Differences In Balance And Muscle Activation Strategies During Gait Initiation At Different Speeds Between Young And Middle-Aged Adults, Lynn Curtis-Vinegra

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Middle-age adults’ (MA) self-report of falls are greater compared to younger adults (YA) during ambulation. A previous study found that MA compared to YA use different strategies taking one-step forward at a fast speed. No other studies have compared the effect of two different speeds on balance variables and muscle activity during gait initiation in the MA compared to YA using an instrumented walkway. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of age and speed on balance by measuring a) the Center of Pressure (COP) in two planes: COPx (sagittal) and COPy (frontal) and the Center of …

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 Enhanced And Decreased Expectations On Balance Performance In Those With And Without Parkinson’S Disease, Joshua Ostrander, Granuaile Parrish, Jacob Blood

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: It has been reported individuals typically perform well on a task when enhanced expectancy was provided prior to task performance. It has also been reported people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are especially susceptible to pre-task placebo cuing and suggestion. Evidence of this susceptibility has been previously demonstrated through brain imaging studies and with demonstration by individuals with PD improved balance performance.

Objective: This study was designed to further previous studies’ results for improved task performance with enhanced expectancy. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the pre-task verbal delivery of enhanced expectancy, decreased expectancy and no expectancy …

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 …

Identification Of Functional Parameters For The Classification Of Older Female Fallers And Prediction Of ‘First-Time’ Fallers, Niklas König Ignasiak

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Falls remain a challenge for ageing societies. Strong evidence indicates that a previous fall is the strongest single screening indicator for a subsequent fall and the need for assessing fall risk without accounting for fall history is therefore imperative. Testing in three functional domains (using a total 92 measures) were completed in 84 older women (60–85 years of age), including muscular control, standing balance, and mean and variability of gait. Participants were retrospectively classified as fallers (n = 38) or non-fallers (n = 42) and additionally in a prospective manner to identify first-time fallers (FTFs) (n = 6) within a …

Establishing Normative Values For The Barnett Balance Assessment Tool: A Preliminary Study, Monica L. Cercone, Katherine M. Grulke-Kidd, Alora S. Haskin, Kyle M. Medearis, Clarissa J. Wegner, Ellen Herlache-Pretzer

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this study was to establish normative data for the Barnett Balance Assessment (BBA) for individuals ages 18-70+ years. The BBA is a newly developed assessment tool that may address limitations present in other assessments currently used to detect balance deficits. The BBA was administered to 141 participants who had no history of medical issues that could impact balance. A review of the normative data collected indicated little variation in total assessment scores in the age categories of 18-29, 30-39, and 40-49, due to the presence of a ceiling effect. Variations existed in scores among participants in the …

Sensory Electrical Stimulation Improves Foot Placement During Targeted Stepping Post-Stroke, Eric R. Walker, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Brian D. Schmit

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Proper foot placement is vital for maintaining balance during walking, requiring the integration of multiple sensory signals with motor commands. Disruption of brain structures post-stroke likely alters the processing of sensory information by motor centers, interfering with precision control of foot placement and walking function for stroke survivors. In this study, we examined whether somatosensory stimulation, which improves functional movements of the paretic hand, could be used to improve foot placement of the paretic limb. Foot placement was evaluated before, during, and after application of somatosensory electrical stimulation to the paretic foot during a targeted stepping task. Starting from standing, …

Efficacy Of A Carbon Fiber Orthotic Toe-Off Brace In Adults With Cerebral Palsy, June Kume, John R. Magel, Erin Dicandia, Justine Hoffman, Robert Issing, Joshua Little, Tyler Roden

The School of Health Sciences Publications and Research

Purpose/Hypothesis : This pilot study evaluated the effects of a unique carbon fiber ankle/foot orthosis for individuals diagnosed with foot drop (“Toe-Off” design, Allard USA, Inc). We hypothesized that use of this brace would be useful for adults with cerebral palsy (CP) as evidenced by improved gait characteristics including gait endurance and balance.

