Relationship between lower limb muscle strength and walk speed in community dwelling older adults: the chain mediating role of flexibility and dynamic balance / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between lower limb muscle strength and walking speed in older adults, and to analyze the mediating role of flexibility and dynamic balance. MethodsFrom November to December, 2021, a total of 155 older adults at the Shanghai Senior Sports and Health Home were included. Their basic health information was collected, and the lower limb muscle strength, flexibility, dynamic balance and walking speed were tested. A mediated effects analysis was conducted. ResultsThere was a pairwise correlation among lower limb muscle strength, flexibility, dynamic balance and walking speed in older adults (r > 0.210, P < 0.01). In the mediated effects model, after controlling for age and gender, lower limb muscle strength did not directly predict walking speed in older adults (β = 0.029, P = 0.699), however, lower limb muscle strength could influence walking speed through the partial mediation of dynamic balance (effect = 0.0130, 95% CI 0.0073~0.0197) and the chain mediation of lower flexibility and dynamic balance (effect = 0.0019, 95% CI 0.0003~0.0043). ConclusionLower limb muscle strength can indirectly affect walking speed in older adults through the mediators of flexibility and dynamic balance, or the dynamic balance alone.

Effect of core stability training on dynamic balance and surface electromyography after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of core stability training on dynamic balance and surface electromyography (sEMG) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and to analyze the correlation between balance index and sEMG. MethodsFrom March to December, 2022, 32 patients with ACLR in Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University were randomly divided into control group (n = 16) and experimental group (n = 16). The control group accepted routine rehabilitation treatment, and the experimental group added core stability training, for six weeks. They were evaluated with American Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score (HSS) and International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Score (IKDC), and the dynamic balance function and sEMG were measured before and after treatment, and the correlation between dynamic balance index and root mean square (RMS) of sEMG was analyzed. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of HSS and IKDC increased significantly in both groups (|Z| > 3.526, |t| > 63.544, P < 0.001), and were better in the experimental group than in the control group (Z = -2.392, t = 2.650, P < 0.05); the length of gait line and single support line increased significantly, the medial-lateral displacement displacement decreased (|t| > 2.368, Z = -3.516, P < 0.05), and they were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.497, Z = -3.091, P < 0.05); the RMS of gluteus maximus and gluteus medius increased in the experimental group (t = -5.900, Z = -2.741, P < 0.01), and were better than those in the control group (t = 3.930, Z = -3.260, P < 0.01). After treatment, the RMS of gluteus maximus and gluteus medius in both groups were positively correlated with gait line length and single support line length, and were negatively correlated with medial-lateral displacement (|r| > 0.502, P < 0.01). ConclusionCore stability training could significantly improve knee joint function and dynamic balance, and enhance the activation of gluteus maximus and gluteus medius. Dynamic balance is highly correlated with sEMG.

Role of macrophage polarization in the development of sepsis / 中华危重病急救医学

Sepsis is a systemic reaction syndrome caused by various infectious factors,and its core mechanism is immue disorder. Macrophages, known as the most important component of innate immunity, play an important role in the occurrence and development of sepsis. Macrophage polarization has been shown to be closely related to inflammation and immunity. In the occurrence and development of sepsis,the mechanisms are complex and unclearly. The release of inflammatory factors and the occurrence of inflammatory responses will be regulated by changes in macrophage polarization phenotype. Multiple signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear transcription factor-κB (TLR4/NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), Janus kinase/signal transduction and transcription activator (JAK/STAT), adenosine-activated protein kinase-peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor γ (AMPK-PPARγ), Notch, C-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), etc. are involved in the regulation of macrophage polarization,and interact with each other.Regulation of macrophage polarization will be a new target for the prevention and treatment of the occurrence, development and prognosis of sepsis. This paper summarized the latest progress of macrophage polarization phenotype in the occurrence and development of sepsis, aiming to provide new ideas and methods for clinical prevention and treatment of sepsis.

