Accuracy to identify young adults with chronic ankle instability using a virtual reality - Balance error scoring system: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) assesses the ability to control postural stability by performing 3 different stances on two-type surfaces during closed eyes. Virtual reality technology combined with the BESS test (VR-BESS) may be used to disrupt visual inputs instead of closing the eyes, which may improve the sensitivity of diagnosing patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy to identify individuals with CAI of the VR-BESS test comparing with the original BESS test. METHODS: The BESS and VR-BESS tests were administered to 68 young adults (34 participants with CAI and 34 without CAI). Frontal and lateral video views were used to measure the participant's performance errors. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was computed to determine the diagnostic test's overall accuracy. RESULTS: The total score of the BESS test and the VR-BESS test were statistically significant in comparison to the AUC of no discrimination at 0.5, with AUC values of 0.63 and 0.64, respectively. The cut-off scores for the BESS and VR-BESS tests were 12 and 15, respectively. There was no significant difference between the ROC curves of the BESS and the VR-BESS test for identifying individuals with CAI. CONCLUSION: The BESS and VR-BESS tests may be utilized interchangeably to identify individuals with CAI.

Effect of foot orthoses on balance among individuals with flatfoot: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Individuals with flatfoot have impaired proprioception owing to ligament laxity and impaired tendons, which can result in poor balance. Foot orthoses (FOs) have been reported to stimulate plantar mechanical receptors and are used to manage foot overpronation in individuals with flatfoot. However, the results of the use of FOs to improve balance are inconsistent. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to identify and investigate the effects of FOs on balance in individuals with flatfoot. Electronic databases were searched for articles published before March 2023. Peer-reviewed journal studies that included adult participants with flexible flatfoot and reported the effects of FOs on balance were included and classified based on the study design: randomized control trials (RCT) and non-RCTs. Four RCT studies were retained, and their methodological quality was assessed (mean, 63.2%; range 47.3%-73.1%: high), as were three non-RCT studies (mean, 54.1%; range, 42.1%-68.4%: high). Meta-analysis was performed by calculating the effect size using the standardized mean differences between the control and FO conditions. Transverse-arch insoles immediately improved static balance after use. However, no immediate significant effect was found for medial archsupport FOs, cuboid-posting FOs, or University of California Berkeley Laboratory FOs during the study period (2-5 weeks) when compared with the controls. The transverse-arch insole is the most effective FO feature for improving static balance. However, the high heterogeneity between study protocols contributes to the lack of evidence for the effects of FO on balance in people with flatfoot.

Accuracy of the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale and a modified FAB model for predicting falls in older adults: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of the FAB scale and the accuracy of combining certain FAB scale items into a model for predicting falls in older adults. METHODS: Eighty older adults were evaluated at baseline using all FAB scale items. A 6-month follow-up period was used to determine fall incidence. The Receiver Operation Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive capability of the total FAB scale for falls in older adults. A model comprising some FAB items was constructed using logistic regression analysis and a forward stepwise method. ROC curve analysis was used to assess the accuracy of the new model. RESULTS: The accuracy of the total FAB scale for predicting falls was excellent (AUC = 0.95). The cut-off score for the FAB scale was 25 points, with a sensitivity of 96.5% and a specificity of 80%. Among the ten FAB items, a regression model was identified by combining four items: step up onto and over a 6-inch bench; tandem walk; standing on foam with eyes closed; and reactive postural control. The new model achieved an excellent level of accuracy (AUC = 0.98) with a cut-off score of 11 out of 16 points, a sensitivity of 100%, and a specificity of 87%. CONCLUSIONS: Both the total FAB score and the new FAB model were highly accurate for predicting falls in older adults.

