scholarly journals Construct Validity of the Assessment of Balance in Children Who Are Developing Typically and in Children With Hearing Impairments

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (12) ◽  
pp. 1783-1794 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra De Kegel ◽  
Inge Dhooge ◽  
Wim Peersman ◽  
Johan Rijckaert ◽  
Tina Baetens ◽  
...  

Background Children with hearing impairments have a higher risk for deficits in balance and gross motor skills compared with children who are developing typically. As balance is a fundamental ability for the motor development of children, a valid and reliable assessment to identify weaknesses in balance is crucial. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the construct validity of posturography and clinical balance tests in children with hearing impairments and in children who are developing typically. Methods The study involved 53 children with typical development and 23 children with hearing impairments who were between 6 and 12 years of age and without neuromotor or orthopedic disorders. All participants completed 3 posturography tests (modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction of Balance [mCTSIB], unilateral stance, and tandem stance) and 4 clinical balance tests (one-leg stance with eyes open and with eyes closed, balance beam walking, and one-leg hopping). Results Three conditions of the mCTSIB, unilateral stance, and 2 clinical balance tests were able to distinguish significantly between the 2 groups. Children with hearing impairments showed more difficulties in balance tasks compared with children who were developing typically when 1 or 2 types of sensory information were eliminated or disturbed. The study showed only low to moderate correlations among the different methods of evaluating balance. Conclusions Clinical balance tests and posturography offer different but complementary information. An assessment protocol for balance consisting of posturography and clinical balance tasks is proposed. Static and dynamic balance abilities could not be differentiated and seem not to be a valid dichotomy.

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11221
Author(s):  
Daniel Schmidt ◽  
Felipe P. Carpes ◽  
Thomas L. Milani ◽  
Andresa M.C. Germano

Background Studies demonstrated that the older adults can be more susceptible to balance instability after acute visual manipulation. There are different manipulation approaches used to investigate the importance of visual inputs on balance, e.g., eyes closed and blackout glasses. However, there is evidence that eyes open versus eyes closed results in a different organization of human brain functional networks. It is, however, unclear how different visual manipulations affect balance, and whether such effects differ between young and elderly persons. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether different visual manipulation approaches affect quasi-static and dynamic balance responses differently, and to investigate whether balance responses of young and older adults are affected differently by these various visual conditions. Methods Thirty-six healthy participants (20 young and 16 older adults) performed balance tests (quasi-static and unexpected perturbations) under four visual conditions: Eyes Open, Eyes Closed, Blackout Glasses, and Dark Room. Center of pressure (CoP) and muscle activation (EMG) were quantified. Results As expected, visual deprivation resulted in larger CoP excursions and higher muscle activations during balance tests for all participants. Surprisingly, the visual manipulation approach did not influence balance control in either group. Furthermore, quasi-static and dynamic balance control did not differ between young or older adults. The visual system plays an important role in balance control, however, similarly for both young and older adults. Different visual deprivation approaches did not influence balance results, meaning our results are comparable between participants of different ages. Further studies should investigate whether a critical illumination level may elicit different postural responses between young and older adults.


2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (5) ◽  
pp. 399-406
Author(s):  
Seyhan Dumanlidağ ◽  
Aysel Milanlioğlu

