scholarly journals Exergames for women with fibromyalgia: a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effects on mobility skills, balance and fear of falling

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e3211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Collado-Mateo ◽  
Francisco J. Dominguez-Muñoz ◽  
Jose C. Adsuar ◽  
Eugenio Merellano-Navarro ◽  
Narcis Gusi

Background Exergames are a new form of rehabilitation that combine the characteristics of physical exercise and the benefits of non-immersive virtual reality (VR). Effects of this novel therapy in women fibromyalgia are still unknown. The objective was to evaluate the effects of exergame-based intervention on mobility skills, balance and fear of falling in women with fibromyalgia. Methods This study was a randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation. Seventy-six women with fibromyalgia were divided into two groups: the exercise group received an eight week intervention based on exergames, while the control group continued their usual activities. Mobility skills were evaluated using the timed up and go test, while balance was assessed using the functional reach test, and the CTSIB protocol. Fear of falling was evaluated on a scale of 0–100 (0, no fear; 100, extreme fear). Measurements were performed before and after the intervention. A repeated-measures linear mixed model was used to compare the effects of the intervention between the two groups. Results The exercise group was significantly quicker than the control group in the timed up and go test (MD, −0.71; 95% CI [−1.09–0.32]; p < 0.001). There were also significant improvements in functional reach and a reduced fear of falling (MD, 4.34; 95% CI [1.39–7.30]; p = 0.005 and MD, −9.85; 95% CI [−0.19–−0.08]; p = 0.048, respectively). Discussion The improved TUG observed herein was better than the smallest real difference. Based on the results on mobility skills, balance and fear of falling, exergames may be an effective tool as a therapy for women with fibromyalgia.

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makoto Hiyamizu ◽  
Shu Morioka ◽  
Koji Shomoto ◽  
Tomoaki Shimada

Objective: To investigate the effects of dual task balance training in the elderly on standing postural control while performing a cognitive task. Design: A randomized two-group parallel controlled trial. Participants: Forty-three subjects (all >65 years old) were enrolled in the study and were assigned randomly to either an experimental group ( n = 21) or a control group ( n = 22). Interventions: Subjects in the experimental group were given strength and balance training while performing cognitive tasks simultaneously. Subjects in the control group were given strength and balance training only. The training was administered twice a week for three months. Measurements: The Chair Stand Test, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and Trail Making Test were measured. The sway length of the centre of gravity was measured during standing while performing the Stroop task. The rate of Stroop task was also measured. All measurements were collected at baseline and after the training period. Results: There were no significant differences in Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and sway length at baseline and after training between the two groups. However, the rate of Stroop task ( P < 0.05) was significantly higher after training in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that dual task balance training in elderly people improves their dual task performance during standing postural control.


2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derya Ozer Kaya ◽  
Irem Duzgun ◽  
Gul Baltaci ◽  
Selma Karacan ◽  
Filiz Colakoglu

Objective:To assess and compare the effects of 6 mo of Pilates and calisthenics on multijoint coordination and proprioception of the lower limbs at the 3rd and 6th mo of training.Design:Randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, repeated-measures.Setting:University research laboratory.Participants and Intervention:Healthy, sedentary, female participants age 25–50 y were recruited and randomly divided into 3 groups: a calisthenic exercise group (n = 34, mean age ± SD 40 ± 8 y, body-mass index [BMI] 31.04 ± 4.83 kg/m2), a Pilates exercise group (n = 32, mean age ± SD 37 ± 8 y, BMI 31.04 ± 4.83 kg/m2), and a control group (n = 41, mean age ± SD 41 ± 7 y, BMI 27.09 ± 4.77 kg/m2). The calisthenics and Pilates groups underwent related training programs for 6 mo, while the controls had no specific training.Main Outcome Measures:Coordination and proprioception of the lower extremities with concentric and eccentric performances in the closed kinetic chain assessed with the monitored rehab functional squat system at baseline and at the 3rd and 6th mo of training.Results:For the within-group comparison, coordinative concentric and eccentric deviation values were significantly decreased for both dominant and nondominant lower limbs at pretraining and at the 3rd and 6th mo posttraining in the calisthenics group (P < .05). In contrast, there was no improvement in the Pilates group throughout the training. However, for comparisons between groups, the baseline values of coordinative concentric and eccentric deviations were different in the calisthenics group than in Pilates and the controls (P < .05). There were no differences in the proprioception values of either visible or nonvisible movement in any group throughout the training (P > .05).Conclusions:It seems that calisthenic exercises are more likely to improve coordination of the lower extremity after 3 and 6 mo of training than Pilates exercises. Calisthenic exercises may be useful for individuals who require improved coordination.


