Will Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex And Balance Rehabilitation Reduce Visual Deficits & Improve Stability Of A Patient With Multiple Sclerosis?, Natalie Hunt, Jennifer Kiggins

Sacred Heart University Scholar

Context: Identification of rehabilitation exercises to decrease symptomology in a patient with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is necessary for enhancing quality of life. Various vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) rehabilitation exercises can help patients adapt to balance problems. Currently, no researcher has utilized the VSR™ Sport and inVision™ systems by NeuroCom® for rehabilitation among patients with MS.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to create a rehabilitation protocol incorporating VOR and balance exercises to decrease visual deficits and improve stability in a patient with MS. This study will examine the effects of rehabilitation and determine if scores improve from baseline testing.

Design: …

Posture And Gaze Tracking Of A Vertically Moving Target Reveals Age-Related Constraints In Visuo-Motor Coupling, Haralampos Sotirakis, Anastasia Kyvelidou, Nicholas Stergiou, Vassilia Hatzitaki

Journal Articles

Previously we have demonstrated that the effect of aging on posture and gaze active tracking of a visual target moving in the horizontal direction is dependent on target’s complexity. In this study, we asked whether a similar phenomenon is present when tracking a visual target moving with varying complexity in the vertical direction. Ten young (22.98 ± 2.9 years) and 10 older adults (72.45 ± 4.72 years) tracked for 120 s, a visual target moving vertically by shifting their bodyweight in the anterior-posterior direction. Three target motions were tested: a simple periodic (sine wave), a more complex (Lorenz attractor) and …

Correlation Between Volitional And Functional Balance Control In Healthy Young Athletes, Kerri Grothaus, Andrea Cripps, Adam Fullenkamp, Matt Laurent

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

In Volume 3, Issue 1 of the JSMAHS you will find Professionals abstracts, as well Under Graduate student research abstracts, case reports, and critically appraised topics.

Thank you for viewing this 3^rd Annual OATA Special Edition.

Attention Is Associated With Postural Control In Those With Chronic Ankle Instability, Adam B. Rosen, Nicholas T. Than, William Z. Smith, Jennifer M. Yentes, Melanie L. Mcgrath, Mukul Mukherjee, Sara A. Myers, Arthur C. Maerlender

Health and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is often debilitating and may be affected by a number of intrinsic and environmental factors. Alterations in neurocognitive function and attention may contribute to repetitive injury in those with CAI and influence postural control strategies. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in attentional functioning and static postural control among groups of Comparison, Coper and CAI participants and assess the relationship between them within each of the groups. Recruited participants performed single-limb balance trials and completed the CNS Vital Signs (CNSVS) computer-based assessment to assess their attentional function. Center …

Influence Of Compression Socks On Unilateral Balance In Females, Alex E. Carlson

Honors Theses

The application of compression garments for various purposes has become popular in recent years. Research regarding the effectiveness of these garments has shown an increase in variables such as increased blood flow, decreased post-exercise soreness, and increased joint position awareness. However, little research is available concerning their possible use to increase joint stability. This research examined the efficacy of graduated compression stockings (GCS) to increase proprioceptive feedback from the ankle joint. It was hypothesized that continuous stimulation of sensory receptors in the ankle region by use of GCS would improve an individual’s static unilateral balance. Seventeen females (age: 20 +/- …

The Effect Of Loaded Backpack Usage On Balance After A Functional Daily Stair Task, Shanni Moorse, Alyssa Haus, Seth A. Paradis

Applied Health Sciences Student Works

Backpack usage is common among many age groups, including college students. As students go about their daily routines, they may reach cardiorespiratory fatigue (CRF). CRF achieved via a treadmill workout has been shown to significantly increase body sway during balance tasks compared to pre- fatigue values. Additionally, it has been shown that increasing backpack loads decreases balance ability. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to combine these two ideas to assess the effect of loaded backpack usage on balance by quantitatively measuring balance after a functional daily stair task (FDST) designed to resemble CRF. METHODS: 7 male and 13 …

The Effect Of Military Load Carriage On Postural Sway, Forward Trunk Lean, And Pelvic Girdle Motion, Eileen M. Strube, Andrea Sumner, Roger O. Kollock Jr, Kenneth E. Games, Marie A. Lackamp, Masahiro Mizutani, Joellen M. Sefton

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(1): 25-36, 2017. Musculoskeletal injuries are a common occurrence in military service members. It is believed that the load carried by the service member impedes stability and alters back and pelvis kinematics, increasing their susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries, specifically in the lower extremities. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two different loads on postural sway, forward trunk lean, and pelvic girdle motion in United States Army Cadets. Twenty male Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Cadets participated in this study. Each participant performed the Modified Clinical Testing of Sensory Interaction (mCTSIB) …