ABSTRACT Background: Migraine is one of the most frequent and incapacitating headaches, with a high degree of impairment of balance control and postural stability. Objective: To investigate the effects of episodic and chronic migraine on postural balance through using static and dynamic balance tests. Methods: The study included 32 chronic and 36 episodic migraine patients and a control group of 36 healthy volunteers. Right/left single-leg static and dynamic balance tests were performed in each group with eyes open and closed using a posturographic balance platform (Techno-body Prokin). Results: No significant difference was found among episodic and chronic migraine patients and control subjects with regard to eyes-open and eyes-closed area values (eyes-open area values: p=0.559, p=0.414 and p=0.906; eyes-closed area values: p=0.740, p=0.241 and p=0.093, respectively). However, the area values were significantly higher in episodic and chronic migraine patients than in the control group, which indicates that migraine patients may have lower balance performance. Perimeter values were relatively higher which supports the idea that migraine patients have lower balance performance. Additionally, the average number of laps was significantly lower among migraine patients than in the control group, which also implies that migraine patients may have lower balance performance. Conclusion: Although no significant difference was detected between chronic and episodic migraine patients and the control group and between chronic and episodic migraine patients with regard to balance performance, chronic migraine patients seemed to have relatively lower performance than episodic migraine patients. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed, to investigate the relationship between these parameters and balance.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia-Hua Liu ◽  
Ying Li ◽  
Hao-Ling Xu ◽  
Arif Sikandar ◽  
Wei-Hong Lin ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundPostural instability is one of the most disabling features of spinocerebellar ataxias type 3 (SCA3) and often leads to falls that reduce mobility and functional capacity. This study aimed to quantitatively analyse static and dynamic balance and proprioception function on postural control in patients with SCA3 using the Pro-kin system and optimise rehabilitation programmes for them.MethodsEight-one clinically diagnosed SCA3 patients (38 women, 43 men; aged 39.00 ± 9.66) and 62 healthy controls were studied and evaluated using the Pro-kin system (PK254P, Tecnobody S.r.l, Dalmine, Italy). The measurements included (1) a static balance test in two visual feedback conditions: eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC); (2) a dynamic balance test measuring limits of stability (LOS); and (3) a proprioception function test to obtain proprioceptive measurements on a multiaxial balance evaluator for both right and left lower limbs.ResultsCompared to controls, SCA3 patients showed significantly higher values of all static balance outcome variables with eyes open and eyes closed, implying postural instability. SCA3 patients showed significantly higher values in the standard deviation of body sway along the medio-lateral (ML) axis and in the velocity of body sway along the anterior-posterior (AP) axis. The overall scores and the scores for all eight LOS components were significantly lower in the SCA3 patients than in the controls. The mean values of AP index (API), ML index (MLI), Stability index (SI) and average trace error (ATE) were significantly greater in SCA3 patients compared to HC subjects, while API showed a trend toward higher values.ConclusionsSCA3 patients have a significant postural control disorder, and are likely to fall on the AP plane and prefer performing postural adjustments in the ML direction; a decreased proprioception function in the knee and ankle is also evident. Visual cues and proprioception should be emphasized in balance rehabilitation training. Attention should also be paid to improve muscle strength and range of motion.Trial registrationThe Chinese clinical test registration center. ChiCTR1800020133. Registered 15 december 2018 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=33950


2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarida Ferreira ◽  
Cristina Mesquita ◽  
Paula Santos ◽  
João Borges ◽  
Maria Graça ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that leads to a limitation of mobility, which can cause postural deficits and progressive loss of balance. Aquatic exercise improves this health condition. The objetive is to verify the influence of an aquatic exercise program, on balance and functionality, in individuals with AS. Methods Pre-experimental study carried out on 6 individuals with AS. All individuals were assessed at baseline (M0) and 12 weeks after the intervention (M1) using the Bath indices (BASMI, BASFI and BASDAI) and the balance assessment protocol (‘Body Sway’) by the Physiosensing Platform. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Program Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26. Were used descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon test to compare M0 and M1. The significance value was 0.05. Results We verify improvements in BASMI (P = 0.046), BASFI (P = 0.042) and BASDAI (P = 0.027) scores. Through the analysis of the center of pressure variables, there were no statistically significant differences, between moments, in the protocol. However, when assessing balance, in the anteroposterior mean distance in both the protocol (eyes open) and in the protocol (eyes closed), in the root mean square in both protocols and in mediolateral mean velocity, only in the protocol (eyes open), there was a slight decrease in the median value. Conclusions The present study suggests that the specific aquatic exercise program, may influence balance and improve functionality in a population with AS. Therefore, the Bath indices translate improvements in the symptoms and functionalities of these participants.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 013-022
Author(s):  
Blanchet Mariève ◽  
Prince François ◽  
Lemay Martin ◽  
Chouinard Sylvain ◽  
Messier Julie