Testing the validity and reliability of a new android application-based accelerometer balance assessment tool for community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: Postural instability is a risk factor for falls in older adults. It is possible to detect postural stability using an integrated accelerometer (ACC) sensor in a smartphone. Therefore, a novel ACC-based smartphone application running on the Android operating system called BalanceLab was created and tested. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of a novel ACC-based Android smartphone application for assessing balance in older adults. METHODS: Using BalanceLab, 20 older adults completed three balance assessments: the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance (MCTSIB), a single-leg stance test (SLST), and a limit of stability test (LOS). The validity of this mobile application was investigated using a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system and the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale. The test-retest reliability of this mobile application was determined on two separate occasions within one day, at least two hours apart. RESULTS: The two static balance assessments (the MCTSIB and SLST) demonstrated moderate to excellent correlation with the 3D motion analysis system (r = 0.70-0.91) and the FAB scale (r = 0.67-0.80). However, the majority of the dynamic balance tests (the LOS tests) did not demonstrate any correlation with the 3D motion analysis system or the FAB scale. This novel ACC-based application demonstrated good to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.76-0.91). CONCLUSION: A static, but not dynamic, balance assessment tool that uses a novel ACC-based application for Android can be used to measure balance in older adults. This application has moderate to excellent validity and test-retest reliability.

Home-based exercise using balance disc and smartphone inclinometer application improves balance and activity of daily living in individuals with stroke: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Sitting ability is critical for daily activities in individuals who have experienced a stroke. A combination of seated balance training on an unstable surface and real-time visual feedback via a simple mobile inclinometer application may improve trunk control in stroke survivors. OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the effects of home-based exercise utilizing a balance disc with input from a smartphone inclinometer application on sitting balance and activities of daily living in stroke survivors. METHODS: This trial enrolled 32 stroke survivors aged 30 to 75 years. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: intervention or control. Both groups underwent four weeks of traditional therapy. Additionally, the intervention group received four weeks of multidirectional lean training utilizing a balance disc and a smartphone application with an inclinometer. The Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), the Function in Sitting Test (FIST), and the Barthel Index (BI) were used to assess the results. To compare between group effects, an ANCOVA analysis was performed using a baseline as a covariate. RESULTS: The PASS changing posture and BI were considerably greater in the intervention group compared to the control group. Other metrics revealed no statistically significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: Home-based training with balance discs and input from a smartphone inclinometer application may improve postural control and daily activity in stroke patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trials registry number: TCTR20210617004.

The alteration of static and dynamic postural stability among women with breast cancer during taxane-based chemotherapy: a descriptive study.

INTRODUCTION: Women with breast cancer who underwent taxane-based chemotherapy demonstrate diminished postural stability. However, the data concerning dynamic postural stability among women with breast cancer during taxane-based chemotherapy remains insufficient. PURPOSE: To investigate postural stability among women with breast cancer during taxane-based chemotherapy. METHODS: Fifteen women with breast cancer participated in this study. Postural stabilities were assessed at five intervals during the course of chemotherapy treatment. Static postural stability was measured during single leg with eyes open (SEO) and eyes closed (SEC) conditions, while dynamic postural stability was measured during performance of the limit of stability test (LOS). Postural stability was described using 95% confidence ellipse area (EA), center of pressure (COP) path length (PL), and COP average velocity (AV). RESULTS: For static postural stability assessment, SEO condition was found to have significant increases in EA, PL, and AV (p = .001, p < .001, and p = .02, respectively). For dynamic postural stability assessment, a significant difference in EA was observed in the forward, backward, right, and left directions (p = .02, p = .02, p < .001, and p = .01, respectively). In addition, a significant difference in PL was found while performing in a backward direction (p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that women with breast cancer may have experienced decreased static and dynamic postural stability.

Incidence density and factors associated with peripheral neuropathy among women with breast cancer during taxane-based chemotherapy.

This work aimed to determine the incidence density of taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) and its risk factors among women with breast cancer. One hundred and forty-one women with breast cancer participated in this cohort study. TIPN symptoms were evaluated with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer CIPN specific self-report questionnaire (EORTC QOL-CIPN20) at five-time points throughout chemotherapy treatment. Over three months, 125 (89%) and 59 (44.03%) women with breast cancer were identified with sensory and motor neuropathy, respectively. The sensory neuropathy incidence density was 21 per 1000 person-days. The motor neuropathy incidence density was 6 per 1000 person-days. This study discovered a significant link between age and the incidence density of sensory neuropathy (HR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05) as well as motor neuropathy (HR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01-1.08). These findings imply that screening may be necessary to detect early TIPN symptoms and provide appropriate rehabilitation programs, particularly for elderly persons.

