scholarly journals Balance in Relation to Walking Deterioration in Adults With Spastic Bilateral Cerebral Palsy

2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arve Opheim ◽  
Reidun Jahnsen ◽  
Elisabeth Olsson ◽  
Johan Kvalvik Stanghelle
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Balance Function ◽  
Maximum Score ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Postural Responses ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Balance Ability ◽  
Abc Scale

Background Balance function is central in walking, and impaired balance function may be related to walking deterioration in adults with spastic bilateral cerebral palsy (CP). Objectives The purposes of this study were: (1) to compare balance confidence, fear of falling, and balance ability in adults with spastic bilateral CP, with and without self-reported walking deterioration; (2) to characterize balance confidence, fear of falling, and balance ability across all participants; and (3) to examine the relationship between balance confidence and balance ability across all participants. Design A case-control design was used. Methods Sixteen adults from a 7-year follow-up study who had spastic bilateral CP and were under 40 years of age in the 2006 survey participated. Eight participants reported walking deterioration (cases), and 8 participants did not report walking deterioration (controls). Outcome variables were: the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, the Falls Efficacy Scale–International (FES-I), and the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest). Results No differences in any of the outcome variables were found between the cases and the controls. Across all participants, the ABC Scale and FES-I scores were 62% and 24 points, respectively. Reduced ABC Scale scores and increased FES-I scores were found when using escalators, walking in crowds, and walking on slippery surfaces. The BESTest subscale scores were 60% to 79% of the maximum score, but only 31% and 42% of the maximum score in postural responses and anticipatory adjustments, respectively. Balance confidence correlated positively with postural responses, sensory orientation, stability in gait, and BESTest total score. Limitations The lack of reliability and validity tests for the outcome variables in this study population and the small number of participants were limitations of the study. Conclusions Self-reported walking deterioration in this group could not be explained by differences in balance confidence, fear of falling, or balance ability. Across all participants, most balance problems seemed related to reduced postural responses and anticipatory adjustments.

scholarly journals Multidirectional Overground Robotic Training Leads to Improvements in Balance in Older Adults

Robotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 101
Author(s):  
Lara A. Thompson ◽  
Mehdi Badache ◽  
Joao Augusto Renno Brusamolin ◽  
Marzieh Savadkoohi ◽  
Jelani Guise ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Robotic System ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Support Surface ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Robotic Training ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Balance Ability ◽  
Abc Scale

For the rapidly growing aging demographic worldwide, robotic training methods could be impactful towards improving balance critical for everyday life. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that non-bodyweight supportive (nBWS) overground robotic balance training would lead to improvements in balance performance and balance confidence in older adults. Sixteen healthy older participants (69.7 ± 6.7 years old) were trained while donning a harness from a distinctive NaviGAITor robotic system. A control group of 11 healthy participants (68.7 ± 5.0 years old) underwent the same training but without the robotic system. Training included 6 weeks of standing and walking tasks while modifying: (1) sensory information (i.e., with and without vision (eyes-open/closed), with more and fewer support surface cues (hard or foam surfaces)) and (2) base-of-support (wide, tandem and single-leg standing exercises). Prior to and post-training, balance ability and balance confidence were assessed via the balance error scoring system (BESS) and the Activities specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, respectively. Encouragingly, results showed that balance ability improved (i.e., BESS errors significantly decreased), particularly in the nBWS group, across nearly all test conditions. This result serves as an indication that robotic training has an impact on improving balance for healthy aging individuals.

Korrelate der Sturzangst im Alter

2007 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadja Schott
Keyword(s):  
Ältere Menschen ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Eine Hohe ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Körperliche Funktionsfähigkeit ◽  
Abc Scale

Zusammenfassung. Mit der vorliegenden Untersuchung wurde der Zusammenhang von Sturzangst (Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly: SAFE), funktionalem Gleichgewicht/Mobilität (Timed-Up-and-Go-Test, TUG; Gehgeschwindigkeit) und körperlicher Funktionsfähigkeit (SAFE Aktivitäten, Reduktionen; SF-36) bei älteren Erwachsenen untersucht. Darüber hinaus sollte die Mediatorfunktion sturzassoziierter Selbstwirksamkeit (Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale) in einem Strukturgleichungsmodell an 91 Erwachsenen (17 Männer, 74 Frauen) im Alter von 60 bis 93 Jahren ohne Sturzhistorie geprüft werden. Man findet signifikant negative Pfade von der Subskala SAFE Angst auf die sturzassoziierte Selbstwirksamkeit (β = -0.931; t = -8.117, p.001), d. h. dass ältere Menschen ohne aktuelle Sturzbiographie und nur geringer Sturzangst eine hohe sturzassoziierte Selbstwirksamkeit berichten. Ebenso ist der Effekt von Sturzangst auf die körperliche Funktionsfähigkeit hochsignifikant (β = -0.432, t = -2.686, p = .007). Für die sturzassoziierte Selbstwirksamkeit liegt ein hoher Zusammenhang mit dem funktionalen Gleichgewicht/Mobilität vor (β = 0.482, t = 2.050, p = .040), jedoch nicht mit der körperlichen Funktionsfähigkeit (β = 0.118, t = 0.916, p = .359). Für den Zusammenhang zwischen Sturzangst und funktionalem Gleichgewicht/Mobilität liegt eine vollständige Mediation durch die sturzassoziierte Selbstwirksamkeit vor. Der signifikante Einfluss von funktionalen Messungen und Verhaltensdaten auf die Sturzangst verdeutlicht die Notwendigkeit von Interventionen, die auf die Stärkung der sturzassoziierten Selbstwirksamkeit fokussieren, um so zur Reduktion von Sturzangst beizutragen.