Relationship of proprioception, cutaneous sensitivity and strength to postural stability among older adults / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To explore the impacts of proprioception, cutaneous sensitivity and strength on dynamic and static postural stability.Methods From June to November, 2020, a total of 164 elderly participated in this study. Independent parameters included proprioception of knee flexion/extension and ankle dorsi/plantar flexion with proprioception measurement; the cutaneous sensitivity of great toe, first and fifth metatarsals, arch, and heel with monofilament; and strength of ankle dorsi/plantar flexion and hip abduction with isokinetic test. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and center of pressure (COP)-based postural stability tests were conducted to represent dynamic and static postural stability. Exploratory factor and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to explore the relationship of each generated factor to postural stability outcomes.Results Proprioception was significantly correlated to the score of BBS (r=-0.449, P<0.001) and the root mean square (RMS) of COP in mediolateral direction (r=0.254, P=0.004). Cutaneous sensitivity was significantly correlated to the RMS of COP in the anteroposterior direction (r=0.281, P=0.002). Strength was significantly correlated to the score of BBS (r=0.493, P<0.001).Conclusion Proprioception and strength are related to dynamic postural stability, while proprioception and cutaneous sensitivity are associated with static postural stability.

The effects of training on different surfaces, on balance and gait performance in stroke hemiplegia / Efectos del entrenamiento sobre el equilibrio y el desempeño de la marcha en diferentes superficies de apoyo en la hemiplejia inducida por accidente cerebrovascular / Efeitos do treinamento em diferentes superfícies de apoio sobre o equilíbrio e o desempenho da marcha em hemiplegia por acidente vascular cerebral

ABSTRACT Although many studies have focused on balance exercises for elderly or stroke patients, no comprehensive studies have investigated the use of training on different surfaces (TDS) with analysis of gait performance in elderly male stroke patients. The active properties of balance and subjective reporting of functional gait ability were used to identify the effects of TDS. Static balance (SB), dynamic balance (DB) and gait analysis was measured in 30 elderly stroke patients. The patients were divided into the TDS group (n=15) and a control group (CG, n=15). Fifteen elderly stroke patients underwent TDS five times a week for 12 weeks. The data was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Significant differences were observed between the two groups (TDS and Control): SB (p < 0.0001), DB (OSI: p < 0.0001, APSI: p < 0.001, MLSI: p < 0.004) and gait analysis (right: temporal step time: p < 0.0001, temporal cycle time: p < 0.001, temporal double support time: p < 0.0001; left: temporal step time: p < 0.0001, temporal cycle time: p < 0.0001, temporal double support time: p < 0.0001). TDS in elderly male stroke patients suggests that the characteristics of gait performance in these patients may be improved by increasing static balance, dynamic balance and gait velocity. It is hoped that the results of this trial will provide new information on the effects of TDS on balance stability and gait ability in stroke patients, through changes in stability of the lower extremities. Level III, Case-control Study.

RESUMEN Aunque muchos estudios se han centrado en los ejercicios de equilibrio para pacientes de edad avanzada y/o con accidentes cerebrovasculares, ningún estudio exhaustivo ha investigado el uso del entrenamiento en diferentes superficies de apoyo (TDS) para analizar el desempeño de la marcha en pacientes masculinos de edad avanzada con accidentes cerebrovasculares. Se utilizaron las propiedades activas del equilibrio y el informe subjetivo de la capacidad funcional de la marcha para identificar los efectos del TDS. Se midieron el equilibrio estático (SB), el equilibrio dinámico (DB) y el análisis de la marcha en 30 pacientes ancianos con ACV. Los pacientes fueron divididos en grupo TDS (GTDS, n = 15) y grupo de control (CG, n = 15). Quince pacientes de edad avanzada con ACV fueron sometidos a TDS cinco veces por semana durante 12 semanas. Los datos se analizaron mediante un análisis de desviación de medidas repetidas. Se observaron diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos (TDS y Control): SB (p <0,0001), DB (OSI: p <0,0001, APSI: p <0,001, MLSI: p <0,004) y análisis de la marcha (derecha: tiempo de paso temporal: p <0,0001, tiempo de ciclo temporal: p <0,001, tiempo de doble apoyo temporal: p <0,0001; izquierda: tiempo de paso temporal: p <0,0001, tiempo de ciclo temporal: p <0,0001, tiempo de doble apoyo temporal: p <0,0001). El TDS en pacientes masculinos de edad avanzada con ACV sugiere que las características de desempeño de la marcha pueden mejorar con el aumento del equilibrio estático, el equilibrio dinámico y la velocidad de la marcha. Se espera que los resultados de este estudio proporcionen nueva información sobre los efectos del TDS en la estabilidad del equilibrio y en la capacidad de andar en pacientes con ACV a través de cambios en la estabilidad de las extremidades inferiores. Nivel de evidencia III, Estudio de caso-control.

