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Context: The Y-Balance Test Lower Quarter (YBT-LQ) is a widely utilized tool for evaluating dynamic postural control, requiring a combination of mobility and strength. This study aimed to investigate the combined relationship between isometric thigh muscle strength and joint kinematics on YBT-LQ performance. Design: Cross-sectional laboratory study. Methods: Isometric quadriceps and hamstrings strength were measured before the YBT-LQ in 39 healthy participants (27 females and 12 males). The test was performed under 3-dimensional markerless motion capture, where joint kinematics were extracted from the maximum reach position from each direction. Three multivariable linear regression models were then used to determine the strongest combination of predictors for YBT-LQ performance. Results: Greater hamstrings strength and increased knee flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, and trunk ipsilateral-flexion joint angles explained 56.8% (P <.001) of the variance in anterior reach. Hip flexion, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion angles were the strongest predictors for posteromedial reach distance, explaining 73.0% of the variance (P <.001). Last, 43.3% (P <.001) of the variance in posterolateral reach distance was predicted by hamstring strength and knee-flexion angle. Conclusions: These results emphasize the importance of hamstring strength in YBT-LQ performance across different reach directions. Additionally, the kinematics illustrate a potential movement strategy for maximizing reach distance on the YBT-LQ in healthy individuals. Clinicians can utilize this information to guide interventions aimed at improving dynamic postural control, particularly by focusing on increasing hamstring strength and testing for impairments in specific movement patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Several clinical tests are available to assess static postural stability in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI); however, it is unclear which test should be used. Objective: To determine which noninstrumented clinical tests should be used to detect static postural stability deficits in individuals with CAI. Evidence Acquisition: We searched 4 databases from their inception to February 2023, and included studies comparing static postural stability in individuals with CAI and healthy controls using noninstrumented assessments. Two reviewers independently extracted study characteristics, participant information, static postural stability assessment methods, and results. We calculated the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval using a random effects meta-analysis and assessed the certainty of the evidence. Evidence Synthesis: Fourteen cross-sectional studies (293 participants with CAI and 284 healthy controls) were included. The meta-analysis showed no significant differences between the CAI and healthy groups in the double-leg stance condition of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) (SMD, −0.03; low-certainty evidence). Significant group differences were found in the BESS single-leg stance (SLS) on firm and foam surfaces (SLS firm: SMD, 0.47, very low-certainty evidence; SLS foam: SMD, 0.80, very low-certainty evidence), the tandem stance (TS) on firm and foam surfaces (TS firm: SMD, 0.39, low-certainty evidence; TS foam: SMD, 0.76, low-certainty evidence), and the total BESS in the foam conditions (SMD, 1.12, very low certainty evidence). Significant differences were also found between the CAI and healthy groups in the foot-lift (SMD, 1.24; very low certainty evidence) and time-in-balance tests (SMD, −0.94; very low certainty evidence). Conclusions: Due to the large magnitude of the differences, the SLS foam, TS foam, and the total BESS in the foam conditions, as well as the foot-lift test or time-in-balance test, may be the most appropriate to clinically identify static postural stability impairment in individuals with CAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the effect of different dual-task (DT) training programs on DT interference in adults with intellectual disability. Center-of-pressure (CoP) mean velocity in single-task (ST) and cognitive-DT conditions and the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT) during ST, cognitive-DT, and motor-DT conditions were assessed before and after intervention in a cognitive–motor training group, a motor–motor training group, and a control group. Before training, CoP mean velocity and TUGT time increased (p <.001) in DT compared with the ST condition. After training, the CoP mean velocity values remained unchanged (p =.07) in DT compared with the ST condition among the cognitive–motor training group. Furthermore, compared with the ST condition, no increase (p = 1) was reported in the TUGT time during the cognitive-DT condition for the cognitive–motor training group and during the motor-DT for the motor–motor training group (p =.12). The effect of DT training on DT interference depends on the training modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daily living activities present a diverse array of task and environmental constraints, highlighting the critical role of adapting gait initiation (GI) for an individual's quality of life. This study investigated the effects of GI directions, obstacle negotiation, and leg dominance on anticipatory postural adjustments and stepping kinematics. Fourteen active, young, healthy individuals participated in GI across 4 directions—forward, medial 45°, lateral 45°, and lateral 90°—with variations in obstacle presence and leg dominance. Results revealed a consistent decreasing trend in maximum center of pressure displacement, anticipatory postural adjustment duration, step distance, and swing leg velocity with lateral shifts in GI directions, yet the step duration and swing leg heel trajectory were not affected by GI directions except in lateral 90° GI. Center of pressure displacements were intricately scaled to directional propulsive forces generation, and the stepping kinematics were influenced by the directional modifications in movements. With obstacles, modifications in anticipatory postural adjustment metrics and stepping kinematics reflected the obstacle clearance movements. The dominant leg GI exhibited longer step durations and greater movement variability in medial 45° GI. The current investigation of GI factors expands our existing understanding of GI dynamics and offers valuable insights applicable to fall prevention and gait rehabilitation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of aquatic exercise on physical performance in older adults. Databases were searched up to July 2021. Randomized controlled trials were screened by two reviewers, who extracted data and assessed study quality. Ten randomized controlled trials (603 participants) were included. Compared with nonexercising controls, aquatic exercise probably improved lower limb muscle power (30-s Chair Stand Test; mean difference 4.75 repetitions; 95% confidence interval [0.07, 9.42]; I2 = 99%; 251 participants; very low-quality evidence). When comparing aquatic exercise with land exercise, there is probably no superiority in favor of either intervention on dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go Test; mean difference −0.12 s; 95% confidence interval [−0.37, 0.12]; I2 = 3%; 244 participants; very low-quality evidence). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Detraining is the partial or complete loss of physical training-induced adaptations as a result of exercise interruption or reduction. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the discontinuation of many older adult exercise programs and led to increased depressive symptoms (DS), increased sedentary behavior (SB), and decreased quality of life (QoL). Objective: To evaluate the effects of detraining, in the pandemic, on physical capacity and its relationship with DS, QoL, and SB of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: The physical capacity (static balance, dynamic balance, and lower limb and handgrip strength) of 35 participants was assessed prepandemic and after 18 and 24 months of the pandemic. DS, QoL, and SB were evaluated only at 18-month period. The analysis of variance for repeated measures or the Friedman and Pearson or Spearman tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: There was a decline in dynamic balance (p <.001) and strength in the lower limbs (p <.001) in the first 18 months, as well as maintenance in the following 6 months. The reduction in dynamic balance during the 18 months of the pandemic was associated with greater DS (p =.015; r =.414) and worse QoL (p =.024; r = −.381) in this period. More time spent on SB (p =.024; r =.386) in the 18th month was associated with worse dynamic balance in the following 6 months. Conclusion: Detraining in the pandemic setting led to long-lasting harmful effects, which can last for 2 years, on the physical capacity of community-dwelling older adults. Implication: Our findings highlight how periods of detraining can interfere in physical and mental health of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature describing the effects of mental fatigue (MF) has grown tremendously. This is accompanied by identification of a host of performance-determining parameters affected by MF. MF results from prolonged cognitive effort and predominantly affects physical, technical, tactical, and perceptual–cognitive dimensions of sport, while physiological parameters (eg, heart rate, lactate) and physical aspects of maximal and supramaximal efforts are predominantly unaffected. The aim of this paper was to provide an overview of the parameters described in the literature as influenced by MF. By identifying the different parameters, we not only see how they affect the performance of athletes but also raise concerns about the potentially increased injury risk due to MF. Preliminary evidence suggests that subsequent disturbances in balance, motor skills, and decision-making processes could