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Abstract Swim tests are highly effective for identifying vestibular deficits in rodents by offering significant vestibular motor challenges with reduced proprioceptive input, unlike rotarod and balance beam tests. Traditional swim tests rely on subjective assessments, limiting objective quantification and reproducibility. We present a novel instrumented swim test using a miniature motion sensor with a 3D accelerometer and 3D gyroscope affixed to the rodent’s head. This setup robustly quantifies six-dimensional motion—three translational and three rotational axes—during swimming with high temporal resolution. We demonstrate the test’s capabilities by comparing head movements of Gpr156 -/- mutant mice, which have impaired otolith organ development, to their heterozygous littermates. Our results show axis-specific differences in head movement probability distribution functions and dynamics that identify mice with the Gpr156 mutation. Axis-specific power spectrum analyses reveal selective movement alterations within distinct frequency ranges. Additionally, our spherical visualization and 3D analysis quantifies swimming performance based on head vector distance from upright. We use this analysis to generate a single classifier metric—a weighted average of an animal’s head deviation from upright during swimming. This metric effectively distinguishes animals with vestibular dysfunction from those with normal vestibular function. Overall, this instrumented swim test provides quantitative metrics for assessing performance and identifying subtle, axis- and frequency-specific deficits not captured by existing systems. This novel quantitative approach can enhance understanding of rodent sensorimotor function including enabling more selective and reproducible studies of vestibular-motor deficits.

Swim tests are highly effective for identifying vestibular deficits in rodents by offering significant vestibular motor challenges with reduced proprioceptive input, unlike rotarod and balance beam tests. Traditional swim tests rely on subjective assessments, limiting objective quantification and reproducibility. We present a novel instrumented swim test using a miniature motion sensor with a 3D accelerometer and 3D gyroscope affixed to the rodent's head. This setup robustly quantifies six-dimensional motion—three translational and three rotational axes—during swimming with high temporal resolution. We demonstrate the test's capabilities by comparing head movements of Gpr156-/- mutant mice, which have impaired otolith organ development, to their heterozygous littermates. Our results show axis-specific differences in head movement probability distribution functions and dynamics that identify mice with the Gpr156 mutation. Axis-specific power spectrum analyses reveal selective movement alterations within distinct frequency ranges. Additionally, our spherical visualization and 3D analysis quantifies swimming performance based on head vector distance from upright. We use this analysis to generate a single classifier metric—a weighted average of an animal's head deviation from upright during swimming. This metric effectively distinguishes animals with vestibular dysfunction from those with normal vestibular function. Overall, this instrumented swim test provides quantitative metrics for assessing performance and identifying subtle, axis- and frequency-specific deficits not captured by existing systems. This novel quantitative approach can enhance understanding of rodent sensorimotor function including enabling more selective and reproducible studies of vestibular-motor deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background An important question influencing therapy for dizziness is whether the strengths of the relationships of emotional and functional aspects of dizziness to 1) anxiety and other mental states, 2) perceived state of health (SoH) and quality of life (QoL) are different in patients with and without normal balance control. We attempted to answer this question by examining these dimensions’ regression strengths with Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores. Methods We divided 40 patients receiving group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness, into 2 groups: dizziness only (DO) and normal balance control; dizziness and a quantified balance deficit (QBD). Group-wise, we first performed stepwise multivariate regression analysis relating total DHI scores with Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) sub-scores obtained pre- and post-therapy. Then, regression analysis was expanded to include SoH, QoL, and balance scores. Finally, we performed regressions with DHI sub-scores. Results In both groups, the BSI phobic anxiety state score was selected first in the multivariate regression analysis. In the DO group, obsessiveness/compulsiveness was also selected. The correlation coefficient, R, was 0.74 and 0.55 for the DO and QBD groups, respectively. When QoL and SoH scores were included, R values increased to 0.86 and 0.74, explaining in total 74, and 55% of the DHI variance for DO and QBD groups, respectively. Correlations with balance scores were not significant (R ≤ 0.21). The psychometric scores selected showed the strongest correlations with emotional DHI sub-scores, and perceived QoL and SoH scores with functional DHI sub-scores. Conclusions Our findings suggest that reducing phobic anxiety and obsessiveness/compulsiveness during CBT may improve emotional aspects of dizziness and targeting perceived SoH and QoL may improve functional aspects of dizziness for those with and without normal balance control.