RESUMO Embora muitos estudos tenham se concentrado em exercícios de equilíbrio para idosos e/ou pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral, nenhum estudo abrangente investigou o uso do treinamento em diferentes superfícies de apoio (TDS) para analisar o desempenho da marcha em pacientes idosos do sexo masculino com AVC. As propriedades ativas do equilíbrio e o relato subjetivo da capacidade funcional da marcha foram usados para identificar os efeitos do TDS. O equilíbrio estático (SB), o equilíbrio dinâmico (DB) e a análise da marcha foram medidos em 30 pacientes idosos com AVC. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupo TDS (GTDS, n = 15) e grupo controle (GC, n = 15). Quinze pacientes idosos com AVC foram submetidos a TDS cinco vezes por semana durante 12 semanas. Os dados foram analisados por meio de análise de variância de medidas repetidas. Foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos (GTDS e controle): SB (p < 0,0001), DB (OSI: p < 0,0001, APSI: p < 0,001, MLSI: p < 0,004) e análise da marcha (direita: tempo do passo: p < 0,0001, tempo da passada (ciclo): p < 0,001, tempo de duplo apoio: p < 0,0001; esquerda: tempo do passo: p < 0,0001, tempo da passada (ciclo): p < 0,0001, tempo de duplo apoio: p <0,0001). O TDS em pacientes idosos do sexo masculino com AVC sugere que as características de desempenho da marcha podem ser melhoradas com o aumento do equilíbrio estático, equilíbrio dinâmico e da velocidade da marcha. Espera-se que os resultados deste estudo forneçam novas informações sobre os efeitos do TDS na estabilidade do equilíbrio e na habilidade de marcha em pacientes com AVC, por meio de mudanças na estabilidade dos membros inferiores. Nível de evidência III, Estudo de caso controle.

Effects of Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis on Dynamic Balance Ability of Ankle Strategy in Aged Women / 医用生物力学

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.

Static Stability and Stability Limit for Patients with Scoliosis / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the balance in young adult with scoliosis. Methods:From June to December, 2020, 30 college students with scoliosis in the outpatient department of Rehabilitation Department of Kunming Medical University Hospital were as the patients, and 30 normal peers were as the controls. They were measured with Pro-Kin balance test system to assess the static stability of both feet standing with eyes opened and closed, and the static and dynamic limit of stability (LOS) of both feet standing. Results:The moving distance of center of pressure (COP) on the Y-axis was longer in the patients than in the controls with both eye-opened and eye-closed (t > 2.022, P < 0.05). The static and dynamic LOS was less in the patients than in the controls (t > 3.365, P < 0.01). For static LOS, it was less in all the directions except left-forward and backward (t > 2.410, P < 0.05); for dynamic LOS, it was less in the directions of forward, right, left and left-forward (t > 2.446, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Both static and dynamic balance is deficient for yong adults with scoliosis, which may result in risk of fall.

