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Objective：The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) are widely used to test balance function in adults. However, the information on the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the measure has not been consolidated. This review summarizes all available information on the MCID for the Mini-BESTest and BBS.Methods：We searched three electronic databases (PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature, and Web of Knowledge) for relevant literature and additionally conducted a hand search.We included all articles that reported an MCID for the Mini-BESTest and BBS.We excluded articles if the MCID was determined by a procedure other than receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Articles were abstracted for information on participants, interventions, balance assessment documentation, and the determination of MCID.Results：A search yielded 21 articles on the Mini-BESTest and 87 articles on the BBS, four articles on the Mini-BESTest and six articles on the BBS were selected based on adherence to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The MCIDs with an area under the ROC curve of 0.7 or greater ranged from 1.5-4.5 points for the Mini-BESTest and 3.5-6 points for the BBS.Conclusion：A change of 1.5-4.5 points for the Mini-BESTest and 3.5-6 points for the BBS may be clinically important across multiple patient groups.
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Background: Knee osteoarthritis causes pain, functional limitation, and disability in the elderly. Whole-body vibration has gained a lot of attention in recent years. It is currently used in alleviating pain and improve physical function along with strength and balance. Methods: 34 individuals aged between 50-70 years fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected and randomized into two groups. Baseline assessment was done using the VAS scale, WOMAC scale, Berg Balance Scale, and 30seconds chair stand test. Group A received whole-body vibration, and knee strengthening exercises, and group B received only strengthening exercises. The treatment was given thrice in a week for four weeks. The assessment was done by the end of the 2nd and 4th weeks. Results: Whole body vibration had shown greater improvement of VAS on rest (p<0.05) compared to VAS on activity. Also, the WOMAC score was statistically improved between and within the group with p<0.05. Conclusion: Whole body vibration, along with strengthening exercises, showed superior effects in reducing pain, stiffness, physical function, balance, and lower limb strength in osteoarthritis knee patients.
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Objective：The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) are widely used to test balance function in adults. However, the information on the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the measure has not been consolidated. This review summarizes all available information on the MCID for the Mini-BESTest and BBS.Methods：We searched three electronic databases (PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature, and Web of Knowledge) for relevant literature and additionally conducted a hand search.We included all articles that reported an MCID for the Mini-BESTest and BBS.We excluded articles if the MCID was determined by a procedure other than receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Articles were abstracted for information on participants, interventions, balance assessment documentation, and the determination of MCID.Results：A search yielded 21 articles on the Mini-BESTest and 87 articles on the BBS, four articles on the Mini-BESTest and six articles on the BBS were selected based on adherence to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The MCIDs with an area under the ROC curve of 0.7 or greater ranged from 1.5-4.5 points for the Mini-BESTest and 3.5-6 points for the BBS.Conclusion：A change of 1.5-4.5 points for the Mini-BESTest and 3.5-6 points for the BBS may be clinically important across multiple patient groups.
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Background: We aimed in this study to compare functional balance using berg balance scale amongst three groups namely elderly without diabetes, elderly with diabetes and elderly with diabetic polyneuropathy. There were total 108 patients included in the study. Purpose: The main objective of the study was to compare functional balance by using berg balance scale among the three groups namely elderly without diabetes, elderly with diabetes and elderly with diabetic polyneuropathy. Methodology: A total of 108 patients were taken for the study, were divided into three groups namely: Group A- Elderly without diabetes, Group B- Elderly with diabetes and Group C- Elderly with diabetic polyneuropathy. Berg balance scale was administered in the above mentioned three groups. Results: The mean of age, gender and duration since diabetes was calculated in all groups. Berg balance scale scores were calculated and in that high fall risk there were 20(55.56%) participants in elderly with diabetic polyneuropathy. In medium fall risk there was 1(2.78%) participant in elderly with diabetes and 16(44.44%) participants in elderly with diabetic polyneuropathy. While in low fall risk there were 36 (100%) participants in normal elderly, 35(97.22%) participants in elderly with diabetes and 0(0%) in elderly with diabetic polyneuropathy. One way Anova was done and all the three groups were having significant difference in their BBS scores. Conclusion: this study concluded that elderly with diabetic polyneuropathy were at high risk of fall than the other two groups; however elderly with diabetics were also at low risk of fall compared to elderly without diabetes though the result was not significant.