The Effect Of Repetitive Head Impacts On Postural Control Over The Course Of A Single Season, Katelyn E. Grimes

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Recently neurocognitive dysfunction has been linked to poor postural control in concussed athletes. While the detrimental effect of repetitive head impacts on cognitive function have been shown to mirror the effects of concussive injury, very little research has investigated the physical consequences of repetitive head impacts. PURPOSE: To observe the effects of RHI on postural control, both static and dynamic, in NCAA Division I athletes over the course of a single season. METHODS: 9 NCAA Division I football athletes (CON) were recruited from a single university as the experimental group, as well as 9 NCAA Division I baseball players …

The Effects Of A 12-Week Custom Foot Orthotic Intervention On The Intrinsic Muscles Of The Foot, And Dynamic Stability During Unexpected Gait Termination In Healthy Young Adults, Katrina Protopapas

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Introduction: Custom-made foot orthotics (CFO’s) are a commonly prescribed intervention to help individuals that are suffering from foot pain and foot disorders. However, the mechanisms of CFO’s are still poorly understood and are not well known. With the plantar intrinsic muscles of the foot being in direct contact with the CFO, it puts these structures at risk for disuse muscle atrophy as a result of being offloaded. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to determine the effect of a 12-week custom-made foot orthotic intervention on the intrinsic muscles of the foot and dynamic stability during unexpected gait termination. …

Athletes Who Train On Unstable Compared To Stable Surfaces Exhibit Unique Postural Control Strategies In Response To Balance Perturbations, D. S. Blaise Williams Iii, Nicholas G. Murray, Douglas W. Powell

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Background

Athletes have been shown to exhibit better balance compared to non-athletes (NON). However, few studies have investigated how the surface on which athletes train affects the strategies adopted to maintain balance. Two distinct athlete groups who experience different types of sport-specific balance training are stable surface athletes (SSA) such as basketball players and those who train on unstable surfaces (USA) such as surfers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of training surface on dynamic balance in athletes compared to NON.

Methods

Eight NON, eight SSA, and eight USA performed five 20-s trials in each of …

The Relationship Between Intermittent Limit Cycles And Postural Instability Associated With Parkinson’S Disease, James R. Chagdes, Jessica E. Huber, Meredith Saletta, Meghan Darling-White, Arvind Raman, Shirley Rietdyk, Howard N. Zelaznik, Jeffrey M. Haddad

School of Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Background: Many disease-specifc factors such as muscular weakness, increased muscle stiffness, varying postural strategies, and changes in postural refexes have been shown to lead to postural instability and fall risk in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recently, analytical techniques, inspired by the dynamical systems perspective on movement control and coordination, have been used to examine the mechanisms underlying the dynamics of postural declines and the emergence of postural instabilities in people with PD. Methods: A wavelet-based technique was used to identify limit cycle oscillations (LCOs) in the anterior–posterior (AP) postural sway of people with mild PD (n = 10) compared …

Assessing And Reporting Normative Data And Correlations In Adolescent Non-Professional Dancers, Alexandrea Holley

All NMU Master's Theses

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to gather normative data and determine if there was a correlation for multiple measures in adolescent dancers, specifically in relation to the hip joint including: balance, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. Design: Descriptive Correlation. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Thirty-one female volunteers (mean age 12.52 ± 2.26), were recruited to participate in the university IRB approved study. Interventions: During the testing, the participants filled out a qualitative questionnaire, had their anthropometric data measured, and were assessed on flexibility of the hamstring. Functional measurements of muscular strength and endurance of the hip flexor, sacrum imbalance, …

The Temporal And Directional Dependencies Of Sway During 10 Seconds Of Single Leg Stance In Young, Healthy College Students, David Vanderheyden

Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE)

Background: Single Leg Stance (SLS) testing is used in clinical assessments of balance, but little is known about the temporal structure of sway parameters during this test. SLS research is equivocal on the effects of sway over time and the direction of balance initiation. Sway data in a healthy young population may provide insight on how balance is initiated and maintained in relation to the initial step direction. This may lead to novel approaches to help healthy elderly populations decrease fall risk and fall-related mortality. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the temporal and directional dependencies of …

Comparison Of Muscle Latencies For Diabetic Neuropathy Patients Versus Healthy Controls During A Perturbed Balance Task, Kyle Mefferd

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to compare muscle latencies for patients diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy versus healthy controls during a perturbed balance task, with a secondary purpose to distinguish postural control strategies the groups used based on the muscle latencies. Five participants diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy (DN; 4 male, 99.7 ± 7.95 kg, 176 ± 9.58 cm, 46.6 ± 16.55 years) and 5 healthy control (HC; 4 male, 100.36 ± 12.61 kg, 173.76 ± 9.66 cm, 47 ± 13.42 years) participants were recruited. Participants granted institutionally approved written consent before participating. Delsys Trigino Wireless EMG sensors were placed on …

