ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of bilateral knee osteoarthritis (KOA) ondynamic balance ability of ankle strategy in aged women. Methods The dynamic balance ability tester was used to test the balance score, the rotation speed, the maximum rotation speed, and the percentage of the target ball's residence time in each area of KOA patients (KOA group)and the general elderly (control group), and a comparative analysis between groups was conducted. Results The balance score of KOA group was lower than that of control group; the dynamic balance control ability of KOA group in the horizontal direction was basically the same as that of control group, but the dynamic balance control ability of KOA group in the vertical direction was weaker than that of control group.Bilateral KOA reduced dynamic balance ability of ankle strategy in the aged women.It could not affect the left-right symmetric balance ability of the aged women, but it would reduce its forward-backward symmetrical balance ability. Conclusions Bilateral KOA aged women may be more likely to fall forward or backward, while not easy to fall laterally. For elderly female patients with bilateral KOA, methods such as strengthening ankle joint strength, proprioception and responsiveness can be used to prevent falls that may be caused by reduced dynamic balance ability, especially falls in the forward and backward directions.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effect of ankle strategy stability limit training on balance and gait in recovering stroke patients with hemiplegia. Methods Forty recovering stroke patients were randomized into an intervention group and a control group.The patients in the intervention group were given ankle strategy stability limit training using visual feedback on the static long sets of a Smart Equitest Balance Master (SEBM) machine.Those in the control group practiced routine postural balance training using mirror visual feedback in parallel bars.Both groups of patients practiced balance and posture control for 30 minutes,once daily,6 days a week for two weeks. Both groups were also given routine therapy and other rehabilitation.The patients' balance function was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS),and their gait was assessed using the walk across technique (WA). Results There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to general information,BBS scores or WA results before treatment.After 2 weeks of treatment,BBS scores as well as the step length and pace in the WA improved significantly in both groups,but all improved significantly more in the intervention group.There was no significant difference in width of gait. Conclusion Ankle strategy stability limit training can enhance weight-bearing on stroke patients' affected foot as well as their balance and the symmetry of their steps.