Various Static And Dynamic Balance Measuring And Training Mechanical Tools In Patients With Clinical Conditions: A Literature Review

Background: Balance is defined as the ability to maintain a position within the limits of stability or base of support. It is indicated that postural control system plays an important role in maintenance of balance on the small support base. The complexity of balancing processes makes it challenging to assess balancing abilities in a concise, holistic approach. This study extends previous efforts by reviewing a large number of papers that use of various mechanical tools to assess postural balance and by providing a detailed overview of the common mechanical tools used to assess postural balance and gait. Methods: We searched the electronic database. The literature search produced a total of 302 items. After removal of duplicates, posters, other studies not mention mechanical tools to evaluate static and dynamic balance in clinical conditions, 28 papers met the inclusion criteria for this review. Results: This search selected 7 tools to assess trunk control in various clinical conditions: Inertial balance sensor, Computerised dynamic posturography, Biodex Balance System, Force plate., MatScan® pressure mat, Microsoft Kinect’s built-in RGB-D sensor and Clinical Test of sensory integration using Chinese lantern. Conclusion: Inertial as well as Microsoft Kinect’s built-in RGB-D sensors are cost effective, time effective, does not need a specific set up, analysis static balance as well as the gait parameters. This can therefore be chosen over other mechanical tools due to its better convenience and efficiency.

Effects of Planter Warming on Static/Dynamic Balance Ability / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  [Purpose] It has been reported that foot warming can improve flexibility and standing balance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of plantar warming, skin temperatures, feet sensations, and plantar flexibility on balance ability.   [Methods] Study participants included 30 healthy young adults for both the warmed and non-warmed conditions. Plantar warming was carried out for 15 minutes using a foot heater. Deep temperatures (1-2 and 4-5 metatarsal bones on the dorsal-side of the foot) and surface skin temperatures of the dorsal-side (lateral 5th metatarsal head on the right and left feet), Y Balance Test (YBT), and area of one leg stance (OLS) postural sway were measured before and after warmed/non-warmed conditions, and also after 10 minutes (after10) warmed/non-warmed conditions. Semmes Weinstein monofilament (tactile sense), vibration sense, contact area of the plantar on OLS tests and toe extension angle value were measured before and after warmed/non-warmed conditions. Change ratios were calculated for non-temperature items and compared ​​using repeated measures analysis of variance and Wilcoxon’s signed rank test.   [Results] Deep temperature, surface skin temperature of dorsal, and surface skin temperature of the plantar were significantly increased by warmed condition. After- and after10-warmed YBT reaching distances increased significantly compared with before-warmed distances for both the warmed and non-warmed conditions. No significant differences were found between before- and after-warming OLS postural sway area, Semmes Weinstein monofilament, vibration sense, and OLS plantar contact area results. Change ratios of YBT and toe extension angles were significantly increased in the warmed condition compared with the non-warmed condition.   [Discussion and Conclusions] YBT, an index of dynamic balance ability, was significantly increased after the plantar of the foot was warmed, confirming that foot warming does indeed improve balance. We also be observed significant increases in skin temperature and toe extension angles, but no significant changes in OLS postural sway area, Semmes Weinstein monofilament, vibration sense, and OLS plantar contact area. Increased YBT and expansion of toe extension angles suggest that plantar flexibility can be improved by applying a dynamic stretching stimulus after warming of the plantar, which will also enhance balance abilities.