We explored if adolescents with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) had functional postural control impairments and how these deficits are linked to a disturbance in the processing and integration of sensory information. We evaluated the displacements of the center of pressure (COP) during maximal leaning in four directions (forward, backward, rightward, leftward) and under three sensory conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, eyes closed standing on foam). GTS adolescents showed deficits in postural stability and in lateral postural adjustments but they had similar maximal COP excursion than the control group. The postural performance of the GTS group was poorer in the eyes open condition (time to phase 1 onset, max-mean COP). Moreover, they displayed a poorer ability to maintain the maximum leaning position under the eyes open condition during mediolateral leaning tasks. By contrast, during forward leaning, they showed larger min-max ranges than control subjects while standing on the foam with the eyes closed. Together, these findings support the idea that GTS produces subclinical postural control deficits. Importantly, our results suggest that postural control disorders in GTS are highly sensitive to voluntary postural leaning tasks which have high demand for multimodal sensory integration.


Author(s):  
Vedrana Sember ◽  
Janja Grošelj ◽  
Maja Pajek

Balance is an essential prerequisite for the normal physical development of a child. It consists of the ability to maintain the body’s centre of mass over its base of support, which is enabled by automatic postural adjustments, and maintain posture and stability in various conditions and activities. The present study aimed to determine the measurement characteristics (reliability and concurrent validity) and the relative ability of balance tests and different motor tests in healthy 11-year-olds. We also evaluated the impact of vision on balance ability. Our results showed high interrater reliability (from 0.810 to 0.910) and confirmed the construct validity of the included balance tests. Girls performed significantly better than boys in laboratory tandem stance in following balance components: total sway path with eyes open (BSEO) (t = 2.68, p = 0.01, effect size (ES) = 0.81), total body sway with eyes closed of centre of pressure (CoP) displacement in the a-p direction (BSEC) (t = 1.86, p = 0.07, ES = 0.57), mean velocity of CoP displacements (VEO) (t = 2.67, p = 0.01, ES = 0.83), mean amplitude of CoP displacements in the a-p direction (AapEO) (t = 3.38. p = 0.00, ES = 1.01) and in mean amplitude of CoP displacements in the m-l direction (AmlEO) (t = 3.68, p = 0.00, ES = 1.19). With eyes closed, girls performed significantly better (t = 2.28, p = 0.03, ES = 0.70) than boys did in the mean amplitude of COP displacements in the a-p direction (AapEO) and significantly better (t = 2.37, p = 0.03, ES = 0.71) in the mean amplitude of COP displacements in the m-l direction (AmlEC). Insignificant correlations between different balance tests, except for a correlation between the flamingo test and one-leg stance on a low beam (r = 0.558, p < 0.01), show that each test assesses different aspects of balance ability; therefore, balance cannot be assessed with a single test.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-16
Author(s):  
Sogol Zeinali ◽  
◽  
Zahra Olyaei ◽  
Benyamin Kor ◽  
Maryam Binesh ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Balance problems are the main cause of falls and fall-related complications in the elderly. The objective of this study was to investigate the balance in old people residing in nursing homes using clinical assessments. Methods: A total of 54 people participated in this cross-sectional study. Timed Up and Go (TUG) was used to assess balance regarding mobility impairments. The modified Clinical Test Of Sensory Interaction on Balance (CTSIB) was also used to assess balance regarding sensory problems. This test was used in 4 conditions: standing with eyes open on a firm surface, standing with eyes closed on a firm surface, standing with eyes open on a compliant foam, and standing with eyes closed on a compliant foam. Data analysis was done by SPSS V. 18 software. Results: The mean time for the completion of TUG was significantly higher than standard scores in all age groups (P<0.05). Postural sway during standing with eyes closed on the ground, eyes open and eyes closed on the foam was more than standing with eyes open on the ground (P<0.001). Postural sway in standing with eyes closed on the foam was more in comparison with standing with eyes closed on the ground and eyes open on the foam (P<0.001). Conclusion: Elderly people living in nursing homes had poorer motor skills to maintain balance. They also showed greater dependence on visual and sensory systems to maintain balance.


