A new device for assessment and training the human balance and coordination: Marmara Balance and Education System (MarBES).

BACKGROUND: Balance and coordination are important for performing activities of daily living. Balance and coordination assessment and training are used by physiotherapists in many different rehabilitation areas. Marmara Balance and Education System (MarBES) is a device developed to evaluate and improve balance and coordination. AIMS: To examine the test-retest reliability of the MarBES device. METHODS: Double-leg and single-leg (eyes open-closed) tests were applied to healthy young adult participants for balance testing on the MarBES device. Weight data is estimated from pressure sensors located in 4 different corners and a score is calculated with computer software for the individual's center of gravity (center of pressure X, Y) and the amount of deviation from the center for each axis. Weight transfer to the target surface was measured for assessment of the participants' coordination performance. Participants rested for 10 min and all measurements were repeated by the same evaluator. The obtained data were recorded and the reliability of the measurements was evaluated with Spearman's rho correlation analysis. RESULTS: A total of 40 healthy young individuals (28 female) with a mean age of 21 years were included. The balance assessments with MarBES showed moderate to good reliability (ICC: 0.535-0.903). The coordination assessment results showed moderate to good reliability (ICC: 0.575-0.712). CONCLUSIONS: Objective evaluation of balance and coordination parameters is very important in rehabilitation. Results of the study showed that the MarBES device developed by the researchers is a reliable method for the evaluation of balance and coordination in healthy young individuals.

A mobile application tool for standing posture analysis: development, validity, and reliability.

BACKGROUND: Using mobile application for postural assessments has been drawing a rising interest due to widespread use of smartphones. Although there are some mobile applications in use, validated mobile tools for accurate postural assessment are still warranted. AIMS: This study aimed to develop Fizyoprint mobile application tool to assess standing posture and investigate the validity and reliability of the application in young adults. METHODS: A convenience sample of 20 young adults (12 men and 8 women with a mean age of 21.3 ± 2.2 years) and 2 physiotherapists as raters participated in the study. The participant's digital images were obtained from the anterior, posterior, and right lateral sides. The raters selected the anatomic reference points by using digital markers in the app screen, and the Fizyoprint application, with Turkish language option, calculated a total of 26 posture variables, including 11 distance and 15 angle variables. Each participant was assessed twice (1-week interval) by 2 raters with Fizyoprint. Inter- and intra-rater reliabilities were estimated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. The BioTonix™ posture analysis system was used for validation. RESULTS: A total of 80.7% (21 variables) indicated acceptable to excellent intra-rater reliability results. A total of 57.7% (15 variables) were found to be acceptable to excellent for inter-rater measurements. The results confirmed the validity of the Fizyoprint application for testing the standing posture. CONCLUSIONS: Fizyoprint application is a new, valid, free mobile tool with acceptable concordance with BioTonix™ postural analysis system for assessing standing posture. Further studies are warranted to test the current application in different populations and musculoskeletal conditions.

Technology-based and supervised exercise interventions for individuals with type 2 diabetes: Randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to estimate, for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), the extent to which glycemic control was affected by a 12-week program using mobile app and wearable smartwatch in comparison to supervised exercise training. METHODS: This study was a stratified, randomized, assessor-blind, controlled, pragmatic trial with three parallel groups which were supervised, mobile app and wearable smartwatch. Individually tailored exercise regimens delivered through a supervisor, mobile app and wearable smartwatch. Programs consisted of aerobic, resistance exercises, calisthenic, flexibility, balance, and coordination exercises. Primary outcome was change in glycemic control (HbA1c); secondary outcome was Six Minute Walk Test; and explanatory outcomes were exercise behaviour, muscle function, and physical capacity. The groups were contrasted for change in HbA1c and absolute reduction of ≥0.5% (Minimal Important Change). Linear and logistic regressions were used to compare the groups and generalized estimated equations were used to analyze the explanatory outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 90 people were randomized, 6 were lost over 12 weeks, leaving 84 with outcome data. The difference in HbA1c did not differ between the supervised and the technology groups combined and between the mobile app and smartwatch group. Proportions of people achieving a clinically meaningful difference on HbA1c between the supervised and technology groups were similar (46% vs 43%) and the associated OR was 0.87 (95%CI:0.34-2.28). Within the two technology groups, proportions of people achieving a clinically meaningful difference in HbA1c were 48% in the mobile app and 38% in the smartwatch groups and the associated OR was 0.65 (95%CI:0.21-2.03). The groups did not differ on secondary and explanatory outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our trial provide evidence that all outcomes have improved in all groups regardless of the exercise delivery method. Considering the supervised programs are not available for everybody, technological options are crucial to implement to help individuals self-manage most aspects of their diabetes.