Effects of Planter Warming on Static/Dynamic Balance Ability / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  [Purpose] It has been reported that foot warming can improve flexibility and standing balance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of plantar warming, skin temperatures, feet sensations, and plantar flexibility on balance ability.   [Methods] Study participants included 30 healthy young adults for both the warmed and non-warmed conditions. Plantar warming was carried out for 15 minutes using a foot heater. Deep temperatures (1-2 and 4-5 metatarsal bones on the dorsal-side of the foot) and surface skin temperatures of the dorsal-side (lateral 5th metatarsal head on the right and left feet), Y Balance Test (YBT), and area of one leg stance (OLS) postural sway were measured before and after warmed/non-warmed conditions, and also after 10 minutes (after10) warmed/non-warmed conditions. Semmes Weinstein monofilament (tactile sense), vibration sense, contact area of the plantar on OLS tests and toe extension angle value were measured before and after warmed/non-warmed conditions. Change ratios were calculated for non-temperature items and compared using repeated measures analysis of variance and Wilcoxon’s signed rank test.   [Results] Deep temperature, surface skin temperature of dorsal, and surface skin temperature of the plantar were significantly increased by warmed condition. After- and after10-warmed YBT reaching distances increased significantly compared with before-warmed distances for both the warmed and non-warmed conditions. No significant differences were found between before- and after-warming OLS postural sway area, Semmes Weinstein monofilament, vibration sense, and OLS plantar contact area results. Change ratios of YBT and toe extension angles were significantly increased in the warmed condition compared with the non-warmed condition.   [Discussion and Conclusions] YBT, an index of dynamic balance ability, was significantly increased after the plantar of the foot was warmed, confirming that foot warming does indeed improve balance. We also be observed significant increases in skin temperature and toe extension angles, but no significant changes in OLS postural sway area, Semmes Weinstein monofilament, vibration sense, and OLS plantar contact area. Increased YBT and expansion of toe extension angles suggest that plantar flexibility can be improved by applying a dynamic stretching stimulus after warming of the plantar, which will also enhance balance abilities.

Effect of acteoside on delaying senescence and improving immune function in SAMP8 mice / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of acteoside on the changes of immune function and aging process in SAMP8 mice via detecting the proportion of immune cells and the changes of immune factors. Methods Sixty male healthy SAMP8 mice and twelve SAMR1 mice were randomly divided into six groups. They were administered by gavage once a day for 90 days. Aging scoring test was conducted regularly. The immune cells and immune factors in plasma and liver were detected. Results Compared with model group, acteoside could increase CD4+lymphocytes in SAMP8 mice and effectively inhibit the increase of CD8+lymphocytes; it played a greater role in spleen than in peripheral blood. At the same time, Thl/Th2 was significantly reduced in model group, and the ratio of Thl/Th2 factor increased in low and medium dose group. Conclusions Acteoside can increase the number of helper lymphocytes, effectively inhibit the increase of killer lymphocytes, and regulate the dynamic balance of Th1 and Th2 type immune inflammatory factors in SAMP8 mice, so as to improve the immune function of the body and delay the aging process of the body.

To Evaluate And Compare Dynamic Balance Between Cricketers And Non-Cricketers Using Star Excursion Balance Test

Background: Exercise and sports are considered important for quality life. In athletes, high level of lower limb strength and balance are important prerequisites for the independent and successful performance during sports. To move efficiently, one requires control of the body’s postural alignment. In other words, a strong balance is needed to move efficiently. Impaired balance is one of the several risk factor that have been associated with increased risk of lower extremity injuries Method: Total 50 subjects were included in the study. 25 Cricketers from Teerthanker Mahaveer University Cricket Academy and 25 non-cricketers from different colleges of Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, U.P. Age of the subject range from 18-24 years. The informed consent was taken and Star Excursion Balance Test were performed. The data obtained was analyzed using independent t- test. Result: Our result indicates that there is significant difference between the reach distance of cricketers and non-cricketers of both dominant and non-dominant legs. Conclusion: The result of the study showed better dynamic balance in cricketers than non-cricketers in dominant leg and non-dominant leg. It is recommended to incorporate star excursion balance test in cricketers training program for measuring dynamic balance.

Correlation of core muscles endurance and balance in subjects with osteoarthritis knee