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@#Objective To compare the differentiating effect of Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) and Brief-BESTest on the risk of falls in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Methods From September, 2016 to March, 2017, 22 COPD patients with history of falls and other age-matched 66 COPD patients without history of falls were assessed with BBS, Mini-BESTest and Brief-BESTest. The data were compared with paired Logistic regression, Log-likelihood estimate, and the skewness coefficient were calculated. Results BBS, Mini-BESTest and Brief-BESTest all were valuable for differentiating the risk of falls in COPD patients. Log-likelihood estimate value was the least in Brif-BESTest (5.372), followed with Mini-BESTest (12.918) and BBS (17.644). There was not a ceiling effect in Brief-BESTest and Mini-BESTest, but there was in BBS. Conclusion All the BBS, Mini-BESTest and Brief-BESTest can predict the risk of falls in patients with COPD, and Brief-BESTest is the most predictive. There is a ceiling effect in BBS for COPD patients, but not in Brief-BESTest and Mini-BESTest.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of balance on the spatiotemporal features, lower-limb kinematics, and center of mass (COM) of the non-faller elderly during walking. In this study, 20 healthy elderly women (age, 76.2 ± 5.6 years; height, 150.1 ± 3.2 cm; weight, 55.8 ± 9.0 kg) were enrolled. Based on the Berg balance scale (BBS), the elderly were classified into two groups: poor balance (PB; BBS scores 0.05). The ROM of the mediolateral COM was greater in PB than in GB. Hip transversal movements in the two groups were different. The impairment of the lateral balance function might contribute to an increase in the incidence of fall events in the elderly with poor balance.
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Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Biomechanical Phenomena , Gait , Hip , Incidence , Range of Motion, Articular , WalkingABSTRACT
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of balance acupuncture predominantly by puncturing Jiaji points (EX-B2) from C4 to T1and from T12 to L1in treating hemiplegic balance disturbance after cerebral stroke. Method A total of 180 hemiplegia patients were randomized into 3 groups, 60 cases in balance acupuncture group, 60 cases in ordinary acupuncture group, and 60 cases in basic control group. After 1-month treatment and 3 months after the treatment, the motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, FMA), balance function (Berg Balance Scale, BBS; Timed Up and Go Test, TUGT), and activities of daily living (ADL) (Barthel Index, BI) were observed.Result After 1-month treatment and 3 months after the treatment, limb function, balance ability and ADL were significantly different from those before the treatment in balance acupuncture group (P<0.01); after 1-month treatment, limb function in balance acupuncture group was significantly different from that in basic control group (P<0.05), and the differences were more statistically significant in comparing the rest indexes between the two groups (P<0.01); there were significant differences between ordinary acupuncture group and basic control group (P<0.05). Three months after the treatment, there was a significant difference in comparing balance function between balance acupuncture group and basic control group (P<0.05), and the differences were more statistically significant in comparing the rest indexes between the two groups (P<0.01), there was no significant difference in comparing balance function between ordinary acupuncture group and basic control group (P>0.05).Conclusion In combination with basic treatment, balance acupuncture works better than ordinary acupuncture and basic control in improving limb function, ADL and balance function of hemiplegia patients.