Fear of Falling and Balance Ability in Older Men: The Priest Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis W. Klima ◽  
Roberta A. Newton ◽  
Emily A. Keshner ◽  
Adam Davey
Keyword(s):  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Balance Ability

Studies examining fear of falling among older adult men remain limited. The objectives of this study were to compare balance confidence in 2 age cohorts of older clergy and identify predictive determinants of balance confidence in a liturgical research initiative. Participants included 131 community-dwelling Roman Catholic priests age 60–97 yr living in religious communities in 10 mid-Atlantic states. Subjects completed the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), timed up-and-go (TUG) test, and 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Younger priests (60–74 yr) demonstrated a significantly higher ABC score than the older cohort (75 and above yr) of priests (89.1 ± 12.6 vs.78.4 ± 13.9,p= .001). Confidence was significantly correlated with BBS (rho = .69,p< .01), TUG (r= –.58,p< .01), and GDS (r= –.39,p< .01) scores. A stepwise-regression model demonstrated that balance ability, mood, assistive-device use, and physical activity predicted 52% of the variance in balance confidence.

scholarly journals AB1319-HPR EFFECT OF SEGMENTAL STABILIZATION AND PILATES ON CHRONIC NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN: PILOT STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1949.1-1949
Author(s):  
A. Torres Cruz ◽  
P. De Oliveira Januário ◽  
I. Coelho Baptista ◽  
A. Da Rocha Rodrigues ◽  
C. H. Chagas Bernardo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Level Of Confidence ◽  
Specific Activities ◽  
Abc Scale

Background:Low back pain is an important health condition with major socioeconomic consequences and is associated with high costs for the health system, absenteeism at work and reduced functional performance. It is one of the most relevant health problems in the elderly, with point prevalence estimates higher than other musculoskeletal conditions.Objectives:To verify the effect of segmental stabilization versus the Pilates method in the elderly with chronic low back pain.Methods:The study included 9 elderly women with chronic low back pain randomized into two groups: Segmental Stabilization Group (SG n = 5; age 65.2 ± 4.32; Body Mass Index - BMI 29.99 ± 4.65) and Pilates Group (PG n = 4; age 67.75 ± 7.13; BMI 26.49 ± 4.06). Both groups underwent 16 individual sessions of 60 minutes twice a week and avaliated before and after 8 weeks. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Pain Scale; functional disability, by Oswestry’s disability index; excessive fear of movement and physical activity, using the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale; level of confidence in the balance for specific activities, on the Activity-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale and; activation of the transverse muscle of the abdomen, by the pressure biofeedback unit Stabilizer of the Chatanooga brand. The allocation and evaluations of the participants were performed by a blind examiner. The data were analyzed using the Student’s t-test with the level of significance (p≤0.05).Results:The data show significant differences in the reduction of pain intensity (p= 0.022) and functional disability (p=0.023) only in SG and improvement in kinesiophobia (p=0.007) only in PG. The level of confidence in the balance for specific activities was better in the SG when compared to the PG (p=0.059). There was no difference in the activation of the transversus abdominis in both groups.Conclusion:The results indicate that the segmental stabilization was effective to improve pain and functional disability, Pilates to improve the degree of kinesiophobia and the SG obtained a better result when compared to the PG regarding the level of confidence in the balance for specific activities. Both techniques had a great effect on improving functional capacity and on the level of confidence in the balance for specific activities. It is suggested to carry out studies with a larger number of participants and follow-up evaluation to assess the long-term effects.References:[1]Boonstra AM, Preuper HRS, Reneman MF, Posthumus JB, Stewart RE. Reliability and validity of the visual analogue scale for disability in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. IJSR 2008; 3(2):165-9.[2]Marques AP, Mendes YC, Taddei U, Pereira CAB, Assumpção A. Brazilian-Portuguese translation and cross cultural adaptation of the activities-specific balance confidence ABC) scale. Braz J Phys Ther 2013; 17(2): 170-8.[3]Siqueira FB, Teixeira-Salmela LF, Magalhães LC. Análise das propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira da escala tampa de cinesiofobia. Acta Orto Bras 2007; 15(1): 19-24.[4]Viggato R, Alexandre NMC, Correa Filho HR. Development of a Braziliam Portuguese version of the Oswestry Disability Index: cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity. Spine 2007; 32(4):481-6.Acknowledgments:Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals The effects of the Otago Exercise Programme on actual and perceived balance in older adults: A meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0255780
Author(s):  
Huei-Ling Chiu ◽  
Ting-Ting Yeh ◽  
Yun-Ting Lo ◽  
Pei-Jung Liang ◽  
Shu-Chun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Exercise Programme ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Group Setting ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Balance Ability

