudowords. Besides, the accuracy of the production of unfamiliar words in the training group has increased by 11.5% on average, compared with that of the control group which has little change. In addition, little effect of music training on duration proportion in stressed syllables is found in this experiment. (2) Chinese English learners’ perception of music can be positively transferred to their production of English lexical stress. Such findings provide further proof for the effect of music training on the production of English lexical stress, and propose a method for Chinese English learners to improve their English pronunciation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Toprak ◽  
Francisco Cavas ◽  
Alfredo Vega ◽  
José S. Velázquez ◽  
Jorge L. Alio del Barrio ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a different and abnormal corneal profile is present in Down syndrome (DS) by personalized three-dimensional (3D) modelling. This single-centre cross-sectional study included 43 patients with DS (43 eyes) and 58 age-sex-matched control subjects (58 eyes) with normal karyotype and topography. Refraction, central corneal thickness (CCT), aberrations (high-order, coma and spherical), asphericity and morphogeometric/volumetric parameters based on a 3D corneal model that was generated from raw topographical data were evaluated. Deviation of anterior/posterior apex (Dapexant/Dapexpost) and thinnest point (Dmctant/Dmctpost) from corneal vertex, anterior/posterior surface area (Aant/Apost), sagittal area passing through the anterior/posterior apex (Aapexant/Aapexpost) and thinnest point (Amctpost), total corneal volume (Vtotal) and volumetric progression for each 0.05 mm step of the radius value centred to the thinnest point (VOLMCT) and anterior/posterior apex (VOLAAP/VOLPAP) comprised the morphogeometric/volumetric parameters. In the DS group, 58.1% of the eyes presented abnormal topography. High-order and coma aberrations, asphericity, Dapexant, Aant, Apost and Aapexant were significantly higher, whereas CCT, Aapexpost, Amctpost, Vtotal, VOLAAP, VOLPAP and VOLMCT were lower in the DS group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Dapexpost did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05). This study demonstrates that corneas of the subjects with DS are different and more aberrated than those of normal age- and sex-matched non-DS controls. Anterior corneal apex appears to be displaced in DS even with normal topography, while posterior apex seems stable although topography is abnormal. These findings may help to modify our approach in the diagnosis of keratopathy in subjects with DS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 383-386
Author(s):  
Jin Park

The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern to improve walking ability of total knee replacement patients. In this study, 10 patients with total knee replacement were recruited from rehabilitation hospital. They were divided into two groups: a PNF group (n=5) and a control group (n=5). The PNF group received 30 minutes of continuous passive motion (CPM) and PNF training for 15 minutes five times a week for two weeks. The control group received 30 minutes of CPM and strengthening exercise for 15minutes five times a week for two weeks. Spatiotemporal parameters were measured by Biodex gait trainer 2. After the training periods, the PNF group showed a significant improvement in walking speed and step length on the non-operated side, time on each foot on the operated side (p<0.05). The results of this study showed that PNF pattern training was more effective at improving walking ability. Therefore, improve the walking ability of total knee replacement patients, PNF lower pattern should be considered.


2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 373-383
Author(s):  
Everaldo Lambert Modesto ◽  
Leonardo dos Santos Oliveira ◽  
Bruna Barboza Seron ◽  
Eloise Werle de Almeida ◽  
Márcia Greguol

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) tend to prematurely reach the skeletal maturation period. In addition, young people with this condition have poor physical fitness and few opportunities to practice physical activity when compared to those without disabilities. The aim of this study was to investigate the skeletal maturation of young people with Down syndrome and its influence on the behavior of physical fitness related to health, after aerobic and resistance training programs. Forty people with DS, with an average age of 15.4 (± 2.6) years, were divided into three groups for a 12 weeks intervention program, AT - aerobic training group (3 times/week; 50 minutes/session), RT - resistance training group (twice/week ; 50 minutes/session) and CG - control group, 9 participants. Determination of skeletal age (EA) was performed using the Greulich-Pyle method. Anthropometric variables, muscle strength and peak VO2 were measured pre and post intervention. It was found that skeletal maturation influenced the effects of training, only being significant for body weight and strength in the upright row variables. In addition, the muscle strength of upper and lower limbs increased significantly after 12 weeks of aerobic or resistance training. Then, we can conclude that the effects of physical training on physical fitness of young people with Down syndrome appear to improve as the bone age increases.