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OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the efficacy of the balance control trainer (BCT), developed for training patients with balance problems, as a balance assessment tool in subacute stroke patients. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out on 38 subacute stroke patients in their first episode of a stroke, and having the ability to maintain a standing position without aid for at least 5 minutes. Patients were assessed using the BCT (BalPro) 43.7±35.7 days after stroke. The balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), a 10-meter walking test (10mWT), a 6-minute walking test (6MWT), and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index. The correlation and validity between the BCT and various balance assessments were analyzed. RESULTS: Statistically significant linear correlations were observed between the BCT score and the BBS (r=0.698, p<0.001). A moderate to excellent correlation was seen between the BCT score and 11 of the 14 BBS items. The BCT scores and other secondary outcome parameters (6MWT r=0.392, p=0.048; TUG r=–0.471, p=0.006; 10mWT r=–0.437, p=0.012) had a moderate correlation. CONCLUSION: Balance control training using the BCT (BalPro) showed significant statistical correlation with the BBS, and could therefore be a useful additional balance assessment tool in subacute stroke patients.
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Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Postural Balance , Posture , Prospective Studies , Stroke , WalkingABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between baseline characteristics, three physical performance tests and fall history in a sample of the elderly from Korean population. METHODS: A total of 307 participants (mean age, 76.70±4.85 years) were categorized into one of two groups, i.e., fallers and non-fallers. Fifty-two participants who had reported falling unexpectedly at least once in the previous 12 months were assigned to the fallers group. Physical performance tests included Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test. The differences between the two study groups were compared and we analyzed the correlations between fall histories and physical performance tests. RESULTS: SPPB demonstrated a significant association with fall history. Although the BBS total scores did not show statistical significance, two dynamic balance test items of BBS (B12 and B13) showed a significant association among fallers. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that SPPB and two dynamic balance test items of the BBS can be used in screening for risk of falls in an ambulatory elderly population.
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Aged , Humans , Accidental Falls , Cross-Sectional Studies , Mass ScreeningABSTRACT
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy ofXing Nao Kai Qiao(brain-awakening orifice-opening) needling method plus Frenkel's balance rehabilitation exercise in treating lower-limb dysfunction due to different types of ataxia after stroke.MethodA total of 115 eligible patients were randomized into two groups. Fifty-seven cases in the treatment group were intervened by Xing Nao Kai Qiaoneedling plus rehabilitation training; 58 cases in the control group were intervened byXing Nao Kai Qiaoneedling method alone. Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was adopted to evaluate the symptoms, balance function, and therapeutic efficacy before and after the treatment.Result In the treatment group, the markedly effective rate was respectively 72.2%, 83.3% and 61.1% in the cerebella subtype, brainstem subtype and basal ganglia subtype, and the total effectiverate was respectively 100.0%, 94.4% and 94.4%; in the control group, the markedly effective rate was respectively 21.1%, 35.0% and 58.8%, and the total effective rate was respectively 94.7%, 85.0% and 82.4%, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). After the treatment, the BBS score showed significant intra-group differences in both groups (P<0.01); the between-group comparisons showed that there were significant differences in comparing the scores of cerebella and brainstem subtypes after the treatment (P<0.05).ConclusionXing Nao Kai Qiaoneedling method plus Frenkel's rehabilitation exercise can effectively improve the symptoms of poststroke lower-limb ataxia, especially for cerebella and brainstem subtypes.
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Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of JIN'sthree needle acupuncture plus modern nerve facilitation technique in treating infantile cerebral palsy.Method Fifty-two patients were randomized into a treatment group of 26 cases and a control group of 26 cases. The treatment group was intervened by JIN'sthree-needle acupuncture plus modern nerve facilitation technique, while the control group was by bionic electrical stimulation. After 2 treatment courses, the treatment group and control group were compared with each other by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), time taken for 10 m walk, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), modified Barthel Index (MBI) and therapeutic efficacy.Result After the treatment, the GMFM, time taken for 10 m walk, BBS, and MBI scores were significantly improved in the two groups (P<0.05). There were significant differences in comparing the GMFM, time for 10 m walk, BBS, and MBI scores between the two groups (P<0.05). The total effective rates were respectively 92.3% and 76.9%in the treatment group and control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusion JIN's three-needle acupuncture plus modern nerve facilitation technique can significantly boost the efficacy in treating cerebral palsy.