potentially increase the vulnerability to injury. An abundance of lab-based studies looked into the effects of MF on performance; however, many questions remain about the mechanisms of origin and neurophysiological causes of MF, and only small steps have been taken to translate this knowledge into practice. Thus, there is a need for more research into the underlying mechanisms of MF and the role of the brain, as well as more applied research with a high ecological validity that also takes into account the potential increased risk of injury due to MF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effects of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the primary motor cortex (M1) and cerebellum on balance control and shooting accuracy in elite ice hockey players. Methods: Twenty-one elite ice hockey players underwent anodal tDCS over the M1 (a-tDCSM1), anodal tDCS over the cerebellum (a-tDCSCB), concurrent dual-site anodal tDCS over the M1 and the cerebellum (a-tDCSM1+CB), and sham stimulation (tDCSSHAM). Before and after receiving tDCS (2 mA for 15 min), participants completed an ice hockey shooting-accuracy test, Pro-Kin balance test (includes stance test and proprioceptive assessment), and Y-balance test in randomized order. Results: For static balance performance, the ellipse area in the 2-legged stance with eyes open and the 1-legged stance with the dominant leg significantly improved following a-tDCSM1, a-tDCSCB, and concurrent dual-site a-tDCSM1+CB, compared with tDCSSHAM (all P <.05, Cohen d = 0.64–1.06). In dynamic balance performance, the average trace error of the proprioceptive assessment and the composite score of the Y-balance test with the dominant leg significantly improved following a-tDCSM1 and concurrent dual-site a-tDCSM1+CB (all P <.05, Cohen d = 0.77–1.00). For the ice hockey shooting-accuracy test, shooting-accuracy while standing on the unstable platform significantly increased following a-tDCSM1 (P =.010, Cohen d = 0.81) and a-tDCSCB (P =.010, Cohen d = 0.92) compared with tDCSSHAM. Conclusion: tDCS could potentially be a valuable tool in enhancing static and dynamic balance and shooting accuracy on unstable platforms in elite ice hockey players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In distance running, pacing is characterized by changes in speed, leading to runners dropping off the leader's pace until a few remain to contest victory with a final sprint. Pacing behavior has been well studied over the last 30 years, but much remains unknown. It might be related to finishing position, finishing time, and dependent on critical speed (CS), a surrogate of physiologic capacity. We hypothesized a relationship between CS and the distance at which runners "fell behind" and "let go" from the leader or were "outsprinted" as contributors to performance. Methods: 100-m split times were obtained for athletes in the men's 10,000-m at the 2008 Olympics (N = 35). Split times were individually compared with the winner at the point of "falling behind" (successive split times progressively slower than the winner), "letting go" (large increase in time for distance compared with winner), or "outsprinted" (falling behind despite active acceleration) despite being with the leader with 400 m remaining. Results: Race times ranged between 26:55 and 29:23 (world record = 26:17). There were 3 groups who fell behind at ∼1000 (n = 11), ∼6000 (n = 16), and ∼9000 m (n = 2); let go at ∼4000 (n = 10), ∼7000 (n = 14), and ∼9500 m (n = 5); or were outkicked (n = 6). There was a moderate correlation between CS and finishing position (r =.82), individual mean pace (r =.79), "fell behind" distance (r =.77), and "let go" distance (r =.79). D′ balance was correlated with performance in the last 400 m (r =.87). Conclusions: Athletes displayed distinct patterns of falling behind and letting go. CS serves as a moderate predictor of performance and final placing. Final placing during the sprint is related to preservation of D′ balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Physical activity and exercise are protective factors for physical and cognitive decline in older adults, but recent studies reveal that a large percentage of this population do not practice exercise at the levels recommended by international guidelines. The frequency, intensity, type, time, volume, and progression (FITT-VP) principles are a widely used method for prescribing physical exercise, allowing the development of a personalized exercise program that meets the needs of each individual. Objectives: This masterclass is intended to serve as a professional application tool for physical therapists who prescribe physical exercise for older adults. We present a section for each FITT-VP principle to facilitate handling these principles individually when prescribing exercise for this population. Methods: Review of the scientific literature and international guidelines on the prescription of physical exercises for older adults. Results: Aerobic, mobility, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises, as well as functional training, should be included in an exercise program for older adults, which should be progressed using different methods for each of the exercise modalities. Conclusions: An exercise program for older adults should integrate different exercise modalities. Exercise progression should be performed following the FITT-VP principles and some specific progression factors recommended for each exercise modality. Significance: Considering the challenge faced by clinicians in designing a viable exercise program for older adults that responds to international recommendations, with this masterclass we hope to help physical therapists to plan an exercise program that is feasible and at the same time, responds to the expected needs of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical Scenario: Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) typically complete balance training protocols to improve postural control and reduce recurrent injury risk. However, the presence of CAI persists after traditional balance training protocols suggesting that such programs may be missing elements that could be beneficial to patients. Visual occlusion modalities, such as stroboscopic goggles, may be able to augment balance training exercises to further enhance postural control gains in those with CAI. However, a cumulative review of the existing evidence has yet to be conducted. Focused Clinical Question: Does wearing stroboscopic goggles during balance training result in greater improvements to postural control than balance training alone in those with CAI? Summary of Key Findings: All 3 studies indicated that the stroboscopic goggles group had statistically significant improvements in either a measure of static or dynamic postural control relative to the standard balance training group. However, significant improvements were not consistent across all postural control outcomes assessed in the included studies. Clinical Bottom Line: Postural control may improve more in those with CAI when stroboscopic goggles were worn while completing balance training exercises relative to completing balance training exercises alone. Strength of Recommendation: Overall, consistent moderate- to high-quality evidence was present in the 3 studies, suggesting grade C evidence for the use of stroboscopic goggles during balance training in those with CAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Poor knee biomechanics contribute to knee joint injuries. Neuromuscular control over knee position is partially derived from the hip. It is unknown whether isolated activation training of the gluteal muscles improves lower-extremity frontal plane mechanics. This study examined if a home-based hip muscle activation program improves performance on the Forward Step-Down Test as well as increases surface electromyography (sEMG) activation of the gluteal muscles. Design: The study utilized a single-group repeated-measures design. Methods: Thirty-five participants (24 females, mean age = 23.17 [SD 1.36] years) completed an 8-week hip muscle activation program. The Forward Step-Down Test score and sEMG of gluteus maximus and medius were assessed preintervention and postintervention. Results: Forward Step-Down Test scores improved significantly from preintervention (Mdn = 3.5) to postintervention (Mdn = 3.0, T = 109, P =.010, r =.31.), but this result did not meet clinical significance. sEMG analysis revealed a significant increase in mean gluteus maximus activation (P =.028, d = 1.19). No significant dose–response relationship existed between compliance and the Forward Step-Down Test scores or sEMG results. Conclusions: A home-based hip activation program increases gluteus maximus activation without clinically significant changes in frontal plane movement quality. Future studies may find clinical relevance by adding motor learning to the activation training program to improve functional muscle use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to examine (1) the effect of measurement position and sex on femoral cartilage outcomes, and (2) the association between gait biomechanics and cartilage outcomes. Fifty individuals participated (25 males and 25 females; age = 20.62 [1.80] y). Ultrasound measured femoral cartilage thickness and echo-intensity at 90°, 115°, and 140° of knee flexion. Gait outcomes included the external knee adduction and knee flexion moments. Cartilage outcomes were compared using 2 (sex) × 3 (position) repeated-measures analysis of variance. Gait and cartilage associations were assessed using stepwise regression. Medial cartilage was thicker when measured at 90° compared with 115° (P =.02) and 140° (P <.01), and 115° compared with 140°, (P <.01) in males but not in females. Cartilage was thicker at 90° compared with 140° across both sexes within all regions (P <.01). Males had thicker cartilage than females in all positions (P <.01). Echo-intensity was lower at 90° than 115° (P <.01) and 140° (P =.01) in the central and lower at 90° than at 115° (P <.01) and 140° (P =.03) in lateral regions. No association was found between gait and cartilage outcomes. Ultrasound imaging position effects cartilage features more in males compared with females. Imaging position and sex influence cartilage outcomes and should be considered in study designs and clinical evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal modeling, typically implemented using marker-based systems in laboratory environments, is commonly used for noninvasive estimations of loads. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) have become an alternative for the evaluation of kinematics. However, estimates of spine joint contact forces using IMUs have yet to be thoroughly evaluated. Dynamics tasks and static postures from activities of daily living were captured on 11 healthy subjects using both systems simultaneously. Spine kinematics obtained from IMU- and marker-based systems and L4–L5 joint contact forces were compared. Lateral bending resulted in a weak agreement with significant differences between the 2 systems (P =.02, average root mean-squared error = 4.81), whereas flexion–extension and axial rotation exhibited the highest agreement with no significant differences (P <.05, average root mean-squared error = 5.51 and P <.31, average root mean-squared error = 5.08, respectively). All tasks showed excellent correlations (R2 =.76–.99) in estimated loads between systems. Differences in predicted loads at the L4–L5 were only observed during flexion–extension (1041 N vs 947 N, P =.0004) and walking with weights (814 N vs 727 N, P =.004). Different joint reaction force outcomes were obtained in 2 of the 8 tasks between systems, suggesting that IMUs can be robust tools allowing for convenient and less expensive evaluations and for longitudinal assessments inside and outside the laboratory setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of player's postural control following a lower limb injury is of interest to sports medicine practitioners due to its fundamental role in daily tasks and sporting activities. The aim was to longitudinally monitor professional rugby union players' postural control during each phase of the rehabilitation program (acute, middle, and late) following a lower limb injury. Seven male rugby union players (height 1.80 [0.02] m; mass 100.3 [11.4] kg; age 24 [4] y) sustained a time loss, noncontact lower limb injury. Static postural control was assessed via sway path (in meters), and dynamic postural control was assessed via vertical postural stability index. Group differences (P <.05) were reported across the acute, middle, and late phase. Smaller magnitudes of sway path were observed for eyes-open sway path, and for the middle and late phase smaller magnitudes of vertical postural stability index (P <.05) at the end session compared with first session. Whereas larger magnitudes of vertical postural stability index were found between baseline and the last session (P <.05). Large interindividual and intraindividual variation was apparent across the 3 phases of rehabilitation. Postural control improvements were identified during rehabilitation. However, postural control did not return to baseline, with altered kinetics throughout each rehabilitation phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a critical need for fall-prevention interventions to reach medically underserved, hard-to-reach, rural older adults. The evidence-based Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) program reduces falls in older adults. This pre-COVID-19 pandemic study assessed the feasibility and impact of a 16-week tele-TJQMBB intervention in older adults. Instructors led six tele-TJQMBB classes via Zoom for 52 older adults (mean age ± SD 68.5 ± 7.7 years) at one academic and four community sites. Nearly all (97%) planned sessions were delivered. Average attendance was 61%. There were no adverse events. Fidelity was fair to good (mean 67%). Forty-one percent of sessions experienced technical disruptions. Participants improved their gait speed, balance, lower-extremity strength, and body mass index. Tele-TJQMBB was feasible with a positive impact on outcomes. This study was the first step toward establishing an additional delivery mode that could potentially expand TJQMBB's reach and maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the effects of dual- and single-task training in older adults with age-related hearing loss. Intervention groups included single-, dual-task training, and control groups. The dual- and single-task trainings were held 2 days a week for 40 min for a total of 10 sessions for 5 weeks. We evaluated physical, cognitive, and auditory functions, quality-of-life, balance, concerns about falling, independence in activities of daily living, and dual-task performance. A total of 42 patients fully participated in this study. Statistically significant differences were observed in chair stand, chair sit-and-reach, global cognitive function, and delayed recall between the intervention groups and control group (p <.05). There was no statistically significant difference in quality-of-life, balance, falling concerns, independence in activities of daily living, and dual-task performance between all groups (p >.05). In conclusion, single- and dual-task training had a positive effect on physical and cognitive functioning in older adults with age-related hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with intellectual disabilities often face unique challenges in physical capabilities, making traditional training methods less effective for their specific needs. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combining balance, plyometric, and strength (CBPS) training with sprint training on physical performance in male athletes with intellectual disabilities. Twenty-seven participants were randomly assigned to either a CBPS group or a control group that only maintained their regular sprint training. Participants underwent pre- and posttraining tests, including measures of balance, jumping, agility, and sprinting ability. The results showed that the CBPS group demonstrated significant improvements (p <.05) in one-leg stance, crossover-hop jump, squat jump, countermovement jump, and 10- and 30-m sprint at posttraining compared with pretraining. CBPS training combined with sprinting significantly improves physical performance in male athletes with intellectual disabilities, suggesting implications for tailored training programs to enhance their physical fitness and overall health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Sport-related dystonia is a rare form of activity-specific dystonia that can severely impair an athlete's ability to perform. Due to a lack of data on the condition, it is difficult to diagnose and often overlooked, and no gold standard treatment has yet been defined. Case Presentation: We present a rare and challenging case of sport-related dystonia that affected a 24-year-old male professional soccer player. The patient presented with severe rigidity and dystonia of the right lower-extremity, particularly the ankle and foot. The symptoms set on >1 year prior to the presentation to our outpatient clinic. He began to complain of stiffness and difficulty moving his lower limbs, especially his right leg, initially when playing soccer, but then also when walking normally. On presentation, he was unable to run and walked with difficulty, supporting his body weight only on the outside of his right foot. He also reported a motor trick and reverse motor trick involving the oral musculature in order to move his lower limb more freely. Management and Outcomes: An integrated rehabilitation approach based on postural rehabilitation, neuromuscular rehabilitation, and dental intervention was used to successfully treat this condition. The approach included: (1) postural rehabilitation with the Mézières-Bertelè method to reduce muscular stiffness, (2) neuromuscular re-education with Tai Chi exercises and electromyography-guided biofeedback, and (3) dental intervention and swallowing rehabilitation to limit impaired oral habits (due to the relationship between his impaired lower limb movements and motor tricks of the oral musculature). After 7 months of integrated rehabilitation, the patient returned to professional soccer. Conclusions: This case report highlights the potential efficacy of an integrative rehabilitation approach for sports dystonia, particularly in cases where traditional treatments may not be effective. Such an approach could be considered a valuable option in the management of this rare, but debilitating, condition in athletes. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of this approach in larger populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Dual-task (simultaneous cognitive–motor activities) assessments have been adapted into reliable and valid clinical concussion measures. However, abundant motor and cognitive variations leave researchers and clinicians uncertain about which combinations elicit the intended dual-task effect. Our objective was to examine differences between commonly employed dual-task motor and cognitive combinations among healthy, college-aged individuals. Design: Cross-sectional laboratory study. Methods: Twenty participants (age: 21.3 [2.4] y; height: 176.0 [9.1] cm; mass: 76.0 [16.4] kg; 20% with concussion history) completed 4 motor tasks (gait, tandem gait, single-leg balance, and tandem balance) under 5 cognitive conditions (single task, subtraction, month reversal, spelling backward, and visual Stroop) in a research laboratory. The motor performance outcomes were spatiotemporal variables for gait and tandem gait and center of pressure path length (in centimeters) for single-leg and tandem balance. Cognitive outcomes were response rate (responses/second) and cognitive accuracy. We used separate repeated-measures analyses of variance for each motor and cognitive outcome with post hoc Tukey t tests. Results: Gait velocity, gait stride length, and tandem gait velocity demonstrated significant cognitive–motor interactions (P's <.001) such that all dual-task conditions resulted in varyingly slower or shorter movement than single task. Conversely, single-leg balance (P =.627) and tandem balance (P =.434) center of pressure path length did not significantly differ among the dual-task cognitive conditions or relative to single task. Statistically significant cognitive–motor interactions were observed only for spelling backward accuracy (P =.004) and response rates for spelling backward, month reversal, and visual Stroop (P's <.001) such that worse accuracy, but faster response rates, occurred during motor tasks. Conclusions: Gait and tandem gait motor tasks accompanied with spelling backward or subtraction cognitive tasks demonstrated consistently strong dual-task effects and, therefore, may be the best suited for clinical and research use following concussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Sports-related concussions are commonly occurring injuries as a result of sports and recreation that may cause alterations in brain functioning. It is important to be able to evaluate the impact of these injuries on function to manage the injury recovery and ensure recovery. Recent literature suggests the use of objective evaluation strategies in a multifaceted approach to evaluate and manage these injuries. It is important to understand the relationships between the assessments and how best to utilize each assessment. The purpose of this study was to investigate if relationships exist between measures of vestibular function at baseline in assessments that may be used following sports-related concussions. Additionally, a secondary purpose was to determine if self-reported symptoms were related to performance on the assessments. This study aimed to identify if these assessments measured independent functions of the vestibulo–ocular reflex or if some redundancy existed among the assessment strategies. Design: A cross-sectional study design was used in a cohort of collegiate athletes ages 18–24. Methods: Participants completed demographics questionnaires, the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale, Gaze Stabilization Test, and Concussion Balance Test. Spearman rho correlations were used to examine the relationships between the measures. Results: One hundred and thirty-five collegiate athletes (82 males and 53 females) were included, representative of 3 sports (cheerleading, soccer, and football) with a mean age of 19.77 (1.42) years old. There were weak to moderate, significant relationships between measures of Gaze Stabilization Test and Concussion Balance Test errors (r =.20–.31, P =.001–.03). Conclusions: The direction of these relationships indicated that greater Concussion Balance Test errors were associated with greater Gaze Stabilization Test performance. These relationships may be attributed to the difficulty created by the foam conditions and the integration of more complex sensory tasks required to maintain balance during the more difficult conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falls are very serious health concerns among older adults. Providing additional cutaneous and proprioceptive feedback to older adults may enhance their balance control and therefore reduce the incidents of falls. This study aimed to investigate the acute and acclimated effect of wearing waist-to-above-ankle compression garments (CGs) on balance control in community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-one older adults participated in the study. The Timed Up and Go, Berg Balance Scale, and the Fall Risk Test of the Biodex Balance System were used in a random order to examine balance control in three testing sessions 1 week apart. Results indicated wearing CGs had a significant impact on the Timed Up and Go test (p <.001), Berg Balance Scale (p =.001), and the Fall Risk Test (p =.001). For the Timed Up and Go test, participants exhibited significant improvement in both the acute (8.68 vs. 7.91 s) and acclimated effect (7.91 vs. 7.41 s) of wearing CGs. For the Berg Balance Scale, participants showed significant improvement after wearing CGs for 1 week in comparison to the no CGs condition (55.77 vs. 55.39 points). For the Fall Risk Test, participants showed a significant improvement in the acute effect of wearing CGs in comparison to the no CGs condition (1.55° vs. 1.31°). This exploratory study showed that wearing waist-to-above-ankle CGs provided a positive impact on balance control in healthy community-dwelling older adults. It lays the foundation for future studies with a larger sample size to investigate the potential benefits of wearing CGs in individuals with balance control deficits and/or other comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the immediate and delayed effects of kinesiotape (KT) on postural control and patient-reported outcome measures under challenging conditions in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Methods: Thirty-two anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed patients for whom 6 months had passed since their operation were randomly assigned to either the KT (n = 16, aged 21.8 [5.5] y) or the placebo KT (n = 16, aged 24.0 [5.1] y) groups. Initially, both groups stood barefoot on a force platform while performing postural tasks in 4 randomized conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, cognitive task, and foam). Before the experiment, patients would bring the 4 conditions, which were written on folded papers, one by one, and in this way, the order of conditions for the examiners was determined. The patients' evaluations were conducted immediately and 48 hours after KT application. Postural control measures, with area and displacement of the center of pressure (CoP) in anterior--posterior and medial--lateral directions, and mean total velocity displacement of CoP (MVELO CoP) served as dependent variables. In addition, the International Knee Documentation Committee score was measured pretreatment and 48 hours posttreatment. Results: Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for displacement of COP in medial--lateral direction (P = .002) and MVELO CoP (P = .034). MVELO CoP significantly decreased (mean difference = 0.60, P = .009) immediately after KT application compared with preapplication measures. In the placebo group, a statistically significant decrease in MVELO CoP (mean difference = 0.869, P = .001) was observed at 48 hours post-KT compared with preapplication values. International Knee Documentation Committee scores significantly improved at 48 hours post-KT application in both groups (P < .05). Conclusions: Though observed at different time points, both KT (immediately after the intervention) and placebo KT (48 h after the intervention) were found to improve postural control measures. It appears that the changes in postural control may be more related to proprioceptive enhancement due to KT rather than the specific KT pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that causes balance deficits, even in early stages. Evidence suggests that people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) rely more on vision to maintain balance, and challenging balance with optical flow perturbations may be a practical screening for balance deficits. Whether these perturbations affect standing balance in PwMS is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how optical flow perturbations affect standing balance in PwMS. We hypothesized that perturbations would cause higher variability in PwMS compared with matched controls during standing and that standing balance would be more susceptible to anterior–posterior (A–P) perturbations than medial–lateral (M–L) perturbations. Thirteen PwMS and 13 controls stood under 3 conditions: unperturbed, M–L perturbation, and A–P perturbations. A–P perturbations caused significantly higher A–P trunk sway variability in PwMS than controls, although both groups had similar center-of-pressure variability. Both perturbations increased variability in A–P trunk sway and center of pressure. Trunk variability data supported the hypothesis that PwMS were more susceptible to optical flow perturbations than controls. However, the hypothesis that A–P perturbations would affect balance more than M–L perturbations was partially supported. These results suggest potential for optical flow perturbations to identify balance deficits in PwMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of how the different types of sedentary behaviors (SB) are associated with functional limitations can guide professionals who work with older adults on better recommendations about the amount of daily time that should be encouraged in each type of SB. The objective was to estimate the associations between two SB typologies (SB television [TV] and SB computer/internet) and the presence of handgrip strength, lower limb strength, gait speed, and balance limitations in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults. This is a cross-sectional study with 1,298 community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years). SB was assessed by self-reporting daily time spent watching TV or using computer/internet (categorized into <2, 3–4, and ≥5 hr/day). Outcomes were handgrip strength, lower limb strength, gait speed, and balance limitations considering referenced cutoff points. Older adults in SB TV ≥5 hr/day had 1.