Objective Falls are serious issues in older populations. Balance problems are a major cause of falls and may lead to fear of falling and decreased balance confidence. The Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) is an effective fall prevention program that benefits balance function and fear of falling. The primary aim of the meta-analysis was to investigate the effectiveness of the OEP intervention on actual balance performance (i.e., static, dynamic, proactive or reactive balance) and perceived balance ability (i.e., balance confidence or fear of falling) for older adults; the secondary aim was to examine which OEP protocol most improves balance in older adults. Methods A systematic electronic review search was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of the OEP on actual balance performance and perceived balance ability in healthy older adults, and examining which OEP training protocol and intervention format most improves balance. Results A total of 12 RCTs were included in the analyses. The OEP exerted significant effects on static balance (Hedges’s g = 0.388; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.131 to 0.645), dynamic balance (g = -0.228; 95% CI = -0.352 to -0.1.4), proactive balance (g = 0.239; 95% CI = 0.061 to 0.416) and perceived balance (g = -0.184; 95% CI = -0.320 to -0.048) in older adults. Subgroup analysis indicated that the group format for the OEP was more effective for improving static (p = 0.008), dynamic (p = 0.004) and perceived balance (p = 0.004) than was the individual format. Sessions of >30 minutes were more effective in improving static (p = 0.007) and perceived balance (p = 0.014) than were sessions of ≤30 minutes. However, the effects of the OEP on balance were unrelated to the types of control group, training frequency and training period. Discussion The OEP is helpful for improving actual balance including static, dynamic, and proactive balance; enhancing confidence in balance control; and reducing fear of falling in older adults. In particular, administrating the OEP in a group setting in >30-minute sessions may be the most appropriate and effective exercise protocol for improving balance.

Deaf Individuals Who Report Having Good Balance Function Present with Significant Vestibular Deficits

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (08) ◽  
pp. 510-520
Author(s):  
Chizuko Tamaki ◽  
Kristen Maul ◽  
Daniel S. Talian ◽  
Sarah Sparks
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Case History ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials ◽  
Clinical Test ◽  
Balance Function ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Balance Ability ◽  
Abc Scale

Abstract Background Vestibular and/or balance deficits are well documented in deaf individuals. In the adult population, poor vestibular and/or balance function can lead to activity limitations and increased risk of falling. An effective case history by health care providers to probe for potential balance concerns is necessary for appropriate referral; however, patients may not consistently report vestibular and balance symptoms. Currently, there is little information available as to how deaf individuals report these symptoms and how their reported balance ability relates to measures of balance and vestibular functions. Purpose The aim of the current study was to evaluate self-perceived balance ability in participants who self-identify as either deaf or hearing, and compare these results to measures of balance and vestibular functions. Research Design This is a prospective, between-group design. Study Sample Data from 57 adults between the ages of 18 to 29 years who self-reported as deaf (39) or hearing (18) were evaluated. Participants completed the activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) scale, a brief case history, self-report rating of balance (SRRB), the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration of Balance (mCTSIB), along with both ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs) and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs). Only participants with SRRBs of good or excellent were included in the inferential analyses. Results Proportions of participants rating their balance ability as either good or excellent were similar between both groups, as were the results on the ABC scale. Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between the groups on both oVEMPs and cVEMPs. No significant differences were observed on sway velocities in any of the mCTSIB conditions; however, more than one-third of deaf participants had mCTSIB Condition 4—on foam, eyes closed—scores above 2 standard deviations of the hearing group. Conclusion Deaf participants self-report similar ratings of balance ability as hearing participants despite significant differences in vestibular function. A relatively large subset of deaf participants had increased sway velocity on balance function testing that required increased reliance on vestibular cues. A thorough discussion of balance and vestibular symptoms should be completed when a patient who self-identifies as deaf is seen by a health care provider so that appropriate screenings or referrals can be completed as necessary.

scholarly journals Balance Confidence Among People With Lower-Limb Amputations

2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (9) ◽  
pp. 856-865 ◽  
Author(s):  
William C Miller ◽  
Mark Speechley ◽  
A Barry Deathe
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Device Use ◽  
Abc Scale ◽  
Mobility Device