Incidence and risk factors associated with falls among women with breast cancer during taxane-based chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the falling incidence density and examine the potential risk factors associated with falling among women with breast cancer during taxane-based chemotherapy. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-three women with breast cancer participated in this study. The fall incidence density, taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) symptoms, and physical performance tests were evaluated at five time points throughout chemotherapy treatment. A fall diary was used to record fall incidence during treatment. The fall incidence density was calculated by dividing the number of first fall occurrences by person-time at risk. The risk factors associated with time to first fall were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. The Kaplan-Meier curve illustrated the probability of survival from a fall during chemotherapy treatment. RESULTS: Over the course of treatment, 29 (23.58%) participants reported falls. The fall incidence density was 3 per 1000 person-day. This study discovered a significant link between age (adjusted HR (HRadj) = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02-1.13) and BMI (HRadj = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.02-1.21) and falling. CONCLUSIONS: Women with breast cancer could fall for the first time at any time after starting chemotherapy until the end of the follow-up period. Furthermore, time to first fall was associated with age and BMI. Early detection of falling in women with breast cancer, particularly among older persons and those with a high BMI, may be essential to preventing falls.

Reliability and Validity of the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20-Item Scale) among Thai Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Taxane-Based Chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20-item scale (EORTC QLQ-CIPN20) is the common method for determining taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) symptoms. However, there have been no studies on the psychometric properties of the Thai Version of EORTC QLQ-CIPN20. The aim of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and contrasting group validity of the Thai Version of EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 among women with breast cancer who received taxane-based chemotherapy. METHODS: Twenty-eight breast cancer patients and 28 healthy controls participated in the study. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability were assessed using Cronbach α and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Concurrent validity was assessed via the Spearman correlation coefficient of the total scale of the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 and the Total Neuropathy Score clinical version (TNSc), and contrasting group validity was assessed via the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability of the Thai Version of EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 was high to excellent (Cronbach α = 0.89, ICC = 0.84-0.95 and 0.78-0.94, respectively). However, the concurrent validity between the Thai Version of EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 and TNSc was not considered statistically significant. Contrasting group validity demonstrated statistically significant differences between breast cancer patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results support that the Thai Version of EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 is reliable and valid in measuring TIPN symptoms in Thai women with breast cancer. The findings suggest that the Thai Version of EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 may be used to distinguish TIPN symptoms between healthy controls and women with breast cancer undergoing taxane-based chemotherapy.

Effect of optokinetic virtual reality scenes on a sitting-to-stand movement.

BACKGROUND: Visual perception plays a role in balance control while performing a sit-to-stand movement (STS). The dynamic virtual environment could reduce effective neuromuscular regulation and instability. Nevertheless, virtual reality (VR) on the STS movement was not explored in any research. OBJECTIVES: This study's aim was to investigate the effect of the VR of an optokinetic drum on the STS movement by using optokinetic drum VR scenes. METHODS: This study used a repeated measurement research design. Ninety healthy subjects aged 18-23 years with no experience in virtual reality were recruited. Each participant was asked to stand as quickly as possible from a height-adjustable chair three times under five conditions: with eyes-open (EO), eyes-closed (EC), and three VR scenes: a limited field view of an optokinetic scene, a black and white striped scene, moving in horizontal direction (VRhori), vertical direction (VRvert), and roll (VRroll). VR scenes were generated using a mobile phone in a head-mounted display. The rising index (the upward force produced by the legs as a proportion of body weight), sway velocity, and weight transfer time were measured using a NeuroCom Balance Master. RESULTS: Only VRvert condition significantly reduced weight transfer time as compared to EO and the other two VR conditions. All three VR scenes significantly reduced the rising index as compared to EO. VRvert condition significantly increased sway velocity as compared to all conditions. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that optokinetic environment scenes in virtual reality could be used as an alternative method to increase the challenge of maintaining the balance during STS.