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] [1.07, 2.86]) and 1.88 (95% CI [1.02, 3.46]) times more chances of handgrip strength and gait speed limitations, respectively. On the other hand, those who spent 3–4 and ≥5 hr/day in SB computer/internet had 0.45 (95% CI [0.20, 0.99]) and 0.37 (95% CI [0.15, 0.93]) had less chances of lower limb strength and balance limitations, respectively. In conclusion, functional limitations would be associated differently depending on the type of SB in the older adults sampled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of multimorbidity patterns on physical activity and capacity outcomes over the course of a year-long exercise intervention, and on physical activity 1 year later. Participants were 314 physically inactive community-dwelling men and women aged 70–85 years, with no contraindications for exercise at baseline. Physical activity was self-reported. Physical capacity measurements included five-time chair-stand time, 6-minute walking distance, and maximal isometric knee-extension strength. The intervention included supervised and home-based strength, balance, and walking exercises. Multimorbidity patterns comprised physician-diagnosed chronic disease conditions as a predictor cluster and body mass index as a measure of obesity. Multimorbidity patterns explained 0%–12% of baseline variance and 0%–3% of the change in outcomes. The magnitude and direction of the impact of unique conditions varied by outcome, time point, and sex. Multimorbid older adults with no contraindications for exercise may benefit from multimodal physical training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Decreased trunk neuromuscular control is a risk factor for both upper- and lower-extremity injuries, yet there are few reliable and valid clinical tests to identify deficits. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and known-groups validity of a novel clinical test, the seated trunk control test (STCT). Design: Cross-sectional reliability and known-groups validity study. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: 89 unique participants: 34 were 3 months postoperative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and 55 healthy controls. Methods: For the STCT, participants sat on a balance board with their eyes closed for three 30-second trials while investigators counted balance errors. Intraclass correlations (ICCs) were used to assess interrater reliability (N = 20) and test–retest reliability (N = 40). To assess known-groups validity, independent t tests were used to compare STCT errors at 3 months post-ACLR with healthy matched controls (N = 34/group). Area under a receiver operating characteristic curve identified an optimal cutoff for distinguishing between groups. Results: The STCT had perfect interrater reliability (ICC2,3 = 1.00) and good test–retest reliability (ICC3,3 =.79; 95% confidence interval =.61–.89). The ACLR group made significantly more errors on the STCT (mean [SD] = 15.5 [5.4]) than controls (mean [SD] = 8.2 [4.1]; P <.001, Cohen d = 1.52). The STCT's ability to distinguish between groups was excellent (area under a ROC curve = 0.86). A cutoff of 12 errors maximized sensitivity (76%) and specificity (85%). Conclusions: The STCT is reliable between raters and across days. It also has excellent ability to distinguish between individuals with a recent ACLR and healthy matched controls, which provides initial evidence to suggest that the STCT may be clinically useful for identifying deficits in trunk neuromuscular control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is a commonly used clinical tool to evaluate postural control that is traditionally performed through visual assessment and subjective evaluation of balance errors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an automated computer-based scoring system using an instrumented pressure mat compared to the traditional human-based manual assessment. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate the performance of the automated versus human BESS scoring methodology in healthy individuals. Methods: Fifty-one healthy active participants performed BESS trials following standard BESS procedures on an instrumented pressure mat (MobileMat, Tekscan Inc). Trained evaluators manually scored balance errors from frontal and sagittal plane video recordings for comparison to errors scored using center of force measurements and an automated scoring software (SportsAT, version 2.0.2, Tekscan Inc). A linear mixed model was used to determine measurement discrepancies across the 2 methods. Bland–Altman analyses were conducted to determine limit of agreement for the automated and manual scoring methods. Results: Significant differences between the automated and manual errors scored were observed across all conditions (P <.05), excluding bilateral firm stance. The greatest discrepancy between scoring methods was during the tandem foam stance, while the smallest discrepancy was during the tandem firm stance. Conclusion: The 2 methods of BESS scoring are different with wide limits of agreement. The benefits and risks of each approach to error scoring should be considered when selecting the most appropriate metric for clinical use or research studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Blood flow restriction (BFR) is a rehabilitation tool which may introduce a constraint, similar to muscle fatigue, that challenge patients' sensorimotor system during balance exercises. The purpose of our study was to examine whether adding BFR to dynamic balance exercises produced a decrease in balance performance and an increase in ratings of perceived exertion and instability in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) compared with dynamic balance exercises without BFR. Designs: Crossover design. Methods: Our sample included N = 25 young adults with a history of CAI. Participants completed 2 laboratory visits. At each visit, participants completed 4 sets (30×-15×-15×-15×) of dynamic balance exercises, performed similar to the modified star excursion balance test (SEBT), once with BFR and once with control (no BFR) conditions. We measured composite SEBT scores at baseline and during the final repetitions of each set of balance exercise (sets 1–4). We also measured ratings of perceived exertion and instability following each balance exercise set. Results: We observed no difference in composite SEBT scores between conditions at baseline; however, composite SEBT scores were significantly lower during all balance exercises sets 1 to 4 with the BFR condition compared with control. During the BFR condition, composite SEBT scores were significantly lower during all balance exercise sets compared with baseline. During the control condition, composite SEBT scores did not significantly change between baseline and each balance exercise set. Ratings of perceived exertion and instability scores were significantly greater in the BFR group compared with the control group during all balance exercise sets. Conclusions: Individuals with CAI demonstrated lower composite SEBT scores and greater perceived instability and exertion during dynamic balance exercise with BFR compared to without BFR. BFR introduced a novel muscle fatigue constraint during dynamic balance exercises in individuals with CAI. Additional research is needed to determine if adding BFR to balance training could improve clinical outcomes in CAI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Suspension training devices are becoming increasingly popular. Most studies analyzed the effectiveness according to diverse measures in patients with or without conditions at any age. The characteristics of suspension training are very specific and can increase instability and; therefore, enhance balance. The goal was to determine the effects of suspension training on balance by comparing it with instability training. Design: Two-arm, randomized trial. Methods: 44 young adults, aged 22.4 years old, with no musculoskeletal condition, took part. There were 2 interventions, suspension and instability training, designed with 12 sessions in 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the Y-Balance test. Other balance outcomes were the Emery and jumping sideways tests, and platform measures while standing. Results: Suspension and instability training were effective in enhancing balance in terms of the primary outcome, the Y-Balance test, with no between-group differences. Instability training enhanced the Emery test over suspension training (P =.018), but the latter was more effective in the jumping sideways test (P =.003). Neither of the training improved static balance measures. Conclusions: Training with suspension devices is effective in enhancing dynamic balance, with similar improvements to instability training. Importantly, the magnitude of change and the frequency of responders to intervention in terms of motor coordination and keeping balance in unstable conditions appear to be sensitive to the type of training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Optimal ankle dorsiflexion range of motion plays a vital role in attaining the essential crouched posture necessary for excelling in speed skating. The purpose of this study was to determine how the ankle dorsiflexion angle evolves throughout a day of training and to identify the factors that influence this angle. Methods: Thirty short-track speed skaters, from 2 teams, participated in this study. The maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle was obtained in a lunge position facing a wall, using a digital inclinometer. All measures were obtained 3 times per side, 6 times per day, on 2 training days separated by at least a week. We conducted multiple tests to study the impact of repetition, day, side, team level, sex, and moment on the ankle dorsiflexion angle. Results: The 3 times repeated measures and the 2 days of training did not have a significant influence on the results. There was a statistically significant difference between the first time point of the day and the 5 other time points for both ankles. Moreover, the influence of sex and team level was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The results indicate that there are significant changes in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion but only after the first warm-up of the day. Such findings could enable team staff to enhance athletes' precompetition preparation and tailor ankle mobility training regimens more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treadmill walking has been used as a surrogate for overground walking to examine how load carriage affects gait. The validity of using treadmill walking to investigate load carriage's effects on stability has not been established. Thirty young adults were randomized into 3 front-loaded groups (group 1: 0%, 2: 10%, or 3: 20% of