scholarly journals Balance Measurement Using Microsoft Kinect v2: Towards Remote Evaluation of Patient with the Functional Reach Test

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (13) ◽  
pp. 6073
Author(s):  
Ines Ayed ◽  
Antoni Jaume-i-Capó ◽  
Pau Martínez-Bueso ◽  
Arnau Mir ◽  
Gabriel Moyà-Alcover

To prevent falls, it is important to measure periodically the balance ability of an individual using reliable clinical tests. As Red Green Blue Depth (RGBD) devices have been increasingly used for balance rehabilitation at home, they may also be used to assess objectively the balance ability and determine the effectiveness of a therapy. For this, we developed a system based on the Microsoft Kinect v2 for measuring the Functional Reach Test (FRT); one of the most used balance clinical tools to predict falls. Two experiments were conducted to compare the FRT measures computed by our system using the Microsoft Kinect v2 with those obtained by the standard method, i.e., manually. In terms of validity, we found a very strong correlation between the two methods (r = 0.97 and r = 0.99 (p < 0.05), for experiments 1 and 2, respectively). However, we needed to correct the measurements using a linear model to fit the data obtained by the Kinect system. Consequently, a linear regression model has been applied and examining the regression assumptions showed that the model works well for the data. Applying the paired t-test to the data after correction indicated that there is no statistically significant difference between the measurements obtained by both methods. As for the reliability of the test, we obtained good to excellent within repeatability of the FRT measurements tracked by Kinect (ICC = 0.86 and ICC = 0.99, for experiments 1 and 2, respectively). These results suggested that the Microsoft Kinect v2 device is reliable and adequate to calculate the standard FRT.

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.


Biomedicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 305-309
Author(s):  
Albin Jerome ◽  
Karthikeyan Jeyabalan ◽  
Hoe Kean Keong ◽  
Gaurai Gharote

Introduction and Aim: Diabetic Cheiroarthropathy is defined as the condition of restriction joint mobility due to pseudo-sclerodermatous hand, the fibrosis of the elastin connective tissues over the skin. It limits joint mobility especially around Tibia fibular mobility that are interrelated with the flexibility of ankle motion that results in the balance disorder in diabetic population. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of the tibia fibular mobilization technique on ankle joint in diabetes mellitus patients. Materials and Methods: 60 diabetic subjects were randomly assigned into experimental group and control, in which experimental group received Tibia fibular mobilization technique and conventional treatment whereas control group received only conventional treatment 1 time a week for 3 weeks. Results: There is no significant difference in Ankle dorsi flexion range of motion in both extremities but there is significant difference in ankle plantar flexion range of motion in both extremities and functional reach test in both extremities. Conclusion: There is a significant difference in the ankle plantar flexion range of motion and functional reach test, Hence, mobilization of Tibiofibular joint will be beneficial in improving the ankle range of motion and balance factor in the diabetic population.  


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Betül Akyol ◽  
Songül Pektaş

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of gymnastics training combined with music on balance, loco-motor level and coordination in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and down syndrome (DS). This randomized, controlled experimental trial included 30 children (15 children with DS, 15 children with ASD) aged 8 to 14 years. The children were separated into 2 groups, as Group 1 in which ASD and Group 2 in which DS treated gymnastics training with music for 16 weeks, 2 days a week, 1.5-2 hours. Flamingo balance test, functional reach test, Wall Catch coordination test and flexibility test were used to evaluate balance, dynamic balance, loco-motor level and coordination, flexibility, respectively. All groups were evaluated before training and at the end of 16 weeks. When the pre-training and post-training parameters were compared between the groups, a increase was determined in the parameters of balance, loco-motor level and coordination, flexibility in Group1. This increase was statistically greater in Group 1. Statistically significant difference was determined in Group 2 with respect to functional reach test, sit and reach test values. No statistically significant difference was determined in Group 2 in respect of Flamingo and Wall Catch coordination tests. As a result; gymnastics training combined with music were found to be effective in increase balance score, improving loco-motor level, coordination, flexibility in children with DS and ASD. The results of this study can be considered to provide important contributions to the understanding and treatment of children with autism and down syndrome.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (04) ◽  
pp. 206-213
Author(s):  
Dong Hoon Kim ◽  
Kyung-Hun Kim ◽  
Suk-Min Lee

Abstract Objective We investigated the effects of eye movement with PNF neck movement on trunk stability and standing position balance ability of chronic stroke patients. Methods A total of 30 patients were randomly divided into EMPN group and CON group. EMPN group was performed 60 min three times a week for 8 weeks in eye movement and PNF neck movement. CON group performed conservative treatment for 60min. The trunk stability was measured by the Trunk impairment scale (TIS) and the standing balance ability test was performed by Center of Pressure (COP), Limited of Stability (LOS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Functional Reach Test (FRT). Results There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between before and after training in both groups, and EMPN group showed significant improvement in both groups. Conclusions In this study, we confirmed oculogyration and neck movement by PNF have positive effects on the trunk stability and the standing position balance ability of chronic stroke patients.


2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-9
Author(s):  
HIROSHI OOTA ◽  
SHIN MURATA ◽  
MIZUKI HACHIYA ◽  
TAKEYA ONO ◽  
SAYAKA MORITA ◽  
...  

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.


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


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