Accuracy of the figure of 8 walk test with and without dual-task to predict falls in older adults.

BACKGROUND: The figure of eight walk test (F8W) is a measurement tool that examines the ability to walk on a curved path. Adding secondary tasks to the F8W test may increase its ability to predict falls in older adults. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of the F8W test and the F8W test with a dual-tasking in predicting future falls in older adults. METHODS: Eighty older adults between the ages of 60 and 80 were recruited. At the beginning of the study, participants completed the standard F8W test, F8W test with a cognitive task, and F8W test with a motor task. The number of falls was documented during a six-month follow-up. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to compare the accuracy for predicting falls. The cut-off points and the psychometric properties of the tests were computed. RESULTS: The F8W test with a motor task had the highest accuracy for predicting falls in older adults, with an AUC of 0.74 (95%CI = 0.63-0.83). The F8W with a motor task's optimal cut-off score was >12 s, with a sensitivity of 76.5% and a specificity of 65.0%. CONCLUSION: The F8W with a motor task was a more potent tool for detecting fall risk than the standard F8W or the F8W with a cognitive task. Clinicians may utilize the F8W with a motor task as preliminary guidelines when making clinical judgments concerning older adults who are at risk of falling.

Effects of foam pad balance exercises on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to investigate the effects of foam pad balance exercises on balance, physical performance, peripheral neuropathy symptoms, and quality of life in cancer patients undergoing taxane-based chemotherapy. METHODS: Thirty cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 15/group): control group (CG) and balance exercise group (BG). The BG were asked to perform foam pad balance exercises 60 min/day, twice/week for 6 weeks, along with conventional therapy. The CG only received conventional therapy. The Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) Score, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Michigan Diabetic Neuropathy Score (MDNS), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Taxane (FACT-Taxane) were used to assess balance, physical performance, peripheral neuropathy symptoms, and quality of life, respectively, at baseline and after 4 and 6 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: At 4 and/or 6 weeks, the CG showed a decline in FAB and SPPB Scores, while the BG maintained their baseline levels. There were significant differences in the FAB Scores between the groups at the 4th and 6th week (p = 0.04 and p < 0.01, respectively) and significant differences in SPPB Scores at only the 6th week (p = 0.03). MDNS showed no significant changes between or within groups. For FACT-Taxane between groups, the CG and BG showed significant decreases (p < 0.01) and increases (p < 0.01), respectively, at 6th week. CONCLUSIONS: Foam pad balance exercises during chemotherapy can be used to alleviate declining balance and enhance physical performance and quality of life of cancer patients.

Calf stretching and plantar fascia-specific stretching for plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain. A calf stretching (CS) and a plantar fascia-specific stretching (PFSS) are two stretching techniques commonly administered by health care providers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the literature on the application of these two stretching techniques in the treatment of PF and investigate their effectiveness and efficacy. METHOD: A search of PubMed, Web of Sciences, PEDro, CINHAL and Scopus was conducted. Studies that applied stretching as a co-intervention were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed to determine the internal validity of the included trials. The GRADE approach was adopted to determine the overall quality. Pooled analysis was performed to determine the treatment effects of CS and PFSS in terms of the mean difference in the visual analog scale pain score. RESULTS: Eight articles were found that represented randomized controlled trial and met the inclusion criteria. There was very low-quality evidence that the combined CS and PFSS was less effective in the short term than the other therapies. Comparison between CS and PFSS revealed moderate quality evidence for a larger effect of pain score reduction for PFSS treatment over CS, while very low-quality evidence supported that combined CS and PFSS or CS alone was superior to sham stretching. CONCLUSION: There was moderate to very low-quality evidence of the effectiveness of stretching for PF. The treatment effect of stretching was large and comparable to other therapies. Future trials of higher quality are needed to clarify findings or to confirm findings.