Author(s):  
Atiya A. Shaikh ◽  
Rutuja D. Joshi

Background: Background and need of study- Influence of gender on balance is still controversial. Previous researchers have done studies using traditional methods. These methods may fail to detect subtle changes in balance difference. A tool like posturography which is highly specific may help to for accurate assessment and hence precise conclusion. Aim was to compare balance scores of male and female elderly using modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (CTSIB).Methods: There were 56 healthy elderly ambulating without an assistive device and free from any neurological and orthopedic problems were assessed for their balance abilities using mCTSIB of balance master(standing on firm surface with eyes open, with eyes closed, standing on foam surface with eyes open and with eyes closed). Sway velocity was assessed using Unpaired t test.Results: There was a no significant difference in scores of modified CTSIB between male and female elderly ( p value>0.005).Conclusions: Gender has no effect on static balance abilities between male and female elderly while performing modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 292-297
Author(s):  
D. Aras ◽  
Ö. Güler ◽  
M. Gülü ◽  
F. Akça ◽  
E. Arslan ◽  
...  

Background and Study Aim: In order to sustain the performance in sport, it is necessary to constantly struggle with the factors which disrupt balance, and maintain the desired balance. The purpose of the present study is to compare and demonstrate the effects of sight grade on static and dynamic balance, and fall risk parameters in visually impaired and non-impaired judo athletes and goalball/futsal players. Material and Methods: A total of 26 male athletes (13 Judo, 13 Goalball/Futsal) participated in the study voluntarily. The participants performed two balance tests as Overall Stability Test and Fall Risk Test with the eyes open and eyes closed. The parameters observed were static and dynamic overall stability, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral index, and fall risk. Results: According to the findings, there were significant differences in all the parameters with the eyes open and eyes closed conditions in visually non-impaired athletes regardless of the sport branch, while visually impaired athletes showed no significant difference. However, more loss of balance was observed in all the parameters for visually impaired athletes. Conclusions: These findings show that visual system has a crucial role on balance, and athletes with visually impaired have more advanced vestibular system and proprioceptive senses to maintain their balance. It was also understood that visually non-impaired athletes tend to show more deteriorated balance level when their eyes were closed. Future studies could examine the vestibular and proprioceptive senses besides visual system to provide information about how balance is affected from other systems.


2021 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tae Im Yi ◽  
Kee Hoon Kim ◽  
Yeo Reum Choe ◽  
Sung Heon Kim ◽  
Joo Sup Kim ◽  
...  

Background The effects of shoes and foot type on balance are unclear. We aimed to investigate the differences between static and dynamic balance among three foot types and the changes in postural balance while wearing typical athletic shoes. Methods Based on the Foot Posture Index, the feet of 39 participants were classified as pronated, neutral, or supinated by a physiatrist. Static and dynamic balance function were assessed by center of gravity (COG) sway velocity with eyes open and eyes closed and a modified Star Excursion Balance Test in a random order with participants either barefoot or wearing shoes. Results The COG sway velocity was significantly higher in the supinated foot group than in the neutral foot group (barefoot: eyes open, P = .004, eyes closed, P = .001). Normalized composite reach distance (NCRD) was significantly lower in the pronated and supinated foot groups (barefoot: P = .039, P = .008; shoes: P = .018, P = .018). In all three foot type groups, COG sway velocity was significantly decreased (P &lt; .05) and NCRD was significantly increased (P &lt; .05) while wearing typical athletic shoes. Conclusions The medial longitudinal arch of the foot affects postural balance. Typical athletic shoes improve postural balance regardless of foot type. However, the pronated and supinated foot groups still had lower dynamic postural balance compared with the neutral foot group, even when wearing athletic shoes. People with pronated and supinated feet may need additional interventions, such as foot orthoses or balance training.


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