Physiotherapy improves balance in patient’s with MS
A systematic review published this week in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine has highlighted the effect of physiotherapy interventions on balance in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The authors have concluded a small, yet significant, improvement in balance in MS patients with mild to moderate disability. 11 studies were included in a qualitative analysis while 7 provided [...]
Advancing technology focus of latest Physiotherapy issue
The latest issue of the Physiotherapy journal is dedicated to area of advancing technology and its role in physiotherapy. Twelve randomised control trials in total have been included. Many different forms of technology has been investigated, including accelerometer, 3-d motion analysis system, Nintendo Wii, computerised lung sound monitoring, Xbox Kinect, photogrammetry and virtual-reality-based training. As well as [...]
The effect of contralateral training: Influence of unilateral isokinetic exercise on one-legged standing balance of the contralateral lower extremity in adults.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of unilateral isokinetic exercises on the one-legged standing balance of the contralateral lower extremity. A volunteer sample of 32 healthy adults (12 men and 20 women) was randomized to training and control groups. The training group received unilateral hip isokinetic exercises of the dominant leg [...]
Students use Wii Balance Boards to Create Balance Training System for Kids
Students from Rice University are using Wii balance boards to create a balance training system for kids. They have linked five balance boards to a computerized motion-tracking system and developed a game based on this system to help children advance their skills. The boards are lined up in a row between active handrails that provide [...]
Development of a Computerized Adaptive Test for Assessing Balance Function in Patients With Stroke
The purpose of this study was to develop a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) system for assessing balance function in an efficient, reliable, and valid fashion in patients with stroke. This study was conducted in the departments of physical medicine and rehabilitation in 6 hospitals. The participants were inpatients and outpatients who were receiving rehabilitation. A [...]
Balance, attention, and dual-task performance during walking after brain injury: associations with falls history.
The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between balance, attention, and dual-task performance in individuals with acquired brain injury. Twenty-four individuals aged 18 to 58 years (mean = 39 years) with acquired brain injury who were able to ambulate 40 ft with (29%) or without an assistive device were included. Fifty-eight percent [...]
The effects of a home-based exercise program on balance confidence, balance performance, and gait in debilitated, ambulatory community-dwelling older adults: a pilot study.
The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a home-based standing exercise and balance training program on balance confidence, balance performance, and gait in debilitated, ambulatory community-dwelling older adults. A quasi-experimental single group pre- to posttest design was utilized in 14 subjects, 9 male and 5 female, aged 71 to 85 [...]
Visuo-proprioceptive training reduces risk of falls in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Lack of balance and falls are common and disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a novel visuo-proprioceptive feedback training in ameliorating balance and reducing the risk of falls. Patients with multiple sclerosis with unrestricted walking ability and healthy age/sex-matched controls were recruited. After a baseline [...]
Balance and Mobility Loss Addressed in Patients with MS Show Promising Result
For those who suffer from balance disorders and loss of mobility, promising results from a new stabilizing device may help to reestablish mobility, confidence and independence. This week, Motion Therapeutics premieres its BalanceWearâ„¢ Stabilizing Garments at the 24th Annual Meeting for the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers in San Antonio. The device is worn as [...]
Balance ability, not muscle strength and exercise endurance, determines the performance of hemiparetic subjects on the timed-sit-to-stand test.
The objective of this study was to examine the contribution of balance ability, muscle strength, and exercise endurance to performance in the timed-sit-to-stand test among chronic hemiparetic subjects. By using Pearson correlation coefficient, the five-times-sit-to-stand (FTSTS) test scores showed the highest negative correlation with Berg Balance Scale scores (r = −0.837, P < 0.001), and [...]
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