Effects of training with a custom-made visual feedback device on balance and functional lower-extremity strength in older adults: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Training with a slow and sustained mechanical load, such as standing on one leg, is an effective method for improving balance and increasing lower-extremity strength. Also, visual feedback during motor learning is important in facilitating efficient postural responses and balance skills. In this study, a custom-made visual feedback device was invented to provide the training modality and program based on single-leg standing combined with augmented visual feedback training. This study aimed to investigate the effects of visual feedback training using the custom-made visual feedback device on balance and functional lower-extremity strength in older adults. METHODS: Thirty-four independent older adults were randomly allocated to a training group (TG) and a control group (CG). The participants in the TG received training with the custom-made visual feedback device. The training duration was three sessions per week, for four weeks. The participants in the CG continued their routine activities. Balance (static and dynamic balances, and balance confidence) and functional lower-extremity strength were assessed pre- and post-training. RESULTS: Improvements in static balance (sway velocity and limit of balance during one-leg standing with eyes open) and dynamic balance (directional control of limits of stability in the backward direction) were found after training in the TG compared with the CG. No significant differences in balance confidence or functional lower-extremity strength were found between groups after training. CONCLUSION: In older adults, training with a custom-made visual feedback device could be used to improve both static and dynamic balances, but not balance confidence and functional lower-extremity strength.

Accuracy of modified 30-s chair-stand test for predicting falls in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Postural stability during sit-to-stand (STS) movements depends on visual and somatosensory information. A modification of the 30-sec chair-stand test (30s-CST) with visual and somatosensory alteration (m30CST) may improve the ability to identify fall status. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of the m30CST in predicting falls in older adults. METHODS: This prospective cohort study recruited a convenience sample of 73 individuals from Kao Kilo community, Chonburi, Thailand. Eligibility criteria were age≥65 years and independent STS ability. All participants performed the 30s-CST and m30CSTs (i.e., eyes closed and a foam surface and eyes closed and a foam surface). The fall incidence during a 6-month follow-up was recorded. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated. Twenty participants were designated for reliability and validity analyses using the 30s-CST and the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) Scale, estimating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). RESULTS: We included 37 fallers and 36 non-fallers. All tests showed excellent accuracy in classifying fallers (AUC=0.77-0.91). The m30CST with eyes closed and a foam surface had the highest AUC (0.91), with a cutoff score of 9.25 repetitions, sensitivity 92%, and specificity 81%. The m30CSTs presented excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC=0.93-0.96) and test-retest reliability (ICC=0.90-0.96), good to excellent correlation with the 30s-CST (r=0.90-0.98), and moderate to good correlation with the FAB Scale (r=0.64-0.73). CONCLUSIONS: The m30CST could be used as an alternative evaluation for predicting the risk of falls in community-dwelling older adults, with excellent accuracy.

Effects of Qigong practice in office workers with chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomized control trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Qigong practice, Guan Yin Zi Zai Gong level 1, compared with a waiting list control group among office workers with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at offices in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. Seventy-two office workers with CNLBP were screened for inclusion/exclusion criteria (age 20-40 years; sitting period more than 4 h per day) and were allocated randomly into two groups: the Qigong and waiting list groups (n = 36 each). The participants in the Qigong group took a Qigong practice class (Guan Yin Zi Zai Gong level 1) for one hour per week for six weeks at their workstation. The participants were encouraged to conduct the Qigong exercise at home every day. The waiting list group received general advice regarding low back pain management. The primary outcomes were pain intensity, measured by the visual analog scale, and back functional disability, measured by the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire. The secondary outcomes were back range of motion, core stability performance index, heart rate, respiratory rate, the Srithanya Stress Scale (ST-5), and the global perceived effect (GPE) questionnaire. RESULTS: Compared to the baseline, participants in the Qigong group experienced significantly decreased pain intensity and back functional disability. No statistically significant difference in these parameters was found in the waiting list group. Comparing the two groups, Qigong exercise significantly improved pain intensity, back functional impairment, range of motion, core muscle strength, heart rate, respiratory rate, and mental status. The Qigong group also had a significantly higher global outcome satisfaction than the waiting list group. CONCLUSION: Qigong practice is an option for treatment of CNLBP in office workers.