Author(s):  
Alicja Naczk ◽  
Ewa Gajewska ◽  
Mariusz Naczk

The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of a 33-week swimming program on aerobic capacity, muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and body composition of adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). Twenty-two adolescents diagnosed with DS were randomly allocated into the training group (T) and the control group (C). The T group participated in 33 weeks of water-based exercise and a swimming program while the control group maintained their normal daily activity. Following thirty-three weeks of swimming program, body mass, body fat, and BMI of the T group decreased significantly (from 56.8 ± 7.97 kg to 55.0 ± 7.11 kg, from 15.1 ± 4.47 kg to 13.2 ± 3.92 kg, and from 25.1 ± 2.37 to 24.0 ± 2.05, respectively) while a significant increase was recorded in C (from 57.3 ± 8.43 kg to 59.7 ± 8.29 kg, from 14.5 ± 2.76 kg to 16.0 ± 3.11 kg, and from 25.4 ± 2.46 to 26.0 ± 2.72, respectively). Moreover, significant improvement in aerobic capacity in the T group was noted; VO2max (mL/kg/min) increased by 16.3% in T and decreased by 4.8% in C. Improvement in static arm strength, trunk strength and endurance/functional strength were noted in T, while the parameters did not change in C. The speed of arm movement, balance and flexibility did not change following the intervention. Also, the aquatic skills improved significantly in the training group. Changes in C were not significant. The results of our study indicate that 33-week swimming program significantly improved health status and swimming skills in adolescents with DS.


2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junji Katsuhira ◽  
Nodoka Miura ◽  
Tadashi Yasui ◽  
Takane Mitomi ◽  
Sumiko Yamamoto

Background: Few studies have examined the efficacy of trunk orthoses that support the upper trunk and a paretic limb in stroke patients. To improve stability and alignment of the trunk and pelvis in hemiparetic patients, we developed a newly designed trunk orthosis that provides resistive force through spring joints. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the newly designed trunk orthosis’s biomechanical effects during level walking. Study design: Before-after trials must be better. Methods: Measurements were taken for nine chronic-phase (>2 years post-onset) stroke patients using a three-dimensional motion capture system and force plates under three experimental conditions: self-selected gait speed without the newly designed trunk orthosis, with the newly designed trunk orthosis, and after newly designed trunk orthosis removal. We analyzed and compared spatiotemporal and kinetic parameters of the paretic and non-paretic limbs and kinematic parameters of the trunk and bilateral limbs. Results: Several pre-swing gait parameters (e.g. hip joint flexion moment and ankle joint plantar flexion angle) after newly designed trunk orthosis removal were significantly increased compared to those without newly designed trunk orthosis. Step length of the paretic limb tended to increase after newly designed trunk orthosis removal. Conclusion: The newly designed trunk orthosis effectively modified trunk alignment, but larger improvements in kinetic and kinematic parameters were observed in the bilateral limbs after newly designed trunk orthosis removal than with the newly designed trunk orthosis. Clinical relevance Stroke patients improved only trunk malalignment while wearing the newly designed trunk orthosis. Gait after newly designed trunk orthosis removal was better than with the newly designed trunk orthosis. Positive changes after removal were mostly observed in pre-swing of the hemiparetic limb. The newly designed trunk orthosis might be effective for gait training in stroke patients.


Author(s):  
Bruna Barboza Seron ◽  
Everaldo Lambert Modesto ◽  
Luiz Cláudio Reeberg Stanganelli ◽  
Emanuel Messias Oliveira de Carvalho ◽  
Márcia Greguol

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2017v19n4p385 The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of aerobic and resistance training on the maximal and submaximal cardiorespiratory fitness of young people with Down Syndrome (DS). Forty-one individuals of both sexes with Down syndrome (age, 15.51±2.70 y) were divided into three groups: CG (control group) with 10 participants; ATG group (aerobic training group) with 16 participants; and RTG (resistance training group) with 15 participants. The training program lasted 12 weeks, with frequency of 3 days a week for ATG and two RTG, and duration of 50 minutes per session. Aerobic training consisted of exercise on a treadmill/bike at intensity between 50 and 70% of reserve heart rate, while resistance training was composed of nine exercises performed on three sets of 12 maximum repetitions for each exercise. Aerobic and resistance training were not able to increase peak oxygen uptake. However, there was an increase in the maximum ventilation and a decrease of submaximal heart rate only for groups who participated in the training program. Moreover, the aerobic group increased work capacity after training. Training programs led to an improvement in cardiac efficiency during submaximal activities and increased maximum ventilation, which demonstrates a cardiorespiratory improvement.


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