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease with a prevalence of about 29% in India. Reduced kinesthetic receptors in joint especially around the ligaments in the knee can lead to impaired proprioceptive information to an individual. Core muscle endurance deficiency leads to an increase in the loading of the knee, as well as in knee joint contact force during dynamic movement. Hence, poor core stability may be one of the contributing factors that lead to knee OA development as well as its progression. Objectives: The objective of this study was to find a correlation between core muscle endurance and balance in subjects with OA. Material and Methods: The observational study was conducted on 50 healthy, male and female subjects, age >40 years diagnosed with OA knee using convenience sampling. Subjects underwent core stability assessment consisting of plank, bilateral side bridge, Sorenson, and 60-degree trunk flexion endurance tests. Y-balance test -Lower quarter (YBT-LQ) was used to measure dynamic balance in individuals. The data were analyzed at a 5% level of significance using SPSS. Outcomes were correlated using Spearman’s correlation of coefficient. Results: Correlation was found between YBT-LQ and plank r = 0.402 (P = 0.004), YBT-LQ and right side bridge 0.425 (P = 0.002), YBT-LQ and left side bridge r = 0.490 (P = 0.001), YBT-LQ and 60° trunk flexion test r = 0.369 (P = 0.008), and YBT-LQ and Sorenson test r = 0.324 (P = 0.022). Conclusion: There is a weak to moderate correlation between core endurance and balance in subjects with OA knee.

Barefooted vs with footwear: functional mobility assessment on community dwelling elders

Background: Affected balance, restricted mobility and probability of fall is more common in elder. Most of the geriatric individuals prefer walking independently as one of the prime function, so maintenances of that even with affecting factors of fall it is essential. Footwear is one extrinsic factor which may affects postural stability and increase risk of fall.Methods: A cross sectional study conducted among community dwelling elders. Participants (n=40) have performed time up and go test (TUG) and ten meter walk test (TMW) in or out of the house with barefoot and two different type of pre-screened footwear. Descriptive statistics were done and ANOVA was performed.Results: The calculated F ratio (0.7817), (1.3100) is lesser than the table F ratio (3.0737), (3.0737) for the TMW and even For TUG so the TUG score for barefoot and two different type of footwear do not differ significantly.Conclusions: Functional mobility is not influenced by routine footwear. Barefooted and with footwear dynamic balance and gait speed is not significantly different from each other.

Effects of Trunk Control Rehabilitation Robot Training on Dynamic Balance, Lower Extremity Strength, Gait Ability and Pain in Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of trunk control rehabilitation robot training (TCRRT) on the dynamic balance, lower extremity strength, gait ability and pain for bipolar hemiarthroplasty. METHODS: Hemiarthroplasty (n=28) patients participated in this study. The subjects were randomized into two groups: trunk control rehabilitation robot training group and control group. RESULTS: The TCRRT group showed significantly more improvement in the MFRT, MMT, 10MWT, TUG, and VAS compared to that before intervention (p<0.05). In addition, all tests were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that TCRRT is feasible and effective for improving the dynamic balance, lower extremity strength, gait ability, and pain efficacy after bipolar hemiarthroplasty.

The Effect of Cane Height on Walking and Balance for Stroke Patients / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the effects of using customized walking aids individualized for stroke patients by measuring the effects of different cane lengths to determine the ideal length of walking aids for stroke patients. METHODS: Cane lengths were determined from the greater trochanter with walking aids measured 5cm below, at the greater trochanter and 5cm above. All patients walked for ten meters with each cane length to measure speed. Then, we measured the opto gait, timed up go test, and electromyography three times each. Statistical analysis was performed using a linear mixed model, and in the case of significance, the p-value was corrected using the Bonferroni method. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant differences in time up and go test(TUGT), 10m walking, stride and speed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Long cane length increases body symmetry, stride, increasing muscle activity, and short cane length increases balance and walking.

Validation of a system to evaluate chronic functional joint instability rehabilitation therapy / 解剖学报

Objective: To investigate the assessment of patients with functional ankle instability prior to and post of regular rehabilitation therapies. Methods: One hundred and twenty-four patients with unilateral chronic ankle instability (51 females and 73 males, age 34-56) were received conventional rehabilitation for two month, including muscle strength, range of joint motion, balance, proprioception, etc. The visual analogue scale (V AS) scores (instant pain and pain after 500-meter walk) were recorded. Standing time of affected limb, the star excursion balance test, static and dynamic plantar pressure were performed. Results: There were significant differences in VAS pain score of instant pain (5. 32 ±0.27 vs 1. 07 ± 0. 08) and after 500 meter walk (8. 79 ± 1. 78 vs 4. 51 ± 1. 78) (P 0. 05). Conclusion: Rehabilitation therapy can significantly improve the pain-release, the balance, etc. However, the effect on the dynamic response is not accurate. Thus, the abnormal of walking posture, the biomechanics of the foot and ankle, and biomechanics of functional ankle instability should be considered during the rehabilitation treatment.