Number of Subjects : A convenience sample of 4 patients, between the ages of 29 and 55, with diagnoses of cerebral palsy, was successfully recruited from United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Suffolk (Central Islip, NY). All individuals received regular physical therapy at UCP prior to and throughout …

Modern Technology And An Aging Population: Can The Use Of The Wii Fit Gaming System Improve Functional Balance In Community Dwelling Seniors?, Curtis N. Phillips

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Seniors are a growing segment of the population of the United States. By 2030 they will make up nearly 20% of the general population. Senior citizens face many health challenges as they age. Injury due to falling is a major concern for many in this age group. Research shows that approximately one third of seniors will fall each year. Injuries that result from falls have been identified as the number one cause of accidental death in this age group each year. While falls have been studied by researchers for a number of years, and some progress has been made in …

Alterations In Visual Processing And Its Impact On Upright Postural Stability In Athletes Following Sport-Related Concussion, Andrea E. Cripps

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Athletes are at risk of sustaining a concussion in all sports and at all competitive levels which may lead to balance impairments. Balance results from the integration of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory information. The underlying pathophysiology for balance impairments is not well understood and visuo-motor processing impairments and how these impairments contribute to balance in concussed athletes has not been reported. Objectives: (1) to investigate the influence of visual perturbation on upright postural stability and balance in athletes who have recently suffered a sports-related concussion, (2) to establish the test-retest reliability of a simple visuo-motor processing task. Design: A longitudinal, …

Test-Retest Reliability And Construct Validity Of The Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment In People With Stroke, Jennifer Canbek, George Fulk, John Echternach

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background and Purpose: The Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) is commonly used to measure balance ability in older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the POMA and explore its cross-sectional and longitudinal construct validity for use in people early after stroke.

Methods: Participants were recruited if they had a first documented stroke and were receiving physical therapy during inpatient rehabilitation. The POMA, gait speed, and motor Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores were collected at admission and at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. A second trial of the POMA was …

Two-Week Joint Mobilization Intervention Improves Self-Reported Function, Range Of Motion, And Dynamic Balance In Those With Chronic Ankle Instability, Matthew C. Hoch, Richard D. Andreatta, David R. Mullineaux, Robert A. English, Jennifer M. Medina Mckeon, Carl G. Mattacola, Patrick O. Mckeon

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

We examined the effect of a 2-week anterior-to-posterior ankle joint mobilization intervention on weight-bearing dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), dynamic balance, and self-reported function in subjects with chronic ankle instability (CAI). In this prospective cohort study, subjects received six Maitland Grade III anterior-to-posterior joint mobilization treatments over 2 weeks. Weight-bearing dorsiflexion ROM, the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and self-reported function on the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) were assessed 1 week before the intervention (baseline), prior to the first treatment (pre-intervention), 24-48 h following the final treatment (post-intervention), and 1 …

Use Of A Video Game Based Balance Training Intervention On The Balance And Function Of Children With Developmental Disabilities, Gina C. Siconolfi-Morris

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Many children with developmental disabilities (DD) have physical impairments and limitations in their participation. Rehabilitation research often focuses on either physical impairments or participation restrictions, when both need to be investigated. The purposes of these two studies were to evaluate an at home therapist directed video game balance training intervention on balance, gait velocity (GV), hip strength and activities of children with DD. The pilot study was a single-subject non-concurrent multiple baseline design. Balance measures included: weight bearing symmetry; center of pressure area and velocity; time to boundary mean minima and standard deviation; and timed up and go. The participant’s …

The Development Of The Self-Efficacy Of Balance Scale (Sebs): Investigation Of Psychometric Properties In Female Basketball Players, Carrie Silkman Baker

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Lower extremity injuries are the most common sports related injury. Many steps have been taken to attempt to identify individuals who might be at a higher risk for sustaining a lower extremity injury. Resource and time intensive screening techniques have been used previously to attempt to identify such individuals. However these techniques have focused heavily on postural control and landing mechanics in athletes, no psychological measure has been used to identify individuals who might be at a higher risk of lower extremity injury.

