METHODOLOGY: Twenty healthy adults (8 males, 12 females, age: 29±4.10years, BMI: 21.56±2.36kg/m2) participated in this study. Static and dynamic (levels 8 and 2) balance with single stance and double stance and dynamic (level 8 and levels 6-2) for risk of fall with double stance were tested with the Biodex Balance System with three self-selected feet positions: straight (13.8°), toe-out (35.6°) and toe-in (-11.9°) for each test condition. Additionally, TUG test was performed with toe-out and toe-in gait.
RESULTS: The results of repeated measures ANOVA showed significant differences (p<0.05) between straight and modified toe angles in balance at dynamic level 2 with both double and single stance conditions. Significant differences (p<0.001) were also found in TUG scores for the test conditions.
CONCLUSION: Toe-in and toe-out gait modifications have significant effects on balance at higher levels of platform tilt and functional balance. Further investigations with knee osteoarthritis patients and electromyography may provide insight in balancing strategies adopted by the body in toe-out and toe-in gait.
METHODS: Sixteen children with TBI (aged 11.63+/-1.89 years) and 22 TD controls (aged 11.41+/-2.24 years) participated in this case-control study. This study was conducted between May 2016 and March 2017. Each child performed static standing under 3 different conditions: single, concurrent motor, and concurrent cognitive task. Postural control performance measure includes sway area, anterior-posterior (AP) sway velocity, medio-lateral (ML) sway velocity, AP sway distance and ML sway distance as measured using the APDM Mobility Lab (Oregon, Portland). A repeated-measure analysis of variance was used to analyse the data.
RESULTS: We found that children with TBI showed significantly more deterioration in postural control performance than TD children (p<0.05). Both concurrent tasks (motor and cognitive) significantly decreased postural control performance in both groups with more pronounced changes in children with TBI than that of the TD controls.
CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that, performing concurrent tasks (motor and cognitive) during upright standing resulted in deterioration of postural control performance. The existence of cognitive and balance impairment in children with TBI will possibly cause concurrent tasks to be more complex and demands greater attention compared to single task.
METHODS: Ovid, MEDLINE, Scopus, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), EBSCOHOST, Cochrane library and Open Grey databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro Scale and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). Meta-analysis was undertaken when the same outcome measures were reported in a minimum of two studies with appropriate data. (PROSPERO: CRD42020177317).
RESULTS: Eleven studies with 900 participants were included, out of which 395 participants were allocated to group exercise programs and 383 completed the program. Culturally adapted Thai dance programs and multicomponent exercise programs were the most-commonly reported group exercises. The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and attendance rates were the most-frequently reported outcomes. Meta-analysis demonstrated significant improvement in physical function assessed using the Timed Up and Go test (Random effect model -1.27 s, 95% CI -1.65, -0.88, I2 = 74%). In two studies, adherence (81% and 94%) and dropout rates (4% and 19%) were reported.
CONCLUSIONS: Group-based exercise programs in Southeast Asia consisting mostly of culturally adapted Thai dance programs and multicomponent exercise programs appear to have positive effects on physical function. However, better descriptions of fidelity, including adherence, are required in future studies.
METHODS: This randomized controlled trial involved participants aged 18 to 25 years with mild to moderate idiopathic scoliosis, who were randomly assigned to either the control or experimental group. Both groups received 12 sessions of supervised exercises over 6 weeks, with the experimental group also incorporating DNS exercises alongside CSE. Lumbopelvic stability was assessed using the single leg squat, while core stability was evaluated with the stabilizer pressure Biofeedback in combination with the Sahrmann core stability test. Additionally, gait spatiotemporal parameters and pelvic dynamics were analyzed using the BTS-G-WALK system.
RESULTS: Of 30 participants, 28 completed the study, comprising 12 males and 16 females, with 26 having mild right-sided thoracic scoliosis. Both groups showed improvement in the left single leg squat, with the control group reaching 93.3% "Good" performance and the experimental group achieving 69.2%. Gait analysis showed a significant reduction in duration for both groups, with the control group improving from 112.98 to 71.41 seconds (P = .005) and the experimental group improving from 112.33 to 67.68 seconds (P = .021).
CONCLUSION: This ongoing 12-week study shows that the combined DNS and CSE approach significantly improves lumbopelvic stability in individuals with idiopathic scoliosis. However, the impact on gait parameters was minimal, possibly due to the short duration of the intervention and the similar walking strategies of those with single-curve scoliosis and healthy individuals. These findings highlight the potential of integrating DNS into scoliosis rehabilitation and underscore the need for further research to optimize treatment duration and assess long-term functional outcomes.