Objective: Cognitive and motor disintegration and other functional disturbances in various neuropsychiatric disorders may be related to inhibitory deficits that may manifest as a persistence or re-expression of primitive reflexes and few recent data suggest that these deficits may occur in Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).Methods: We have tested a hypothesis to which extent ADHD symptoms and balance deficits are related to persisting primitive reflexes, such as Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) and Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) in 80 medication-naïve children with ADHD (40 boys and 40 girls) in the school age (8–11 years) and compared these data with a control group of 60 children (30 boys and 30 girls).Results: These data show new finding that ADHD symptoms and balance deficits are strongly and specifically associated with persistent ATNR in girls and STNR in boys.Conclusions: These results provide first evidence in medical literature that ADHD in girls and boys is specifically related to distinguished neurological developmental mechanisms related to disinhibition of primitive reflexes.

Objective: Cognitive and motor disintegration and other functional disturbances in various neuropsychiatric disorders may be related to inhibitory deficits that may manifest as a persistence or re-expression of primitive reflexes and few recent data suggest that these deficits may occur in Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methods: We have tested a hypothesis to which extent ADHD symptoms and balance deficits are related to persisting primitive reflexes, such as Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) and Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) in 80 medication-naïve children with ADHD (40 boys and 40 girls) in the school age (8–11 years) and compared these data with a control group of 60 children (30 boys and 30 girls). Results: These data show new finding that ADHD symptoms and balance deficits are strongly and specifically associated with persistent ATNR in girls and STNR in boys. Conclusions: These results provide first evidence in medical literature that ADHD in girls and boys is specifically related to distinguished neurological developmental mechanisms related to disinhibition of primitive reflexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Balance and gait are key factors in healthy aging. Existing research indicates that the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) can offer objective measures to distinguish between deficits and improvements in dynamic postural-control related to lower extremity injury and induced fatigue. Therefore, SEBT is taken into consideration due to its low cost, ease of use, validity, and reliability. Additionally, the testing pattern is reflected in daily activities that are comparable. The research that is currently available indicates that no study has utilised or employed the SEBT with an older population. Furthermore, neither the reference value nor the normalised data for this test are available. Aim: To establish and provide a reference value of SEBT and its relationship with age and gender in older adults. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in MYAS-GNDU, Department of Sports Sciences and Medicine, Amritsar, Punjab, India, and a convenience sample of 139 subjects were included after obtaining written informed consent and screening through inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sample consisted of 70 men and 69 women, age 55-65 years. The subjects were approached from the different locations of the Punjab. Following the documentation of subject characteristics and subjective data sheet, each participants limb length was measured. Afterward in each of the test directions, each participant completed four practice and three recorded reaches. Testing was done in each of the eight directions. Results: The mean age and height of participants was 60.78±2.70 years and 167.64±9.86 cm. The normative values of the SEBT among older age adults were represented in mean scores and standard deviations. The different reach distances recorded for each direction were expressed as a percentage of leg length. The maximum reach distance was observed on posteromedial direction for both right and left side. Conversely, the shortest reach distance is observed on lateral and posterolateral directions in both the sides. Conclusion: The present study has established normative performance values for the SEBT in older adults. These values can be used to identify the balance deficits among older adults. Normative data are crucial for researchers and physicians alike. It may be easier to identify and treat balance issues of a person or group of people who have much poorer balance than a healthy individual of the same age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebellar ataxia is characterized by difficulty in the planning of movement and lack of anticipatory postural adjustments, which can result in deficits of balance. Being able to have quantitative measurements in clinical practice, to detect any improvements on balance resulting from new rehabilitation treatments or experimental drugs is very important. Aim: The purpose of this study was to develop an application (APP) able to assess static and dynamic balance in patients with cerebellar ataxias (CA). The APP that works by a wearable device (smartphone) placed at the breastbone level and immobilized by an elastic band, measures the body sway by means of a triaxial accelerometer. Methods: We investigated 40 CA patients and 80 healthy subjects. All patients were clinically evaluated using the "Berg Balance Scale" (BBS) and the "Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia" (SARA). Balance impairment was quantitatively assessed using a validated static balance