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Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of balance acupuncture predominantly by puncturing Jiaji points (EX-B2) from C4 to T1and from T12 to L1in treating hemiplegic balance disturbance after cerebral stroke. Method A total of 180 hemiplegia patients were randomized into 3 groups, 60 cases in balance acupuncture group, 60 cases in ordinary acupuncture group, and 60 cases in basic control group. After 1-month treatment and 3 months after the treatment, the motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, FMA), balance function (Berg Balance Scale, BBS; Timed Up and Go Test, TUGT), and activities of daily living (ADL) (Barthel Index, BI) were observed.Result After 1-month treatment and 3 months after the treatment, limb function, balance ability and ADL were significantly different from those before the treatment in balance acupuncture group (P<0.01); after 1-month treatment, limb function in balance acupuncture group was significantly different from that in basic control group (P<0.05), and the differences were more statistically significant in comparing the rest indexes between the two groups (P<0.01); there were significant differences between ordinary acupuncture group and basic control group (P<0.05). Three months after the treatment, there was a significant difference in comparing balance function between balance acupuncture group and basic control group (P<0.05), and the differences were more statistically significant in comparing the rest indexes between the two groups (P<0.01), there was no significant difference in comparing balance function between ordinary acupuncture group and basic control group (P>0.05).Conclusion In combination with basic treatment, balance acupuncture works better than ordinary acupuncture and basic control in improving limb function, ADL and balance function of hemiplegia patients.
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Objective To investigate the reliability of Berg Balance Scale (BBS) applied in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods 121 PD inpatients from March to December, 2011 were assessed with BBS by 2 raters, and the testing procedure was videoed. One of the raters assessed with BBS via video 4 weeks later. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Kappa coefficient between raters and between tests were investigated. Results The ICC was 1.00 of the total score between raters and 0.99 between tests, while the Kappa co-efficient were 0.66 to 0.93 and 0.69 to 0.99 of the items. Conclusion BBS is reliable in interrater and test-retest as applied in PD patients.
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Background: Older females have less dynamic postural control and muscle strength than do middle-aged females. Aging-related strength losses may limit balancing performance. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of the Y Balance Test (YBT) and lower limb strength to discriminate between females in 2 age groups, the relationship between YBT distance and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the degree to which performance on YBT distance is related to lower limb strength in middle-aged and older females. Method: The 40 healthy, independently active females were divided into 2 groups: older and middle-aged. The participants underwent measurements of YBT distance using the YBT, maximal muscular strength of the lower limbs using a handheld dynamometer, and the BBS. Results: The YBT distance in 3 directions and lower limb muscle strength for both lower limbs were significantly lower in the older adults than in the middle-aged group. A moderate correlation but insignificant correlation was found between the YBT composite distance and the BBS score. In the older females, YBT distance was significantly positively correlated with strength of the knee flexor and hip abductor. In the middle-aged group, YBT distance was significantly positively correlated with strength of the knee flexor and hip extensor. Conclusions: Performance on the YBT was influenced by the strength of lower limb. We suggested that YBT can be used to alternative as a measurement of dynamic balance. Proper training programs for older people could include not only strengthening exercises but also YBT performance to improve balance. .