AbstractBackground and Purpose. Confidence in a person's balance has been shown to be an important predictor of social activity among people with lower-limb amputations. The purposes of this study were to describe confidence in balance among people with transtibial or transfemoral lower-limb amputations and to compare people whose amputations were due to vascular and nonvascular causes. Subjects and Methods. A survey of a sample of 435 community-dwelling individuals from 2 regional clinics was conducted. The sample consisted of people with unilateral transfemoral (26.7%) and transtibial (73.3%) amputations who lost their limb for vascular (53%) and nonvascular (47%) reasons. The mean age of the primarily male (71%) sample was 62.0 years (SD=15.7). Results. Mean scores, using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, were 63.8 for the total sample, 54.1 for the subjects with amputations due to vascular reasons, and 74.7 for the subjects with amputations due to nonvascular reasons. Given a maximum possible ABC Scale score of 100, the results suggest that confidence was low. A difference between the subjects with amputations due to vascular reasons and those with amputations due to nonvascular reasons was observed over each item of the ABC Scale. Variables that were statistically related to balance confidence included age, sex, etiology, mobility device use, the need to concentrate while walking, limitations in activities of daily living, depression, and fear of falling. Discussion and Conclusion. Balance confidence scores among the study sample were low when compared with values previously reported by other researchers. Confidence was particularly low among individuals who had their amputation for vascular reasons. Balance confidence might be an important area of clinical concern.

scholarly journals Sensory-Specific Balance Training in Older Adults: Effect on Proprioceptive Reintegration and Cognitive Demands

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (10) ◽  
pp. 1274-1283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly P Westlake ◽  
Elsie G Culham
Keyword(s):  
Balance Training ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Prevention Education ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Education Group ◽  
Balance Exercise ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Abc Scale

Background and Purpose Age-related changes in the ability to adjust to alterations in sensory information contribute to impaired postural stability. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of sensory-specific balance training on proprioceptive reintegration. Subjects The subjects of this study were 36 older participants who were healthy. Methods Participants were randomly assigned to a balance exercise group (n=17) or a falls prevention education group (n=19). The primary outcome measure was the center-of-pressure (COP) velocity change score. This score represented the difference between COP velocity over 45 seconds of quiet standing and each of six 5-second intervals following proprioceptive perturbation through vibration with or without a secondary cognitive task. Clinical outcome measures included the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) Scale and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Assessments were conducted at baseline, postintervention, and at an 8-week follow-up. Results Following the exercise intervention, there was less destabilization within the first 5 seconds following vibration with or without a secondary task than there was at baseline or in the falls prevention education group. These training effects were not maintained at the 8-week follow-up. Postintervention improvements also were seen on the FAB Scale and were maintained at follow-up. No changes in ABC Scale scores were identified in the balance exercise group, but ABC Scale scores indicated reduced balance confidence in the falls prevention education group postintervention. Discussion and Conclusion The results of this study support short-term enhanced postural responses to proprioceptive reintegration following a sensory-specific balance exercise program.

scholarly journals Investigating Relationships between Balance Confidence and Balance Ability in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Lara A. Thompson ◽  
Mehdi Badache ◽  
Joao Augusto Renno Brusamolin ◽  
Marzieh Savadkoohi ◽  
Jelani Guise ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Stroke Group ◽  
Balance Ability ◽  
Performance Ability ◽  
Abc Scale ◽  
Healthy Participants

Increasing balance confidence in older individuals is important towards improving their quality of life and reducing activity avoidance. Here, we investigated if balance confidence (perceived ability) and balance performance (ability) in older adults were related to one another and would improve after balance training. The relationship of balance confidence in conjunction with balance performance for varied conditions (such as limiting vision, modifying somatosensory cues, and also base of support) was explored. We sought to determine if balance confidence and ability, as well as their relationship, could change after several weeks of training. Twenty-seven healthy participants were trained for several weeks during standing and walking exercises. In addition, seven participants with a higher risk of imbalance leading to falls (survivors of stroke) were also trained. Prior to and after training, balance ability and confidence were assessed via the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and Activities Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, respectively. Both groups showed improvements in balance abilities (i.e., BESS errors significantly decreased after training). Balance confidence was significantly higher in the healthy group than in the stroke group; however, ABC results reflected that balance confidence did not significantly increase after training for each. The correlations between balance ability and balance confidence were explored. Encouragingly, healthy participants displayed a negative correlation between BESS errors and ABC (i.e., enhancements in balance confidence (increases in ABC Scale results) were related to improvements in balance ability (decreases in BESS errors)). For the stroke participants, despite improvements in balance ability, our results showed that there was no relation to balance confidence (i.e., no correlation between BESS errors and ABC) in this group.

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