bodyweight). Participants carried their load during overground and treadmill walking. Dynamic gait stability (primary outcome) was determined for 2 gait events (touchdown and liftoff). Secondary variables included step length, gait speed, and trunk angle. Groups 1 and 2 demonstrated similar stability between walking surfaces. Group 3 was less stable during treadmill walking than overground (P ≤.005). Besides trunk angle, all secondary outcomes were similar between groups (P >.272) but different between surfaces (P ≤.001). The trunk angle at both events showed significant group- and surface-related differences (P ≤.046). Results suggested that walking with an anterior load of up to 10% bodyweight causes comparable stability between surfaces. A 20% bodyweight front load could render participants less stable on the treadmill than overground. This indicates that anteriorly loaded treadmill walking may not be interchangeable with overground walking concerning stability for anterior loads of 20% bodyweight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study compared superficial trunk muscle activity and postural control among an active extension subgroup of people with nonspecific chronic low back pain (AE-NSCLBP) with painfree controls during functional tasks. Thirty-two people (17 people with low back pain [LBP] and 15 painfree controls) participated in this study. Muscle activity of 5 trunk muscles and postural control were investigated during both standing tasks (eyes open/closed; single/double-leg balance) and dynamic functional tasks (spinal forward flexion and return, and a sit to stand transfer). Results showed that during single-leg standing, people with AE-NSCLBP exhibit higher muscle activity than painfree controls for 3 trunk muscles, especially with their eyes closed. There were no significant differences in muscle activity between eye conditions during double-leg standing and sit to stand transfer, forward flexion, and return from flexion. The AE-NSCLBP subgroup also demonstrated significantly impaired postural control (lower time to boundary) in 4 of 8 conditions, especially during single-leg standing and with their eyes closed. These findings show people with LBP typically demonstrated greater trunk muscle activity and poorer postural control while maintaining standing posture. This pattern was most evident when the postural challenge was higher, such as single-leg standing or with eyes closed. While this study design cannot infer causality, these findings have implications for LBP rehabilitation, particularly regarding approaches which seek to alter muscle activation among people with LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise is the single most effective strategy to reduce the risk of falls. Online classes have grown in popularity, but the benefits of online classes remain unknown. Zoomers on the Go is a peer-led 12-week exercise program offered twice weekly to adults 50+ years old. The main outcome was lower body strength measured by the 30-s chair stand test. Other outcomes included dropout, attendance, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and perceived health. A total of 74 participants (age 66.3 ± 7.1 years) in the online group and 84 participants in the in-person group (age 67.3 ± 7.2 years) completed the program, with attendance for the online group. Both groups significantly improved their 30-s chair stand, cardiorespiratory fitness, and balance (p <.001) with no difference in functional benefits between groups. The in-person group improved their perceived health and significantly reduced levels of stress and depression, while no such changes were observed in the online group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a strong body of evidence supporting benefits of exercise to reduce severity of motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (PD) over time, research on the immediate impact of exercise as an adjunctive therapy for nonpharmacologic management of motor symptoms and mobility performance in people with PD is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine immediate effects of a single bout of high-cadence cycling on motor symptoms of PD and performance-based outcomes. Twenty individuals with idiopathic PD participated in a pretest/posttest study investigating immediate impacts of a single high-cadence cycling session on performance-based outcomes across multiple domains of motor function, mobility, and balance. Outcomes were analyzed based on time since last dose of levodopa/carbidopa medication. Immediate improvements were observed in motor symptoms of PD with significant improvements in performance across multiple balance systems, dynamic gait, and upper-extremity coordination following a cycling intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gait asymmetry is a predictor of fall risk and may contribute to increased falls during pregnancy. Previous work indicates that pregnant women experience asymmetric joint laxity and pelvic tilt during standing and asymmetric joint moments and angles during walking. How these changes translate to other measures of gait asymmetry remains unclear. Thus, the purpose of this case study was to determine the relationships between pregnancy progression, subsequent pregnancies, and gait asymmetry. Walking data were collected from an individual during 2 consecutive pregnancies during the second and third trimesters and 6 months postpartum of her first pregnancy and the first, second, and third trimesters and 6 months postpartum of her second pregnancy. Existing asymmetries in step length, anterior–posterior (AP) impulses, AP peak ground reaction forces, lateral impulses, and joint work systematically increased as her pregnancy progressed. These changes in asymmetry may be attributed to pelvic asymmetry, leading to asymmetric hip flexor and extensor length, or due to asymmetric plantar flexor strength, as suggested by her ankle work asymmetry. Relative to her first pregnancy, she had greater asymmetry in step length, step width, braking AP impulse, propulsive AP impulse, and peak braking AP ground reaction force during her second pregnancy, which may have resulted from increased joint laxity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous work assessing the effect of additive noise on the postural control system has found a positive effect of additive white noise on postural dynamics. This study covers two separate experiments that were run sequentially to better understand how the structure of the additive noise signal affects postural dynamics, while also furthering our knowledge of how the intensity of auditory stimulation of noise may elicit this phenomenon. Across the two experiments, we introduced three auditory noise stimulations of varying structure (white, pink, and brown noise). Experiment 1 presented the stimuli at 35 dB while Experiment 2 was presented at 75 dB. Our findings demonstrate a decrease in variability of the postural control system regardless of the structure of the noise signal presented, but only for high intensity auditory stimulation.

Postural instability is a detrimental and often treatment-refractory symptom of Parkinsons disease. While many existing studies quantify the biomechanical deficits among various postural domains (static, anticipatory, and reactive) in this population, less is known regarding the neural network dysfunctions underlying these phenomena. This review will summarize current studies on the cortical and subcortical neural activities during postural responses in healthy subjects and those with Parkinsons disease. We will also review the effects of current therapies, including neuromodulation and feedback-based wearable devices, on postural instability symptoms. With recent advances in implantable devices that allow chronic, ambulatory neural data collection from patients with Parkinsons disease, combined with sensors that can quantify biomechanical measurements of postural responses, future work using these devices will enable better understanding of the neural mechanisms of postural control. Bridging this knowledge gap will be the critical first step towards developing novel neuromodulatory interventions to enhance the treatment of postural instability in Parkinsons disease.

Context: Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) demonstrate reduced spinal reflex modulation and corticospinal excitability of the soleus, which may contribute to decreased balance performance. Objective: To determine the effects of a single session of balance training on Spinal-reflexive excitability modulation and corticospinal excitability in those with CAI. Design: Randomized controlled trials. Setting: Research laboratory. Participants: Thirty participants with CAI were randomly assigned to the balance training (BAL) or control (CON) group. Main Outcome Measures: Modulation of soleus spinal-reflexive excitability was measured by calculating relative change in normalized Hoffmann reflexes (ratio of the H-reflex to the M-wave) from prone to single-leg standing. Corticospinal excitability was assessed during single-leg stance using transcranial magnetic stimulation, outcomes of which included active motor threshold (AMT), motor evoked potential, and cortical silent period (CSP). Balance performance was measured with center of pressure velocity in anterior to posterior and medial to lateral directions. Separate 2x2 repeated-measures analyses of variance were employed to determine the effect of group (BAL and CON) and time (baseline and posttraining) on each dependent variable. Results: There were significant group by time interactions in the modulation of soleus spinal-reflexive excitability (F1.27 = 4.763, P=-04); CSP at 100% AMT (F F1.27 = 4.727, P = .04); and CSP at 120% AMT (F F1.27 16.057, f < .01). A large effect size suggests increased modulation of spinal-reflexive excitability (d = 0.81 [0.03 to 1.54]) of the soleus in BAL compared with CON at posttest, while CSP at 100% (d = 0.95 [0.17 to 1.70]) and 120% AMT (d = 1.10 [0.29 to 1.84]) was reduced in BAL when compared with CON at