The Effect Of Balance-Based Torso-Weighting On Mobility, Gait, Balance, Postural Control, And Falls Efficacy In Mobility Limited Older Adults, Jennifer L. Vincenzo

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Exercise is a known intervention to prevent fall risk among older adults; however, adherence is poor. Therefore, it is of interest to determine if other interventions improve function and decrease fall risk among older adults. Balance-Based Torso-Weighting (BBTW) is a non-exercise intervention that improves functional measures among adults with multiple sclerosis, yet the effectiveness of BBTW has not been assessed among older adults without progressive neurological disorders. We conducted a double-blind, randomized study to analyze the effect of BBTW on functional measures and falls efficacy among community-dwelling, mobility limited older adults after 5 days of wearing BalanceWear® for 4 hours …

The Effects Of 12 Weeks Of Instructor-Led Yoga Classes On Balance In Older Adults, Patricia C. Hart

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Participation in a regular exercise program is an effective way to reduce and/or prevent a number of functional declines associated with aging (Chodzko-Zajo et al., 2009). Older adults are advised to participate in regular aerobic activity and practice muscle strengthening activities and exercise that maintains or improves balance (U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, [USDHHS], 2012). Less than one third of older adults engage in 30 minutes of low to moderate intense physical activity at least five days a week as recommended in current guidelines (USDHHS, 2012), and these guidelines fail to address losses in strength and flexibility seen …

A Comparison Of Aquatic- Vs. Land-Based Plyometrics On Various Performance Variables, Mallory S. Kobak, Michael J. Rebold, Renee Desalvo, Ronald Otterstetter

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(2) : 134-144, 2015. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of an aquatic- (W) and land-based (L) plyometric program on balance, vertical jump height, and isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength. Thirty-four participants were randomized into three groups, W (n = 12), L (n = 11), and control (n = 11). The W and L groups completed an eight-week plyometric program. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of condition (F = 346.95, p < 0.001) and interaction between condition by time (F = 1.88, p = 0.01). Paired samples t-tests revealed statistically significant improvements from …

Lower Extremity Proprioception And Physical Performance Testing: A Correlation Study, Danielle Aguilar, Erin Drozd, Clara Borja, Dr.Jason Winchester, Dr. Chad Jackson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Proprioception is a function of the somatosensory system which has implications for activities of daily living, athletic endeavors, and risk of injury. It has been suggested that athletes who sustain injuries may have decreased proprioception and a corresponding increase in the risk of re-injury. Interventions for injury prevention and/or recovery may include, but are not limited to, emphasis on proprioceptive ability via joint position awareness. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if a correlation exists between proprioceptive ability and other components of physical performance such as lower body muscular power and change of direction. It was hypothesized that …

The Effect Of Training Older Adults In Tai Chi And Compensatory Stepping On Balance Control, Hannah L. Moore Miss

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Abstract

Introduction: In Canadian society, there is a growing prevalence of older adults and one of the main problems facing this generation today is the risk of falling. Tai Chi (TC) is a martial art that has demonstrated improvements in balance control. It uses a series of fluid movements that engage head, neck and trunk rotation while simultaneously reducing base of support. In addition, it has been demonstrated that training older adults by administering unpredictable perturbations to challenge balance better equips them to react successfully in response to balance perturbations. This study aims to determine the potential balance specific benefits …

Balance And Power In Older Adults With And Without A History Of Falls, Stephanie Michelle Gray

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to observe the differences between power and balance in older adults over the age of 65 with and without falls. A total of 62 community dwelling older adults between the ages of 65 and 92 participated in the study. Two groups consisted of 25 fallers and 37 non-fallers. No statistical differences were found between groups on age, height, weight, or BMI. Testing included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to test balance, the Tendo Weightlifting Analyzer (TWA) during a sit-to-stand to test lower body power, and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) to …

Correlational Analysis Of Bmi And Balance In Adults 50 And Over, Rachel D. Latimer, Casi Helbig

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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Benefits Of Resistance Training For Balance In Elderly Populations, Trevor J. Fields, Malinda A. Riggins, Jeffrey B. Casebolt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

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Evaluation Of Static And Dynamic Postural Control In Athletes With Concussions During Recovery, Nicholas Murray

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Approximately seventy-six percent of individuals with a sport-related concussion present with reduced balance. Current Return-to-Play (RTP) protocols rely heavily on measures of static balance that are not environmentally relevant. However, due to the variable nature of symptom presentation, research has not clearly defined a requisite time for balance recovery following a sport-related concussion. The use of novel procedures such as monitoring postural control during an environmentally relevant dynamic balance tasks could refine the timeline for recovery of postural control and aid in mitigating the potential severe consequences of Second Impact Syndrome. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate …

The Relationship Among Ankle Function, Functional Capacity, And Body Composition To Balance In Geriatric Populations, Joseph Robert Chaney

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this research study was to identify significant relationships among measures of ankle strength, ankle range of motion, body composition, and functional capacity to balance ability in geriatric populations which may potentially assist in identifying older individuals with increased risk of falling. A battery of five test (ankle strength assessments, ankle range of motion , DXA, functional fitness, and balance) were administered to 20 participants (6 males, 14 females, mean age 69.78 ± 3.98) that had indicated to be at least 65 years of age or older and no history of falls within the previous 12 months. …

Effect Of Dehydration On Concomitant Measures Of Cognitive Function And Balance, Stephanie Marie Watson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

During activities of daily living, there are demands placed on the body both cognitively and physically. These demands are multiplied when performing an athletic endeavor. Many studies have demonstrated the negative impact dehydration has on cognitive and muscle functions, independently. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of dehydration on central nervous system and peripheral nervous system fatigue as expressed through concomitant factors of cognitive function and balance. Subjects were to consist of 20 participates aged 18-35 years old who reported running a minimum of 45 minutes per exercise bout at least 3 times per week. The …

Complexity-Based Measures Inform Tai Chi's Impact On Standing Postural Control In Older Adults With Peripheral Neuropathy, Brad Manor, Lewis A. Lipsitz, Peter M. Wayne, C-K Peng, Li Li

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Background: Tai Chi training enhances physical function and may reduce falls in older adults with and without balance disorders, yet its effect on postural control as quantified by the magnitude or speed of center-of-pressure (COP) excursions beneath the feet is less clear. We hypothesized that COP metrics derived from complex systems theory may better capture the multi-component stimulus that Tai Chi has on the postural control system, as compared with traditional COP measures.

Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of a pilot, non-controlled intervention study that examined the effects of Tai Chi on standing COP dynamics, plantar sensation, and physical …

Biomechanical Effects Of Obesity On Balance, Hannah Del Porto, Celia Pechak, Darla Smith, Rebecca Reed-Jones

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 5(4) : 301-320, 2012. The objective of this review was to analyze the current literature related to the effects of obesity on balance. These effects were observed during conditions of static balance, perturbed balance and dynamic balance during gait. The literature review included studies focused on the biomechanical effects of obesity, the relationship between weight loss and balance, and the relative efficacy of weight loss as a balance intervention. The older adult population, which faces increased risk of falls and related injuries, was highlighted where targeted research was available. The existing literature provides evidence for …

Taking Balance Measurement Out Of The Laboratory And Into The Home: Discriminatory Capability Of Novel Centre Of Pressure Measurement In Fallers And Non-Fallers, Denise Mcgrath, Emer P. Doheny, Lorcan Walsh, David Mckeown, Clodagh Cunningham, Lisa Crosby, Rose Anne Kenny, Nikolaos Stergiou, Brian Caulfield, Barry R. Greene

Journal Articles

We investigated three methods for estimating centre of pressure excursions, as measured using a portable pressure sensor matrix, in order to deploy similar technology into the homes of older adults for longitudinal monitoring of postural control and falls risk. We explored the utility of these three methods as markers of falls risk in a cohort of 120 community dwelling older adults with and without a history of falls (65 fallers, 55 non-fallers). A number of standard quantitative balance parameters were derived using each centre of pressure estimation method. Rank sum tests were used to test for significant differences between fallers …

Postural Control Strategy During Standing Is Altered In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis, Jessie M. Huisinga, Jenna M. Yentes, Mary Filipi, Nikolaos Stergiou

Journal Articles

Disturbances in balance are one of the first reported symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), yet limited research has been performed to classify the postural control deficits in this population. This study investigated the variability present in the sway patterns during quiet standing in patients with MS (PwMS) and healthy controls. Subjects were assessed (eyes open, closed) standing on a force platform. Variability of the sway patterns was quantified using a measure of amount of variability (root mean square; RMS) and two measures of temporal structure of variability (Lyapunov Exponent – LyE; Approximate Entropy – ApEn). RMS results revealed significantly higher …

Influence Of A Short-Term, Multicomponent Intervention On Balance And Strength Among The Elderly, Pamela C. Webert

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Few studies have combined strength and balance training to assess improvement of activities of daily living among subjects over the age of 65. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how an eight-week balance and strength training program can lead to improvements in activities of daily living among elderly individuals.

Methods: The subjects consisted of 14 elderly women and 3 elderly men who were all residents of an independent living community. There were 10 subjects in the intervention group and 7 subjects in the control group. The intervention group participated in a supervised balance and strength …