Training using a new multidirectional reach tool improves balance in individuals with stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous studies suggested that limits of stability (LOS) training with visual feedback using commercial equipment could be used to improve balance ability in individuals with stroke. However, this system is expensive. In this study, we created a new tool from inexpensive elements based on LOS training using visual feedback. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of training using a new multidirectional reach tool on balance in individuals with stroke. METHODS: A single-blind randomized control trial was conducted. Individuals with stroke (n = 16; age range 38-72 years) were recruited. Participants in the experimental group were trained with the multidirectional reach training for 30 min and conventional physical therapy for 30 min per day, 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Participants in the control group received conventional physical therapy for 30 min per day, 3 days a week for 4 weeks. The outcomes were LOS, weight-bearing squat, and Fullerton Advanced Balance scale. All of the outcome measures were measured at pretraining, post-training, and 1 month follow-up. RESULTS: At post-training and 1-month follow-up, the participants in the experimental group had an improvement of dynamic balance than the control group. Furthermore, the activity assessment by Fullerton Advanced Balance scale was more improved at 1 month follow-up in the experimental group than control group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide evidence that training using a new multidirectional reach tool is effective for improving balance in individuals with stroke.

Four Square Step Test With Foam Is More Accurate Than Those Without Foam for Discriminating Between Older Adults With and Without Fall History.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare the use of the four square step test (FSST) and the FSST with foam surface (FSST + foam) scores for discriminating between adults, faller older adults, and nonfaller older adults. METHODS: Fifty-four participants (18 for each group) were assessed using the FSST and FSST + foam. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated and used to compare the accuracy of the tests. RESULTS: The FSST + foam was more accurate than FSST for discriminating between faller and nonfaller older adults (area under the curves were 0.765 and 0.725, respectively) and between nonfaller older adults and adults (area under the curves were 0.99 and 0.95, respectively). The cutoff score for discriminating between faller and nonfaller older adults was 11.21, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.889 and 0.611, respectively. CONCLUSION: FSST + foam could be used as an alternative assessment for discriminating between adults, faller, and nonfaller older adults.

Comparisons of the effects of a foam pad, mung bean bag, and plastic bead bag on postural stability disturbance in healthy young adults.

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of unstable support surfaces, i.e. foam pad, mung bean bag, and plastic bead bag, on postural stability disturbance. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-two healthy young adults (11 male and 11 female; aged 21.09 ± 1.44 years; BMI 20.40 ± 1.40 kg/m(2)) participated in the study. The Balance Master™ was used to evaluate the limit of stability and the unilateral stance performance. Each participant was assessed while standing on the following surfaces: 1) a firm surface, 2) a foam pad, 3) a mung bean bag, and 4) a plastic bead bag. The order of surfaces was randomly assigned. [Results] The mung bean bag and plastic bead bag showed greater disturbances in limit of stability and unilateral stance than the foam pad. There was no significant difference in postural stability disturbance between the mung bean bag and plastic bead bag. [Conclusion] These results suggested that both the mung bean bag and plastic bead bag could be used as a low-cost tool for balance assessment instead of a foam pad in healthy young adults.

Wii balance board exercise improves balance and lower limb muscle strength of overweight young adults.

[Purpose] The potential health benefits of the Nintendo Wii balance board exercise have been widely investigated. However, no study has been conducted to examine the benefits of Wii exercise for overweight young adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise performed on a Nintendo Wii balance board on the balance and lower limb muscle strength in overweight young adults. [Subjects and Methods] Within-subject repeated measures analysis was used. Sixteen young adults (aged 21.87±1.13 years, body mass index 24.15 ± 0.50 kg/m(2)) were recruited. All subjects performed an exercise program on a Wii balance board for 8 weeks (30 min/session, twice a week for 8 weeks). A NeuroCom Balance Master and a hand-held dynamometer were used to measure balance performance and lower limb muscle strength. [Results] According to the comparison of pre- and post-intervention measurements, the Wii balance board exercise program significantly improved the limit of stability parameters. There was also a significant increase in strength of four lower-limb muscle groups: the hip flexor, knee flexor, ankle dorsiflexor and ankle plantarflexor. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that a Wii balance board exercise program can be used to improve the balance and lower limb muscle strength of overweight young adults.