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Animals , Female , Humans , Adrenomedullin/metabolism , Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics , Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics , ras Proteins/genetics , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Hypoxia/physiology , Immunohistochemistry , Mice, Nude , Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis , Tumor Microenvironment/physiology , Xenograft Model Antitumor AssaysABSTRACT
<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>An observational study was carried out to estimate the strength of the relationships among balance, mobility and falls in hemiplegic stroke inpatients. The objective was to examine factors that may aid in the prediction of the likelihood of falls in stroke patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 53 stroke patients (30 male, 23 female) aged 67.0 ± 11.1 years were interviewed regarding their fall history. Physical performance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scale. Variables that differed between fallers and non-fallers were identified, and a discriminant function analysis was carried out to determine the combination of variables that effectively predicted fall status.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 53 stroke patients, 19 were fallers. Compared with the non-fallers, the fallers scored low on the FIM, and differed with respect to age, time from stroke onset, length of hospital stay, Brunnstrom recovery stage and admission BBS score. Discriminant analysis for predicting falls in stroke patients showed that admission BBS score was significantly related to the likelihood of falls. Moreover, discriminant analysis showed that the use of a significant BBS score to classify fallers and non-fallers had an accuracy of 81.1%. The discriminating criterion between the two groups was a score of 31 points on the BBS.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results of this study suggest that BBS score is a strong predictor of falls in stroke patients. As balance is closely related to the risk of falls in hospitalised stroke patients, BBS might be useful in the prediction of falls.</p>
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Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Accidental Falls , Discriminant Analysis , Hemiplegia , Postural Balance , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Severity of Illness Index , Stroke , Stroke RehabilitationABSTRACT
Introdução: Quedas são um problema clínico comum nos idosos, que pode reduzir sua mobilidade e independência. O uso de instrumentos simples para detecção do risco de quedas é fundamental para prevenção e tratamento de tais eventos. Não há, porém, consenso quanto aos testes mais adequados para cada situação. Objetivo: Revisar estudos sobre eficácia, sensibilidade e especificidade dos testes Timed Up and Go Test e Berg Balance Scale, a fim de verificar qual é o mais apropriado para predizer quedas em idosos. Métodos: Realizou-se revisão bibliográfica nas bases de dados MEDLINE, PubMed, ISI, LILACS e Portal de Periódicos CAPES, entre os anos de 2001 e 2011. Resultados: Foram selecionados 37 artigos, sendo 17 sobre a Berg Balance Scale e 20 sobre o Timed Up and Go Test. A revisão mostrou que os dois testes podem ser bons preditores de quedas, mas os artigos diferiram quanto à definição de queda e caidor, tipo de estudo, quantidade e característica da amostra e avaliação de quedas, levando a diferentes resultados quanto a nota de corte, sensibilidade, especificidade e predição de quedas. Há controvérsias quanto à capacidade de predição em perfis específicos, como os idosos ativos. Conclusão: Os testes avaliados são eficazes para predição de quedas, desde que adaptados para cada perfil. Novos estudos devem ser realizados com metodologia homogênea, a fim de favorecer a comparação de resultados sobre a eficácia desses testes. .
Introduction: Fall is a common problem in the elderly and it can reduce their mobility and independence. The use of simple tools to detect risk of falls is essential to prevent and treat such events. However, there is no consensus about the most appropriate tools for each situation. Objective: To review studies about efficacy, sensitivity and specificity of Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in order to ascertain which is the most appropriate to predict falls in the elderly. Methods: We performed a literature review from MEDLINE, PubMed, ISI, LILACS and Portal de Periódicos CAPES databases, between 2001 and 2011. Results: We selected 17 different articles about BBS and 20 articles about TUGT. The review showed the two tools can be good predictors of falls. However, the articles differed in definition of fall and faller, type of study, quantity and characteristics of sample and assessment of falls, leading to different results as cutoff scores, sensitivity, specificity and prediction of fall. There is controversy about the ability of tools to predict falls in specific samples, such as active elderly. Conclusion: TUGT and BBS are effective to predict falls, provided they are adapted to each sample. Further studies should be performed using articles with homogeneous methods in order to support comparison of results about the effectiveness of tools. .
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Objective To explore the relevance between gait speed and muscle strength of lower extremities, or several kinds of physical functional tests. Methods 341 community-dwelling individuals (160 males, 181 females) aged 65-94 years were selected. They were divid-ed into suspected sarcopenia group (n=137) and normal group (n=204) by their gait speed less or more than 0.8 m/s. It was compared be-tween both groups with the basic physical characteristics, strength of iliopsoas, quadriceps, hamstrings and tibialis anterior, and the scores of One Leg Standing Test, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Gait Assessment, Functional Stretch Test and Timed Up and Go Test. Results The subjects were older in the suspected sarcopenia group than in the normal group. The difference of body weight, height were not statistically significant between groups. The strength of the muscles in bilateral lower limbs was not significantly different between both groups (P>0.05), while the gait speed positively correlated with the strength of iliopsoas, quadriceps and hamstrings (r=0.121-0.227, P0.05). Gait speed positively correlated with the scores of One Leg Standing Test, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Gait Assessment, Functional Stretch Test (P<0.05), and negatively correlated with the score of Timed Up and Go Test (r=-0.502, P<0.001). The scores of all the tests were significantly different between 2 groups (P<0.05), except that of Functional Stretch Test (P=0.28). Conclu-sion Sarcopenia diagnosis is not only depended on the strength of muscle of lower extremity, but also their functions.