evaluating systems, i.e., Techno-body Pro-Kin footboard. All participants underwent static and dynamic balance assessments using the new APP. Results: We observed a strong correlation between the APP measurements and the score obtained with the BBS, SARA, and Pro-Kin footboard. The intra-rater reliability and the test–retest reliability of the APP measurements, estimated by intraclass correlation coefficient, were excellent. The standard error of measurement and the minimal detectable change were small. No learning effect was observed. Conclusions: We can state that the APP is an easy, reliable, and valid evaluating system to quantify the trunk sway in a static position and during the gait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Summary Objectives The aim of this study is to explore relationships between balance deficit and disease-related factor such as lung function, nutritional status and exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods This was a cross-sectional study in which adults with COPD underwent pulmonary function testing (plethysmography), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and nutritional status assessment using Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Body balance was quantified using Timed UP and GO test (TUG), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Tinetti test and Unipodal Stance test (UST). Results Fifty-eight patients with COPD completed the investigation. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), Tiffeneau index, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and dyspnea were significantly lower in COPD patients with low scores (at risk) in all assessment balance tests. The MNA score was very significantly lower in COPD patients who have an “at risk” score in TUG and Tinetti test. Similarly, it was lower in patient with “at risk”score in BBS and UST. All balance tests were associated significantly to FEV1, MNA and dyspnea max and to Tiffeneau index and BMI. The 6MWD was correlated with TUG, BBS and Tinetti test but not with UST. Conclusion The present study confirms that body balance limitation is associated with lung function and nutritional status and exercise tolerance in COPD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the short-term effects of a task-specific, progressive and individually adjusted balance training programme in older adults with fear of falling and balance deficits. The study shows the significance of group balance training programme in improving self-assessed function in older adults. It confirms that certain exercises on arm function were not focused in the training programme.

Currently, limited data exist supporting the use of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) on improving balance and gait in individuals with peripheral neuropathy (PN), and no studies have evaluated the effects of carbon composite AFOs in this population. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effects of carbon composite AFOs on postural control, dynamic balance, and gait in individuals with PN. Twelve subjects with neuropathy completed a single session of testing in this observational study. The subjects performed a battery of tests including quiet standing and limits of stability (LOS) force plate posturography, the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), gait speed, as well as the Timed Up and Go (TUG), both with and without carbon composite AFOs. The subjects exhibited significantly less sway in the anterior-posterior (p = 0.012) and medial-lateral (p = 0.047) sway directions with eyes closed while wearing the AFOs but experienced a reduction in anterior-posterior LOS (p = 0.000). There were no group differences for the Mini-BESTest, gait speed, and TUG; however, individual subjects experienced both positive and negative changes that exceeded minimally important change (MIC) values for the Mini-BESTest and gait speed. The results suggest that carbon composite AFOs have an immediate effect on balance in individuals with PN. In general, improvements in static postural control were observed when the AFOs were worn, but the effects on dynamic measures of balance and gait were more variable. Because of these trade-offs and variability, clinicians should evaluate how AFOs influence individual patients with the use of standardized measures that include a variety of dynamic balance and gait measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The postural control of children with and without developmental coordination disorder (DCD) was compared under conditions of reduced or conflicting sensory input. Twenty-two children with DCD (16 males, 6 females; mean age 7years 6months, SD 1year 5months) and 19 children with normal motor development were tested (13 males, 6 females; mean age 6years 11months, SD 1year 1month). Standing balance, sensory organization and motor control strategy were evaluated using the sensory organization test (SOT). The results revealed that children with DCD had lower composite equilibrium scores (p <.001), visual ratios (p =.005) and vestibular ratios (p =.002) than normal children in the control group. No significant between-group difference in their average somatosensory ratio was observed. Additionally, children with DCD had lower motor strategy scores (swayed more on their hips) than the normal children when forced to depend on vestibular cues alone to balance (p <.05). We conclude that children with DCD had deficits in standing balance control in conditions that included reduced or conflicting sensory signals. The visual and vestibular systems tended to be more involved in contributing to the balance deficits than the somatosensory system. Moreover, children with DCD tended to use hip strategy excessively when forced to rely primarily on vestibular signals to maintain postural stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Brain