Decreased Balance Function in School-Aged Children with Behavioral Problems

Children with behavioral problems have a high risk of impaired motor performance. However, the characteristics of balance functions and their associations with behavioral traits are unclear in this population. This study aimed to evaluate balance functions and their relationships with the degree of behavioral problems in school-aged children. A total of 209 children, aged 6–10 years, were divided into two groups, those with and those without behavioral problems, using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Physical assessments included the one-leg standing test (OLST), the two-step test, and the five-times-sit-to-stand test. We compared the data between groups and assessed for correlations in terms of total difficulties and the SDQ subscale scores. Children with behavioral problems showed significantly reduced the OLST results (p < 0.001) and the two-step test results (p = 0.008). The five-times-sit-to-stand test results did not show significant differences between groups. The OLST results were significantly correlated with emotional symptoms (r = −0.22, p < 0.001), hyperactivity/inattention (r = −0.29, p < 0.001), peer relationship problems (r = −0.22, p < 0.001), and total difficulties (r = −0.32, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the two-step test results showed no significant correlation with the SDQ scores. Children with behavioral problems have poor balance function, thereby increasing the risk for instability. This suggests that the balance function of children with behavioral problems needs to be considered.

Effect of Ankle Kinesio Taping on Dynamic Balance in Stroke Patients- A Pilot Study

Background: Stroke causes partial brain loss, which leads to a functional abnormality of the brain, which produces a variety of symptoms the most prevalent of which is balance affection. Kinesio tape is a thin, light and elastic material which does not immobilize the joint and allows for free movement irrespective of the tape. It serves to facilitate or inhibit the muscle as needed and provides joint stability which will help improve balance function. It is also used to reduce pain, which is a typical complaint in stroke patients. Objective: To assess for immediate and post effects of kinesio tape in stroke patients using Berg Balance Scale and 10 Meter walk test. Method: A total of 15 participants were chosen based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Before application of kinesio tape, the Berg balance scale and a 10-meter walk test were performed and recorded. Following the application, the subjects were reassessed, and the outcomes of the 5-day follow-up were recorded. These scores were statistically analyzed. Result: The statistical analysis showed that there is a significant increase in the dynamic balance function post kinesio tape application. An average increase of 5 scores in BBS was noted and average improvement of 5.70 seconds in 10MWT. Conclusion: This study concludes that there is a significant improvement on dynamic balance after application of kinesio tape in stroke patients. Key words: Stroke, kinesio tape, dynamic balance.

The Effect of Video Game–Based Interventions on Performance and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Bayesian Network Meta-analysis

Background The decline in performance of older people includes balance function, physical function, and fear of falling and depression. General cognitive function decline is described in terms of processing speed, working memory, attention, and executive functioning, and video game interventions may be effective. Objective This study evaluates the effect of video game interventions on performance and cognitive function in older participants in terms of 6 indicators: balance function, executive function, general cognitive function, physical function, processing speed, and fear of falling and depression. Methods Electronic databases were searched for studies from inception to June 30, 2020. Randomized controlled trials and case-controlled trials comparing video game interventions versus nonvideo game control in terms of performance and cognitive function outcomes were incorporated into a Bayesian network meta-analysis. All data were continuous variables. Results In total, 47 studies (3244 participants) were included. In pairwise meta-analysis, compared with nonvideo game control, video game interventions improved processing speed, general cognitive function, and depression scores. In the Bayesian network meta-analysis, interventions with video games improved balance function time (standardized mean difference [SMD] –3.34, 95% credible interval [CrI] –5.54 to –2.56), the cognitive function score (SMD 1.23, 95% CrI 0.82-1.86), processing speed time (SMD –0.29, 95% CrI –0.49 to –0.08), and processing speed number (SMD 0.72, 95% CrI 0.36-1.09), similar to the pairwise meta-analysis. Interventions with video games with strong visual senses and good interactivity ranked first, and these might be more beneficial for the elderly. Conclusions Our comprehensive Bayesian network meta-analysis provides evidence that video game interventions could be considered for the elderly for improving performance and cognitive function, especially general cognitive scores and processing speed. Games with better interactivity and visual stimulation have better curative effects. Based on the available evidence, we recommend video game interventions for the elderly. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42020197158; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=197158

On the Interpretation of the Balance Function

We construct a simple toy model and explicitly demonstrate that the balance function (BF) can become negative for some values of the rapidity separation and hence cannot have any probabilistic interpretation. In particular, the BF cannot be interpreted as the probability density for the balancing charges to occur separated by the given rapidity interval.