posttest. Conclusion: After a single session of balance training, individuals with CAI initiated increases in spinal reflex modulation and corticospinal excitability of the soleus. Thus, individuals with CAI who undergo balance training exhibit positive neural adaptations that are linked to improvements in balance performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Decreased muscle strength and balance in patients with functional ankle instability (FAI) can be effectively improved by ankle strength training. Low-load blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) training increases muscle size and strength, but there is limited evidence from studies on muscle strength and balance in FAI patients. Objective: To study the effects of LL-BFR training versus high-load training (HLT) on muscle strength and balance in FAI patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Participants: Forty-six young adults with a history of FAI. Interventions: Participants in the LL-BFR and HLT groups performed 4 sets (30 x 15 x 15 x 15) of ankle training at 20% to 40% of the one-repetition maximum and 70% to 85% one-repetition maximum, respectively, twice a week for 6 weeks. Main Outcome Measure(s): Plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion muscle strength, and the Y-balance test scores were assessed at baseline and after 3 and 6 weeks; the thickness of the tibialis anterior, triceps surae, and peroneus longus muscles were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks. Results: Inversion, eversion, dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion muscle strength; tibialis anterior, triceps surae, and peroneus longus thickness; and Y-balance test scores were significantly increased in the LL-BFR group after 3 and 6 weeks compared with baseline (P < .05), with no significant difference between the LL-BFR and HLT groups after 6 weeks (P > .05). However, at the end of 3 weeks, eversion muscle strength and Y-balance test scores were significantly higher in the LL-BFR group than in the HLT group (P < .05). Conclusions: Over 6 weeks, LL-BFR training was as effective as HLT in improving ankle muscle strength, muscle thickness, and balance in FAI patients, but LL-BFR training improved the ankle eversion muscle strength and dynamic balance more than HLT did in the early stages of the intervention. This finding will provide a new intervention strategy for the clinical rehabilitation of FAI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thoracic hyperkyphosis could affect mobility and independence of older adults. However, there was no clear evidence on the use of the seventh cervical vertebra wall distance (C7WD), a practical measure for thoracic hyperkyphosis, to indicate mobility deficits relating to independence of these individuals. This study explored the ability of C7WD to determine mobility impairments in 104 older adults. Participants (average age of 74.1 ± 7.4 years) with various degree of thoracic kyphosis were cross-sectionally measured for their C7WD, mobility, and Cobb angle. The findings indicate that participants with thoracic hyperkyphosis (Cobb angle = 46.1 ± 5.2°) had significantly poorer mobility than those without thoracic hyperkyphosis (Cobb angle = 32.8 ± 5.9°, p <.05). A C7WD of ≥7.8 cm could indicate mobility deficits of the participants (sensitivity = 71%–92%, specificity = 75%–94%, and area under the curve >0.80). The findings confirm the ability of C7WD that could be clinically measured using rulers to indicate mobility deficits of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults must have the ability to walk at variable speeds/distances to meet community demands. This single group pre–post test study's purposes were to examine if actual cadences after 7 weeks of rhythmic auditory stimulation gait training matched target cadences, improved walking distance, duration, velocity, maximum cadence, balance, enjoyment, and/or changed spatial/temporal gait parameters. Fourteen female adults (72.6 ± 4.4 years) participated in 14 sessions, while variable cadences were progressively introduced. Eleven older adult responders walked faster (3.8 steps/min) than one target cadence (−10% pace) while matching the target cadences for the other paces when walking with rhythmic auditory stimulation. Two nonresponders walked near their baseline cadence with little variability while one walked at faster cadences; all three did not appear to adjust to the beat of the music. After training, participants increased their walking distance, 90.8 ± 46.5 m; t(1, 13) = −7.3; p ≤.005, velocity, 0.36 ± 0.15 m/s; t(1, 40) = −15.4; p <.001, and maximum cadence, 20.6 ± 9.1 steps/min; t(1, 40) = −14.6; p <.001; changes exceeded minimal clinically important differences. Twelve of 14 expressed enjoyment. Walk with rhythmic auditory stimulation training is a promising activity for older adults, which may translate to an individual's ability to adapt walking speeds to various community demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals with visual impairment have balance deficits; therefore, this systematic review aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the balance control of individuals with visual impairments when compared with individuals with full vision. Methods: Primary sources were obtained from eight databases including PubMed. LILACS, Science Direct, SCOPUS, CINAHL. PEDro, CENTRAL. and Web of Science. The search period covered years from inception to January 10, 2022. Results: A total of 20 studies with 29 trials with 1,280 participants were included in the systematic review. The results showed that individuals with sight had better static and dynamic balance than individuals with visual impairment (p = .001). However, individuals with visual impairment had significantly better static balance with visual perturbation and stronger static balance with visual and proprioception perturbation (p = .001). Furthermore. individuals with sight had better balance control than individuals with visual impairment who participated in sports (p = .001). Finally, individuals with visual impairment who participated in sports had better balance control than sedentary people with visual impairment (p = .001). Conclusion: individuals with visual impairment have defects in both dynamic and static balance when compared to individuals with sight. In addition. balance improved with increasing age in individuals with visual impairment while balance control was dependent on the proprioception and vestibular systems. Also, individuals with sight had better balance than individuals with visual impairment who participated in sports and individuals with visual impairment who participated in sports compared with sedentary people with visual impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the burgeoning elderly population, there is an escalating demand for effective and safe exercise programs to enhance physical performance and avert age-related complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise program on the physical performance and postural balance of older adults. The study enlisted 21 participants aged 65 and older, divided into three groups: WBV, foam mat (FM), and control. Over four weeks, participants engaged in a structured exercise regimen designed to improve lower limb muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, coordination, and postural balance. The low-impact, elderly-friendly program included resistance exercises tailored to each group’s conditions. Pre- and post-program evaluations comprised physical performance tests (chair stand, 2-min step, chair sit-and-reach, figure-of-8 walk) and postural balance assessments (limit of stability (LOS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), One Leg Stance (OLS)). Results showed significant improvements across all groups, with the WBV group exhibiting the most pronounced enhancements. WBV group improvements included a 62.8% increase in lower-limb muscle strength and a 31.7% rise in cardiovascular endurance. The WBV group also demonstrated the greatest advancements in postural stability and dynamic balance, as indicated by significant changes in OLS and TUG test times. These findings suggest WBV exercises can effectively enhance physical performance and balance in older adults, presenting a promising alternative to traditional exercise programs that may impose greater physical burdens. Further research with larger sample sizes and controlled variables is recommended to confirm these benefits and refine WBV exercise protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Given rising youth sport participation, 8 to 10-year-olds increasingly display comparable lower-extremity injury incidence to 11 to 17-year-olds and require effective return to sport criteria. One such criterion which quantifies dynamic stability is the Y-Balance Test (YBT), though it has not been validated in children under age 11. Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of 8 to 10-year-old patients on the YBT after lower-extremity injury and determine how these results compare to larger samples of age-grouped athletes within the validated 11 to 17-year-old range. It was hypothesized that 8 to 10-year-olds would display different normalized YBT distances compared to 11 to 17-year-olds. Study Design Cross-sectional Study. Methods Patients (N=1093) aged 8 to 17 who presented to a pediatric sports medicine practice with a lower-extremity injury and completed the YBT between December 2015-May 2021 were included. Anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral YBT scores were collected at return-to-sport for affected and unaffected limbs. Scores were normalized to limb length, and composite scores were created. Between-limb differences were calculated in groups of ages 8-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-17. Groups were also evaluated for differences by sex. Results A rise in performance was observed in unaffected limb anterior reach from ages 8 to 10 years to 11 to 12 years followed by a subsequent significant decrease at older ages (p<0.001). Affected limb anterior reach differed between the youngest group and two oldest groups (p=0.004). Anterior and composite difference were significantly different between the oldest three groups (p=0.014 anterior; p=0.024 composite). No differences were observed between sexes in 8 to 10-year-olds, though 11 to 12-year-old females reached further during all eight distances. In the older three groups, males generally displayed greater between-limb differences. Conclusion YBT scores, specifically anterior reach, demonstrated inconsistency by age and sex across a large adolescent cohort. Existing return-to-sport standards should not be used with younger athletes, and individual validation is required. Level of Evidence Level III [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Postural balance requires the interplay between several physiological signals. Indirect evidence suggests that the perception of signals arising from the autonomic nervous system might play a role (e.g. cardiac awareness). Here, we tested this hypothesis by investigating the relationship between postural control and cardiac awareness (i.e. interoception) in a sample of N = 70 healthy individuals. Postural control was measured using a medical robotic device, while cardiac awareness was evaluated using the heartbeat counting task. A within-subject design included two platform configurations (static, unstable) and two visual feedback conditions (eyes open, eyes closed). For each condition, we measured the sway area and the range of oscillation of the platform, as well as the range of oscillation and the quantity of movement of participants' trunk. In the "platform unstable, eyes closed" condition, participants with higher cardiac awareness demonstrated a significantly smaller sway area and reduced oscillations of both the platform and their trunk. These findings hint at a potential link between interoception and postural control, suggesting that the perception of internal body signals might sustain balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aimed to compare the effects of home exercise alone and telerehabilitation combined with home exercise in individuals with transtibial amputation. Materials and methods: The telerehabilitation group (n = 24) received telerehabilitation combined with home exercise, while the control group (n = 24) received home exercise alone. Outcomes included the timed up-and-go (TUG) test and the 30-second chair-stand test (30CST), the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES), the Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS), and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). The analysis used a 2 × 2 mixed repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The group-by-time interactions were significant for TUG (p = 0.002, F[1;41] = 10.74) and 30CST (p = 0.001, F[1;41] = 11.48). The mean difference (6th week-baseline) was −0.49 for TUG and 0.95 for 30CST in the telerehabilitation group and −0.14 for TUG and 0.13 for 30CST in the control group. There were statistically meaningful group-by-time interactions on the ABC (p = 0.0004, F[1;41] = 14.47), the TAPES-activity restriction (p = 0.0001, F[1;41] = 28.96), TAPES-prosthesis satisfaction (p = 0.004, F[1;41] = 9.19), and the NHP (p = 0.0002, F[1;41] = 16.07) favoring the telerehabilitation group. Conclusions: Telerehabilitation combined with home exercise can offer greater benefits in improving gait, muscle strength, balance confidence, activity restriction, prosthesis satisfaction, and quality of life compared to home exercise alone for individuals with transtibial amputation. Implications for rehabilitation: Exercise helps individuals with lower limb amputation overcome their physical limitations and enables them to use their prostheses effectively. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation after amputation are not at the desired level, and individuals with lower limb amputation encounter various difficulties in accessing physiotherapy. Telerehabilitation has great potential to facilitate access to physiotherapy for individuals with amputation and reduce resource utilization. In a relatively small sample of amputees, this study shows that telerehabilitation-based exercise improves physical health and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dynamic postural control (DPC) describes an individual's ability to maintain balance within their base of support in both anticipatory and reactive balance situations and has been measured using center of pressure (COP) velocity. Common standardized DPC assessments for active adults include the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (MSEBT) and the Y-Balance Test (YBT). Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore DPC during performance of the MSEBT, the YBT, and a modified version of the YBT, the MYBT. It was hypothesized that feedback from the YBT/MYBT reach indicator would enhance DPC. Study Design Cross-sectional study Methods Twenty-one participants (9 females, 12 males, mean age 24.5±1.2 years) performed three trials in each direction (anterior-AN, posteromedial-PM, and posterolateral-PL) on each balance test during one session. The YBT frame was placed atop a force plate for all testing. Frontal and sagittal plane COP velocities (COPx and COPy, respectively) were recorded throughout each trial and resultant COP (COPr) velocities were calculated. Results Significant main effects were present for test (F=4.485, p<0.001) and reach direction (F=61.594, p<0.001). Post hoc analyses for test indicated significant differences in COPy between YBT and MSEBT (p=0.034) and between MYBT and MSEBT (p<0.001), as well as significant differences in COPr between MYBT and MSEBT (p=0.002). Post hoc analyses for reach direction revealed significant differences in COPx between AN and both PM (p<0.001) and PL (p<0.001) directions, in COPy between AN and PM (p<0.001) and PL (p<0.001) directions, and COPr between AN and PL (p=0.043) directions only. Conclusion External proprioceptive feedback from the reach indicator improved DPC during the YBT and MYBT when compared to the MSEBT. Sagittal plane COP velocities were reduced when external proprioceptive feedback from the reach indicator was present, while frontal plane COP velocities were not affected in this group of participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Impairment in perception and sensory reweighting could predispose older adults to falls. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the differences in sensory reweighting and self-motion perception for postural control under single-sensory and multisensory perturbations between older Tai Chi (TC) practitioners and healthy active older controls. Methods: Twenty-four TC practitioners and 23 age-matched non-practitioners were recruited in this observational study. Participants stood on a force plate with or without a foam surface (baseline), followed by 36 s of visual rotation stimuli, vestibular rotation stimuli, or reduced somatosensory input (adaptation), and then continued standing for 44 s (reintegration). The center-of-pressure (COP) trajectories and self-motion perception were recorded. COP signals were analyzed using traditional sway, multiscale entropy, and wavelet analysis methods and the time-window-of-integration model to examine the postural balance performance and the flexibility and speed of sensory reweighting. Results: Significant interaction effects of group with sensory perturbation and group with time window on COP parameters were observed (p < 0.05). Compared with non-practitioners, TC practitioners exhibited higher postural stability and complexity as the difficulty of standing tasks increased and smaller time windows to return to baseline levels as disturbance time evolved. Moreover, TC practitioners exhibited significantly greater weighting on unperturbed sensory systems, lower weighting on perturbed sensory systems for postural control, and higher self-motion perception ability under visual, vestibular, and visual-vestibular perturbations (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Long-term TC practitioners exhibited superior postural stability and adaptability under challenging sensory perturbations, and smaller amplitudes and shorter durations of postural aftereffects over time during adaptation and reintegration. These improvements may be partly attributed to more rapid and flexible sensory reweighting and improved self-motion perception for postural control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, that presents unique challenges for rehabilitation. The Bobath Concept, an individualized physiotherapy approach, has been explored for its potential benefits in addressing these challenges. Five distinct MS studies were reviewed. These encompassed a range of interventions based on the Bobath Concept, targeting various symptoms and functional domains in MS. Subjects varied from individual cases to larger cohort studies, with differing eligibility criteria, treatment periods, and assessment tools. Additionally, some studies incorporated innovative techniques, such as tear biomarker evaluation, to assess therapy outcomes. In smaller samples, MS patients exhibited improvements in postural stability, balance, and mobility after undergoing Bobath-based physiotherapy. Larger cohorts showcased enhancements in balance, cognitive functions, and reductions in depression scores post-treatment. Moreover, the reflex locomotion and Bobath Concept potentially led to symptom improvements correlating with tear biomarkers indicating disease progression. However, results varied across studies, with some showing no significant difference between Bobath and traditional rehab methods. Short conclusion: The Bobath Concept emerges as a promising avenue for MS rehabilitation, emphasizing individualized treatment and active patient participation. Nevertheless, while potential benefits are evident, further extensive research is required to establish its long-term efficacy and its place in comprehensive MS care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]