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Objective To study the impact of the peripheral neurotomy method combined with rehabilitation exercise on gross motor function and balance function of children with cerebral palsy.Methods Matched pair design was used in the study.Thirty children with spastic cerebral palsy hospitalized from May 2011 to Nov.2013 suffering from peripheral neurotomy were assigned as study group,who were conscious and treated by peripheral neurotomy com bined with rehabilitation exercise.In the meanwhile,30 children inpatients at the same time were employed as the control group,who were similar in age and symptoms,with the same gender and the same Gross motor function classification (GMFCS) grade,and the controls were treated only with ordinary rehabilitation exercise.Modified Ashworth score,Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) D and E regions scores,physicians rating scale score in the 2 groups were recorded after treatment for 2,4,6,8,10 weeks.Repeated measure analysis of variance method was introduced to analyze the differences between the 2 groups in improved Ashworth muscle tension,gait improvement,gross motor function and balance function.Results The study group was superior over the control group in muscle tension reduction (F =8.177,P =0.006) and gait improvement(F =24.284,P =0.000).The 2 groups were not different statistically in D region evaluation of GMEM (F =0.072,P =0.790) and E region evaluation of GMFM (F =0.000,P =0.985) ; For Berg balance scale,the 2 groups had also no difference(F =0.150,P =0.700).Conclusions Both peripheral neurotomy method combined with rehabilitation exercise and the ordinary rehabilitation exercise method both could improve the gross function and the balance function.Furthermore,the former was superior over the latter in muscle tension reduction and gait improvement.
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Objective To compare balance assessment with static balance measuring equipment and clinical balance measuring scales. Methods Seventy hemiplegic stroke patients ( the patient group) and 36 healthy volunteers (the controls) were recruited. Each subject's equilibrium was measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) ,the Fugl-Meyer Balance Scale (FM-B) and tetra-ataxiametry, all by the same therapist. Results The BBS and FM-B results both showed significant differences between the patient group and the control group. The data obtained through tetra-ataxiametric assessment showed that the average weight distribution index ( WDI ) and stability index (SI) were significantly lower in the patient group than among the controls. There was a strong correlation between the tetra-ataxiametric assessment results and the clinical balance test outcomes. The WDI and SI from tetra-ataxiametry were strongly correlated with Berg total static scores. Conclusions Tetra-ataxiametry and the BBS and FM-B tests can all effectively reflect the equilibrium of stroke patients. Tetra-ataxiametry can measure balance ability quantitatively, while the clinical balance tests ( BBS, FM-B) are easier to conduct.
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Objective To investigate the discriminant validity and relativity of three scales applied in fall risk estimation for senile patients.Methods The timed up and go test (TUGT),the Morse Fall Scale (MFS) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were used by two trained testers to evaluate the fall risk of 161 senile in-patients.The patients were divided into a falling group and a no-fall group based on their history of falling in the previous one year.Student's t-test was applied to compare the discriminant validity of the TUGT,MFS and BBS.Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated to analyze the correlation among the three scales.Results The scores of patients in the falling group on the three scales were significantly different from those of the no-falls group.The correlation coefficients among the three scales were in the range 0.680-0.888.Conclusion The TUGT,MFS and BBS all showed high sensitivity and good discrimination in fall risks estimation for senile patients.The results with the three scales were highly correlated.Because the emphasis of these three scales is different,a suitable scale should be selected in clinical practice according to the characteristics of the senile patient.