tumours are the most common solid tumours in children and adolescents. The increasing survival rate of these patients makes their follow-up and quality of life assessment an important task. The evaluation of the negative influence of anti-cancer treatment on their balance is the aim of this study. Material and Methods: The balance assessment was performed on patients who completed the treatment of CNS turnouts and were disease-free at the time of the study. Eighty-eight patients aged 5 to 24 years participated in the study. Postural sway was recorded using Kistler force plate. Balance test parameters from two conditions: eyes open and eyes closed were calculated and compared with reference data. The severity, of the balance disorders was scored for both conditions. Results: The balance disorders were generally not dependent on the localisation of the tumour. Only patients treated for posterior fossa tumours had a higher score (indicating pronounced balance deficit) in eyes closed condition comparing to others. The patients treated for spinal cord turnouts seemed to have increased total sway path in comparison to others. The severity of the balance deficits tended to diminish in time. Conclusions: These results suggest that the repair mechanisms of the CNS could overcome the problems inflicted by the illness and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An important question influencing therapy for dizziness is whether the strengths of the relationships of emotional and functional aspects of dizziness to 1) anxiety and other mental states, 2) perceived state of health (SoH) and quality of life (QoL) are different in patients with and without normal balance control. We attempted to answer this question by examining these dimensions' regression strengths with Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores.Methods: We divided 40 patients receiving group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness, into 2 groups: dizziness only (DO) and normal balance control; dizziness and a quantified balance deficit (QBD). Group-wise, we first performed stepwise multivariate regression analysis relating total DHI scores with Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) sub-scores obtained pre- and post-therapy. Then, regression analysis was expanded to include SoH, QoL, and balance scores. Finally, we performed regressions with DHI sub-scores.Results: In both groups, the BSI phobic anxiety state score was selected first in the multivariate regression analysis. In the DO group, obsessiveness/compulsiveness was also selected. The correlation coefficient, R, was 0.74 and 0.55 for the DO and QBD groups, respectively. When QoL and SoH scores were included, R values increased to 0.86 and 0.74, explaining in total 74, and 55% of the DHI variance for DO and QBD groups, respectively. Correlations with balance scores were not significant (R ≤ 0.21). The psychometric scores selected showed the strongest correlations with emotional DHI sub-scores, and perceived QoL and SoH scores with functional DHI sub-scores.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that reducing phobic anxiety and obsessiveness/compulsiveness during CBT may improve emotional aspects of dizziness and targeting perceived SoH and QoL may improve functional aspects of dizziness for those with and without normal balance control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine whether functionally induced fatigue affects balance and vertical jump performance more severely in individuals with a history of unilateral lateral ligament injury to the ankle joint. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-three participants volunteered for the study with the experimental group (EG n=12) comprising injured participants with stability deficits and lack of physiotherapy treatment tested against healthy controls (CG n=11). Balance was assessed via a single leg balance test with open eyes on a force platform. The Center-of-Pressure (COP) excursion on the anteroposterior (Y-axis) and the mediolateral (X-axis) were recorded. Additionally, maximal single-leg vertical jump height (VJH) was assessed on a specific platform. Ankle fatigue was induced through performing the modified Square-hop test until exhaustion. [Results] Patients exhibited significant interaction for Time X Group for the COP on the X-axis. COP-X which did not differ between groups, pre-fatigue, while post-fatigue, it increased significantly in the EG. VJH demonstrated significant pre-fatigue differences between groups, suggesting that deficits in this variable were evident without the need to fatigue the muscles involved. [Conclusion] Fatigue can be useful when balance is tested, since post-fatigue deficits, otherwise obscured in the baseline measurement, can become significant., Competing Interests: None., (2020©by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.)

Background and Objectives: Functional disturbances developed early in life include balance deficits which are linked to dysfunctions of higher levels of cognitive and motor integration. According to our knowledge, there are only a few studies suggesting that balance deficits are related to behavioral disturbances in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)., Methods: We tested the extent to which balance deficits were related to ADHD symptoms in 35 medication-naïve boys of school age (8-11 years) and compared the results with a control group of 30 boys of the same age., Results: ADHD symptoms in medication-naïve boys had specific relationships to disturbances of postural and gait balance., Conclusion: To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence in the medical literature for a direct relationship between ADHD symptoms and balance deficits, that cannot be attributed to medication and the presence of any neurological disease.