Effectiveness of Exergaming-based Interventions for Mobility Performance in Older Adults with Parkinson’s Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Background: Although physical exercises can help older adults with Parkinson’s disease to retain their mobility function, older adults are less motivated to attend repeated and intensive physical training. Exergaming-based interventions have the potential to provide a more engaged and enjoyable therapy. However, few meta-analysis studies discussed the effectiveness of exergaming-based interventions on the mobility performance of older adults with Parkinson’s disease. OBJECTIVE Objective: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted to examine the effectiveness of exergaming-based interventions on mobility performance in older adults with Parkinson’s disease. METHODS Methods: Seven databases (Web of Science, Medline, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, PsychARTICLE, and PubMed) were searched to identify the RCTs which examined the effectiveness of exergaming on the mobility performance of older adults with Parkinson’s disease up to September 2021. Using meta-analysis, we assessed mobility performance between intervention groups and control groups by comparing basic mobility function with the Timed Up and Go (TUG), walking capability with 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), postural balance function with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and gait ability with gait velocity, stride length, and the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). RESULTS Results: After scanning 1110 articles, we identified and meta-analyzed 16 trials, including a total of 508 older adults with Parkinson’s disease. The results revealed statistical differences between intervention groups and control groups in the TUG (MD = -0.87; 95% CI = -1.60 to -0.15; P = .018), 6MWT (MD = 39.56; 95% CI = 1.21 to 77.91; P = 0.043), BBS (MD = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.42 to 3.14; P < .001), and FGA (MD = 1.40; 95% CI = -0.03 to 2.82; P = .054). The detectable clinically difference of the outcomes were discussed and the implications were provided. CONCLUSIONS Conclusions: Exergaming is superior to traditional training in improving PD older adults’ basic mobility skills, walking capability, and postural balance function, while it has an equal effect with traditional physical training in enhancing PD older adults’ gait ability.

CHARACTERISTICS OF EQUILIBRIUM FUNCTION AND THE SENSORY ORGANIZATION OF POSTURAL BALANCE IN WOMEN 85-95 YEARS OLD

Цель работы - установить возрастные особенности показателей эффективности функции равновесия и сенсорной организации постурального баланса у женщин 85-95 лет. Были обследованы 68 женщин 85-95 лет (средний возраст - 89,3±3 года), которых разделили на две возрастные группы: 1-я - 37 женщин 85-89 лет (средний возраст - 86,9±1,6 года); 2-я - 31 женщина 90-95 лет (средний возраст - 92,1±1,4 года). Для оценки компонентов постурального баланса использовали компьютерный динамический постурографический (стабилометрический) комплекс «Smart Equitest Balance Manager». Проводили Sensory Organization Test (SOT). Сравнительная оценка показателей Equilibrium Score во всех функциональных пробах SOT, включая показатель Com posite of all Equilibrium Scores, не выявила статистически значимых различий между группами обследованных женщин. Сенсорный анализ также не выявил возрастных изменений соматосенсорной, зрительной и вестибулярной информации в контроле над балансом. При этом показатель сенсорного предпочтения (Ratio for Sensory Analysis-Patient Preference) был выше у женщин 90-95 лет (p=0,007). У женщин после 89 лет не наблюдали возрастных изменений сенсорной организации постурального контроля, эффективности подержания статического и статодинамического баланса, включая снижение общей производительности баланса, а также адаптационных возможностей их функции равновесия. При этом у женщин-долгожителей сохраняется эффективность процесса сенсорной интеграции для поддержания постурального баланса и чувства пространственной ориентации, что можно рассматривать как предиктор активного долголетия. Кроме этого, у женщин-долгожителей сохраняется способность пространственной и временной организации контроля постурального равновесия, а также степени и порядка набора задействованных мышц для снижения дисбаланса. Полученные результаты позволили обозначить параметры SOT, которые можно учитывать при прогнозировании постуральных изменений и продолжительности жизни у женщин в старческом возрасте. The purpose of this work is to establish the age-related indicators’ characteristics of the effectiveness of the balance function and the postural balance sensory organization in women 85-95 years old. We examined 68 women aged 85-95 years [mean age (M±SD) 89,3±3 years]. The first age group included 37 women whose calendar age ranged from 85 to 89 years (mean age 86,9±1,6 years). The second age group included 31 women of 90-95 years (mean age: 92,1±1,4). To assess the components of the postural balance, a computer-based dynamic posturographic complex «Smart Equitest Balance Manager» was used. The Sensory Organization Test (SOT) was performed. Comparative assessment of the Equilibrium Score indicators in all SOT functional tests, including the Composite of all equilibrium scores, did not reveal statistically significant differences between the examined groups of women. The sensory analysis did not reveal age-related changes in somatosensory, visual and vestibular information in the control over balance, either. At the same time, the indicator of sensory preference (Ratio for sensory analysis-patient Preference) was higher in women 90-95 years old (p=0,007). In women after 89 years of age, there are no age-related changes in the sensory organization of postural control or the effectiveness of maintaining static and static-dynamic balance. No decrease in overall balance performance, as well as the adaptive capabilities of their balance function, was noticed. At the same time, long-lived women retain the effectiveness of the sensory integration process to maintain postural balance and a sense of spatial orientation, which can be considered a predictor of active longevity. In addition, centenarians retain the ability of spatial and temporal organization of postural equilibrium control, as well as the degree and order of the muscles involved to reduce the imbalance recruitment. The results obtained made it possible to designate SOT parameters that can be taken into account when predicting postural changes and life expectancy in women in old age.