Effects of posture and lower limb muscle strength on the results of the Star Excursion Balance Test

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the distance measurements in the Star Excursion Balance Test and participants’ posture and lower limb muscle strength. [Participants and Methods] Nine healthy male college students participated in this study. Star Excursion Balance Test distance was measured in both lower limbs by performing anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial trials; measuring the maximum reach; and performing three-dimensional motion analysis to determine the posture at maximum reach. Isokinetic muscle strength for knee flexion/extension, hip flexion/extension, and hip adduction/abduction were measured using an isokinetic machine. [Results] The hip extension strength, reach side ankle dorsiflexion angles, stance side knee flexion, reach side knee flexion, and knee flexion strength were selected as significant explanatory variables in the anterior direction. For the posteromedial direction, hip adduction and hip extension strength, reach side hip flexion angle, and stance side hip flexion angle were selected. For the posterolateral direction, reach side knee flexion angle and stance side ankle dorsiflexion, knee flexion strength and reach side hip flexion angle were selected. [Conclusion] The related factors differed between the dominant and non-dominant legs even in the same reach direction.     

Reliability of the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test in individuals with Down Syndrome

Neuromotor problems such as hypotonia, incoordination, impaired sensory-motor integration lead to significant delays in motor skills and balance development in individuals with Down Syndrome (DS). Balance control is essential for performing many motor skills independently and safely. Standardised testing of balance control can contribute significantly to the rehabilitation of individuals with DS. The purpose of this study was to determine intrarater and interrater reliability of the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) for individuals with DS. Thirteen individuals with DS were recruited in this study. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC [3,1]) with 95% confidence intervals, standard error of measurement (SEM), the smallest detectable difference (SDD) and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient were calculated. In all directions of the Modified SEBT, no statistically significant difference was found between two raters’ first and second measurements (p > 0.05). Interrater reliability for all reach directions of the Modified SEBT was high, with ICC ranging from 0.990 to 0.998.95% confidence intervals, SEM and SDD ranged from 0.924 to 0.999, 0.180–2.434 and 3.270–6.747, respectively. The Modified SEBT are reliable for evaluating dynamic balance in individuals with DS aged between 6 and 24 years.     

C5和C6脊髓损伤患者与正常人在伸肘活动中上肢的角位移及角速度比较

目的研究C5和C6脊髓损伤（SCI）患者在伸肘活动中上肢的运动策略。方法采用Peak Motus运动解析系统对15例C5和C6水平SCI患者和15例正常人在抓取杯子、触摸开关、驱动轮椅和利用上肢负重4项伸肘动作中肩、肘、腕关节的角位移及角速度进行分析。结果与正常人相比，SCI患者在抓取杯子、触摸开关、驱动轮椅动作中的运动时间明显延长（P〈0．05）；在触摸开关和驱动轮椅动作中的角速度明显减慢（P〈0．05）；在前3项伸肘活动中，SCI患者主要依靠增加或减小肩关节的角位移来完成运动任务，而在利用上肢负重的动作中，则通过改变肩、肘关节在矢状面上的运动方向来代偿其功能缺陷。结论C5和C6水平SCI患者采用与正常人不同的运动模式和策略来完成伸肘活动。