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


Author(s):  
Maria Graça ◽  
José Alvarelhão ◽  
Rui Costa ◽  
Ricardo J. Fernandes ◽  
Andrea Ribeiro ◽  
...  

Background: Aquatic physiotherapy has been shown to be effective in developing balance, strength, and functional reach over time. When dealing with immediate effects, the literature has concentrated more on the body’s physiological response to the physical and mechanical properties of water during passive immersion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single 45-min active aquatic physiotherapy session on standing balance and strength, and its relationship with functional reach in persons 55 years and older with upper limb dysfunction. Methods: The intervention group (n = 12) was assessed before and after a single aquatic physiotherapy session, while the control group (n = 10) was evaluated before and after 45 min of sitting rest. Functional assessment was made using the visual analogue pain scale (points), step test (repetitions), functional reach test (cm), and global balance-standing test on a force platform (% time). A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was applied (p < 0.05). Results: The intervention group showed non-significant improvements between measurement before and after the intervention: Pain: 6.2 ± 1.9 vs. 5.2 ± 2.3 cm, steps: 7.0 ± 2.0 vs. 7.4 ± 1.8 repetitions, reach: 9.1 ± 2.8 vs. 10.4 ± 3.8 cm, and balance: 61.7 ± 5.9 vs. 71.3 ± 18.2% time in balance on the platform. The control group showed fewer changes but had better baseline values. A comparison between groups with time showed no significant differences in these changes. Conclusions: No significant immediate effects were found for one session of aquatic physiotherapy applied to patients older than 55 years with upper limb dysfunction.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noorolla Zahedian-Nasab ◽  
Azita Jaberi ◽  
Fatemeh Shirazi ◽  
Somayyeh Kavousipor

Abstract Background Deficient balance and fear of falling in elderly people can lead to disturbed daily activities, falling, and finally reduced quality of life. Therefore, evaluation of low-risk methods that might partially improve balance in this group of people is of utmost importance. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) exercises based on Xbox Kinect on balance and fear of falling among elderly people. Methods This clinical trial was performed on 60 elderly individuals living in nursing homes divided into two groups of control and Xbox. The participants in the intervention group received VR exercises based on Xbox Kinect in form of two 30–45-min sessions held on a weekly basis for 6 weeks. The individuals in the control group, on the other hand, received routine exercises of the nursing homes. The research tools used in this study included a demographic questionnaire, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the Falling Efficacy Scale (FES). Results The findings of the current study demonstrated that the scores of BBS and TUG test as the indices of balance among elderly people improved significantly in the Xbox group after the intervention (p < 0.001 for both BBS and TUG test). Moreover, the score of fear of falling diminished significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion According to the results of the present investigation, 6 weeks of VR balance exercises could enhance balance and fear of falling among elderly people living in nursing homes. Trial registration Code:IRCT20190727044347N1, Date: 17-8-2019.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Ahmad Raeissadat ◽  
Leyla Sedighipour ◽  
Safura Pournajaf ◽  
Reza Vahab Kashani ◽  
Shahram Sadeghi

Objectives.To determine the effect of weighted kypho-orthosis (WKO) on improving balance in women with osteoporosis. In this nonrandomized controlled clinical trial, 31 patients with osteoporosis were included. The patients were assigned to two groups: (1) control group who received 4-week home-based daily exercise program including weight bearing, back strengthening, and balance exercises and (2) intervention group (WKO) who performed aforementioned exercises and wore WKO for one hour twice a day. Patients were assessed using clinical balance tests (timed up and go test, functional reach test, and unilateral balance test) before and 4 weeks after start of treatment.Results.Functional reach and timed up and go test were improved significantly in both groups compared to baseline. The improvement in intervention group was more significant in comparison to control group (P<0.05).Discussion.Posture training with WKO together with exercise program improved two clinical balance tests in women with osteoporosis.Conclusion.Posture training support (PTS) applied as WKO together with back extension exercises can be prescribed as an intervention in elderly women in order to reduce the risk of falling.