The Circadian Effects on Postural Stability in Young Adults

PURPOSE: Few studies have addressed the effect of diurnal circadian rhythms on postural stability, and thus the aim of the present study was to examine circadian effects on static and dynamic postural stability in young adults. METHODS: Twenty-four subjects (9 men, 11 women: age=22.20±1.77, height=167.20±10.47, weight=59.85±10.66) from a university community volunteered for this study. Static and dynamic balance testing, which recorded using a Good Balance system (Good Balance, Metitur Ltd, Finland) was conducted at 9:00, 13:00, and 17:00 hours on two consecutive days, and the sequencing of static and dynamic balance tests were randomized. Results were analyzed using the non-parametric one-way repeated Friedman test in SPSS version 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and variable found to be significant were subjected to Wilcoxon post hoc testing. RESULTS: Static and dynamic balance showed significant difference at the three times assessments (test at 9:00, 13:00, and 17:00) during circadian. In the post hoc test of static (anteroposterior distance, mediolateral distance and COP (center of pressure) velocity) and dynamic balance (performance time), 13:00 was the longer and faster than 9:00. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that control of postural balance is influenced by diurnal circadian rhythms, and confirm that control of postural balance is more effective and better performance in the 09:00 hours than 13:00 hours or 17:00 hours.

Effect of Tung’s Acupuncture on Walk and Balance Function in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the effect of Tung’s acupuncture on walk and balance function in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Method Ninety-two eligible PD patients were randomized into a control group and a treatment group, 46 cases in each group. The control group was intervened by Levodopa, while the treatment group was additionally intervened by Tung’s acupuncture. The two groups were both treated for 20 d. Before and after the treatment, the walk and balance function were evaluated by the indices of NeuroCom Balance Master, including Walk Across (WLK), Step/Quick Turn (SNT), and Timed Up & Go Test (TUGT), and the results were compared between the two groups. Result The walk speed, step length, swing in turning, time-consumption in turning, and TUGT were improved after the intervention in both groups (P<0.05), and the improvements in the treatment group were more significant than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Tung’s acupuncture plus oral administration of Levodopa can markedly improve the walk and balance function in patients with PD.

Validation of the Japanese Version of the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Objective : The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) is an assessment tool for dynamic balance dysfunction developed by simplifying the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest). The purpose of our study was to examine the validity of the Japanese version of the Mini-BESTest (J-Mini-BESTest) we translated. Methods : The J-Mini-BESTest was produced using a translation and back translation method referring to a guideline proposed by Guillemin et al. We tested 20 patients with balance dysfunction due to various diseases and 7 healthy persons with the J-Mini-BESTest, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC Scale). We assessed the concurrent validity of the J-Mini-BESTest by comparing it with the other measures using the Spearman's correlation method. Results : The average assessment time when using the J-Mini-BESTest was 20.0 minutes. The J-Mini-BESTest was correlated with the BBS (<i>r</i>=0.82, <i>p</i><0.01), FES-I (<i>r</i>=-0.72, <i>p</i><0.01) and ABC Scale (<i>r</i>=0.80, <i>p</i><0.01). The distribution of the BBS scores was more skewed compared to the J-Mini-BESTest (BBS skewness=-1.30 vs. J-Mini-BESTest skewness=-0.47) and the BBS also had a ceiling effect (9 participants had a perfect score in the BBS versus none in the J-Mini-BESTest). Conclusion : The J-Mini-BESTest was suggested as a clinically useful tool for detecting subtle dynamic balance deficits with good concurrent validity.