ABSTRACT
Objective To compare the effects of BOSU ball exercise and treadmill walking on lower limbs function in patients after stroke. Methods 40 patients more than 6 months after stroke were randomly divided into BOSU ball group (n=20) and treadmill group (n=20), who accepted BOSU ball or treadmill exercise on the basis of routine rehabilitation. They were assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 30-s chair stand (CS-30), sit and reach (SR), 6 minutes walk test (6MWT) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and 12 weeks af-ter treatment. Results The scores of all the assessment improved in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and the socres of BBS and MBI im-proved more in the BOSU ball group than in the treadmill group (P<0.05). Conclusion BOSU ball exercise can improve more of the balance and activities of daily living in post-stroke patient than treadmill walking.
ABSTRACT
This study was to investigate the effects of balance exercises on among static, dynamic and reactive balance ability in community-dwelling older women. Participants comprised 26 community-dwelling older women in Japan, randomized for age and gait speed to the exercise group (n=13) or the control group (n=13). The exercise group performed structured balancing exercises on the sponge and the G ball, once weekly for 24 weeks. The control group performed stretching exercises once per month. Static balance ability was assessed by measuring postural sway and standing on one leg; dynamic balance ability was assessed by measuring functional reach, timed up and go, and gait; and reactive balance ability was assessed using the EquiTest. We also measured knee and ankle strength using an isokinetic machine.At baseline, the two groups were well matched in physical characteristics and in all balance ability and strength tests. After 24 weeks, step length of preferred speed walking (p=0.049) only improved, and peak torque of knee flexion (p=0.050) tended to improve in the exercise group. Any correlations were not found between step length of preferred speed walking and knee flexion strength.These results suggest that these structured balance exercises are effective in improving dynamic, but not static or reactive balance ability. Improvements in dynamic balance ability were not dependent on improved muscle strength.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ball Exercise on physical functions related to fall prevention among community-dwelling elderly. Nineteen healthy elderly women voluntarily participated in a Ball Exercise course that consiste of 60-min classes once a week for three months. We assessed their physical functions at baseline and then again after the Ball Exercise course. Significant improvements (p<0.05) were observed in one leg standing without vision (+7.2 s), functional reach (+14.4%), trunk flexibility test (+7.1%), maximum walking speed (+17%), and the isometric muscle strength of the knee and ankle joints (+9.8〜35.7%), but no changes were observed in grasping power. This study suggested that Ball Exercise might be a suitable fall prevention and health promoting exercise for elderly people. We therefore concluded that ensuring a high level of physical functions is important to prevent falls and maintain a high quality of life for elderly people.