Self-efficacy of balance can be defined as how capable an individual feels he or she can balance …

The Immediate Effects Of Two Different Frequencies Of Whole Body Vibration On Balance And Flexibility, Chung-Liang Lai, Shiuan-Yu Tseng, Chun-Huo Wang, Mu-Jung Kao, Te-Zhang Zhang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background and Purpose: Whole body vibration (WBV) training is a novel exercise intervention that is used in both athletic and general populations with the aim of improving muscle strength and balancing ability. The present study investigated the immediate effects of different frequencies of WBV on flexibility and balance performance.Methods: Thirty untrained subjects were assigned to a 5-min horizontal WBV (LV-1000, X-trend, Taiwan) training session using a vibrating plate that produced sinusoidal oscillation at 20 Hz (low frequency) and 40 Hz (high frequency) with constant amplitude. Balance ability was assessed using the Balance system (Biodex, USA), including the limits of stability …

An Examination Of The Effectiveness Of An 8-Week Bikram Yoga Program On Mindfulness, Perceived Stress, And Physical Fitness, Zoe L. Hewett, Lynda B. Ransdell, Yong Gao, Linda M. Petlichkoff, Shelley M. Lucas

Kinesiology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Previous research reports positive effects of yoga on health. The physical and psychological outcomes of participation in Bikram yoga are under-researched despite its increasing popularity, and this type of yoga may be significant with regards to stress management due to its unique method of practice. This study was designed to assess changes in levels of mindfulness, perceived stress, and physical fitness after participation in an 8-week Bikram yoga program. Fifty-one participants aged 20–54 years (mean, 31.57 years) were recruited by word of mouth from a large university located in the Northwestern United States. Participants attended a minimum of 20 Bikram …

Effects Of Fatigue On The Balance Error Scoring System For Concussion Testing In Healthy And Previous Concussed Participants, Jason M. Graham

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

There has been a recent increase in the attention of concussions in the media and research world. One of the major factors that contribute to injuries including concussion is fatigue. This study has been designed to allow athletic trainers to decipher whether a potential balance insufficiency in an acutely concussed athlete is due to fatigue or the side affects of the concussion on postural stability. The study examined 30 college-aged athletes from a multitude of sports who had either sustained a concussion or never had a concussion. Participants were randomly grouped into one of three groups: non-concussed control group, non-concussed …

The Acute Effects Of Static Stretching Of The Gastrocnemius On Limits Of Stability In Young Adults Versus Elderly Adults, Matt Bugnet, Kirk Player

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Balance is an important part of everyday life for all individuals with many body systems interacting to achieve optimal balance. Proprioceptive organs aid in this interaction, while also acting as stretch receptors. Therefore, it is possible that stretching may influence the overall balance of the individual. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of stretching on dynamic balance of healthy young and elderly adults. The two groups were used to determine if stretching may discriminately affect balance at different ages.

Subjects: Thirty healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 35 …

The Able Scale: The Development And Psychometric Properties Of A New Outcome Measure For The Spinal Cord Injury Population, Elizabeth Ardolino

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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The Effect Of An Incline Walking Surface And The Contribution Of Balance On Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters Of Older Adults, Richard A. Ferraro

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Test-Retest Reliability And Minimal Detectable Change Scores For The Timed "Up & Go" Test, The Six-Minute Walk Test, And Gait Speed In People With Alzheimer Disease, Julie D. Ries, John L. Echternach, Leah Nof, Michelle Gagnon Blodgett

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background. With the increasing incidence of Alzheimer disease (AD), determining the validity and reliability Of Outcome measures for people with this disease is necessary.