Author(s):  
K. Kinoshita ◽  
S. Satake ◽  
Y. Matsui ◽  
S. Kawashima ◽  
H. Arai

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on muscle strength, physical performance, and muscle mass without additional exercise training in older adults with low physical function. Design: Randomized, controlled trial (Open-label study). Setting: Outpatients. Participants: 34 senior outpatients with low physical function who do not exercise regularly. Intervention: 2.4 g of HMB (3.0 g of calcium β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate [CaHMB]) per day was given for 60 days, and subjects in the control group were asked to engage in daily activities as normal. Measurements: Weakness or low function was defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria, then the participants were assigned to the HMB group or the control group. All participants underwent several evaluations such as grip strength, the timed up and go test, the 5-times chair stand test (5CS), and skeletal muscle mass index by the bioimpedance method at baseline and at the end of intervention or control period. Results: An intragroup comparison of pre- to post-treatment values showed significant improvement in grip strength and the 5CS in the HMB group (grip strength: HMB, 16.6±6.1 kg to 18.2±6.4 kg, P=.001; control, 16.5±4.3 kg to 16.7±4.7 kg, P=.729; 5CS: HMB, 11.0 [8.8-13.0] s to 10.1 [8.5-12.6] s, P=.011; control, 11.1 [8.6-13.8] s to 10.0 [8.8-11.3] s, P=.246). Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) used to compare the HMB and control groups showed a significant improvement in grip strength in the HMB group compared with the control group (P=.029). Conclusion: A supplementation of HMB without additional exercise may improve muscle strength in older patients with low muscle strength.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shen Menglu ◽  
Liu Ruiwen ◽  
Yang Suyong ◽  
Zhu Dong

Purpose: Exercise improves the health and mental status of drug dependents. The way by which Tai Chi (TC) as a special exercise treatment affects executive functions (EFs) of methamphetamine (MA) dependents is yet to be established. This study aimed to explore the effects of TC on the EFs and physical fitness of MA dependents.Methods: A total of 76 female MA dependents were randomly assigned to the exercise and control groups. The exercise group underwent three 60-min sessions of TC training per week for 12 weeks. The control group was trained with conventional exercises including the 9th Guang Bo Ti Cao and square dance. Physical fitness and EF assessments that evaluated inhibitory control (IC, go/no-go task), working memory (3-back task) and cognitive flexibility (switching task) were performed at baseline and at 12 weeks. A repeated-measures ANOVA was applied to analyze the differences of group and time.Results: The exercise group showed decreased response time (RT) with a significant main effect of time on the go/no-go task [F(1, 68) = 9.6, p &lt; 0.05]. The interaction effect between time and group was significant on accuracy [F(1, 61) = 4.73, p &lt; 0.05], and the main effect of time was significant on RT [F(1, 61) = 4.66, p &lt; 0.05] in the 3-back task of the exercise group. Significant changes in BMI [F(1, 68) = 19.57, p &lt; 0.05], vital capacity [F(1, 68) = 6.00, p &lt; 0.05], and systolic blood pressure [F(1, 68) = 6.11, p &lt; 0.05] were observed in the exercise group.Conclusion: These findings showed that 3 months of TC training can improve the IC and maintain the working memory and cognitive flexibility of MA dependents. Other data implied that TC may improve the physical fitness of MA dependents.Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn/, ChiCTR1900022091.


2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 1011-1020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu Morioka ◽  
Hiroyuki Fujita ◽  
Makoto Hiyamizu ◽  
Hiroshi Maeoka ◽  
Atsushi Matsuo

Objective: To determine whether plantar perception training using a hardness discrimination task efficiently improves stabilization of standing posture balance in the old old as well as the very old. Design: A randomized two-group parallel controlled trial. Setting: Nursing homes. Participants: Forty-six elderly persons 75 years of age or older living in nursing facilities were randomly assigned evenly to either an intervention or a control group. Intervention: The intervention group was given a task to discriminate hardness differences while standing on foam rubber of different levels of hardness, while the control group was given the task to simply remain standing on foam rubber. The tasks were imposed for 10 successive days. Outcome measures: Outcome assessment was made by determinations of centre-of-gravity sway in the standing position and the Functional Reach Test. Results: Planter perception was significantly improved and centre-of-gravity sway in the standing position was also significantly reduced in the intervention group after the intervention. In the control group, however, there were no significant changes in perception or in sway ( P < 0.01) There was a significant difference in the Functional Reach Test values between the two groups: an increment of 12.3 ± 10.1 cm in the intervention group vs. 2.3 ± 5.8 cm in the control group ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: These results suggested that plantar perception exercises might efficiently stabilize standing postural balance in the old old as well as the very old.


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