Objective. The goals of this study were to assess test-retest reliability of data for the Timed "Up & Go" Test (TUG), the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and gait speed and to calculate minimal detectable change (MDC) scores for each outcome measure. Performance differences between groups With mild to moderate AD and moderately severe to severe AD (as determined by the Functional Assessment Staging [FAST] scale) were Studied.

Design. This was a prospective, nonexperimental, descriptive methodological study. …

Visual Contributions To The Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex During Balance Recovery Tasks, Mark D. Diehl

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is quantified by computing the ratio of head angular velocity and eye angular velocity (VOR Gain). This measure only includes head angular movements; linear translations are not accounted for. These investigations postulate an alternative method of VOR quantification, one that assesses retinal image stability during head angular and linear movements (Foveal fixation (FF)). This method was used to assess the role of vision in balance reactions. Methods: Experiment 1 : Ten Young subjects were fitted with an eye tracker linked to an EM kinematic recording system. This allowed for the recording of head, trunk and …

Functional Ankle Instability Does Not Effect The Average Center Of Pressure Position In The Coronal Plane, Jessica A. Presnell

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: It is not known if functionally unstable ankles have a different medial to lateral center of pressure placement compared to the contralateral uninjured limb. Objective: To compare the average medial/lateral position of the center of pressure, from the midline of the foot, in functionally unstable ankles to the contralateral uninjured ankle. Design: A 1 X 2 within subject design guided this study. The independent variable was ankle health (functional ankle instability or uninjured). Setting: Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-six, physically-active, volunteers who suffer from unilateral functional ankle instability (F AI) [M: 10 F: 16 age: 21±2.1 y ht: …

Use Of Item Response Analysis To Investigate Measurement Properties And Clinical Validity Of Data For The Dynamic Gait Index, Yi-Po Chiu, Stacy L. Fritz, Kathye E. Light, Craig A. Velozo

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Background and Purpose. The Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) is a standardized clinical assessment that aids in evaluating a subject’s ability to modify gait in response to changing demands. The purpose of this study was to use Rasch measurement theory to examine whether the DGI rating scale meets suggested psychometric guidelines, whether the hierarchical order of DGI tasks is consistent with a clinically logical testing procedure, and whether the DGI represents a unidimensional construct. Subjects. Subjects were 84 community-dwelling male veterans (age range=64–88 years; mean±SD=75±6.47 years). Methods. Data were retrieved retrospectively from the participants’ clinical records. The Rasch measurement model with …

A Comparison Of Hip Versus Ankle Exercises In Elders And The Influence On Balance And Gait, Laura Z. Gras, Pamela Levangie, Mary (Tina) Goodwin-Segal, Deborah A. Lawrence

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Purpose: Reductions in hip and ankle strength and range of motion (ROM) in elderly subjects have been associated with decreased functional mobility and risk of falls. The purpose of this research was to determine if short duration hip or ankle interventions designed to increase ROM and strength could improve ROM and strength of those joints, as well as improve balance and gait outcomes. Methods: Well elderly volunteers recruited from retirement communities and a senior citizen center were randomly assigned to a hip or ankle intervention group. Both groups performed a home exercise program (HEP) of stretching 5 days a week …

Whole Body Momentum During Gait: A Preliminary Study Of Non-Fallers And Frequent Fallers, Guy G. Simoneau, David E. Krebs

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

The importance of momentum in compensating for elderly individua ls ' strength deficits to achieve activities of daily living. such as rising from a chair ha.!o been demonstrated in earlier studies. Here we present a case control study of three healthy "non-fallers" and two "frequent fallers," All 5 elders were community-living and were tested in the gai l laboratory. A four-camera Selspot system was used to obtain whole-body momentum from an 11-segment kinematic model. Ground reaction forces and kinematics were used 10 calculate lower extremity join! moments. With the exception of the whole-body's angular momentum about the vertical axis, linear …