脑卒中偏瘫恢复期患者双足间距离对静态站立平衡功能的影响

目的:探讨脑卒中偏瘫恢复期患者静态站立时双足间距离大小对平衡功能的影响,为平衡功能训练提供理论基础。方法:共选取脑卒中偏瘫恢复期患者30例,男17例,女13例,分别在睁眼和闭眼2种方式下,采用Pro-Kin平衡评估训练仪评估双足并拢站立、双足分开(50 cm)和双足最适距离站立3种模式下的静态平衡功能,主要测量参数包括前后摆动幅度标准差、左右摆动幅度标准差、前后平均运动速度、左右平均运动速度、运动椭圆面积和运动长度。结果:(1)在睁眼状态下,双足分开50 cm站立时,左右摆动幅度标准差[3(1.94,5)]、前后平均运动速度[8.75(6,13.25)mm/s]、运动椭圆面积[185.5(94.75,447)mm2]等参数显著小于双足并拢状态(P0.05);在闭眼状态下,双足分开50 cm站立时,左右摆动幅度标准差[3(2,4)]、运动椭圆面积[326.5(142.25,557.25)mm~2]、运动长度[297 (215.94,455.5)mm]等参数显著小于双足并拢状态(P0.05)。(2)在睁眼状态下,双足最适距离站立时,左右摆动幅度标准差[3(2,5)]、前后平均运动速度[8.69 (5,14)mm/s]、左右平均运动速度[6.32 (4,10)mm/s]、运动椭圆面积[186 (97,446.5)mm2]、运动长度[196(143.5,306.25)mm]等参数显著小于双足并拢状态(P0.05);在闭眼状态下,双足最适距离站立时,左右摆动幅度标准差[3(2,5)]、左右平均运动速度[7(4.44,12.25)mm/s]、运动椭圆面积[275(145.25,388.75)mm~2]、运动长度[287(216,478.25)mm]等参数显著小于双足并拢状态(P0.05)。(3)在睁眼状态下,双足最适距离站立时,左右平均运动速度[6.32(4,10)mm/s]和运动长度[196(143.5,306.25)mm]参数显著小于双足分开50 cm站立状态(P0.05);在闭眼状态下,双足最适距离站立时,左右平均运动速度[7(4.44,12.25)mm/s]和运动椭圆面积[275(145.25,388.75)mm2]参数显著小于双足分开50 cm站立状态(P0.05)。结论:脑卒中偏瘫恢复期患者在静态站立时,双下肢之间有一定的最适距离,在这种距离下静态站立平衡功能最佳。     

颈性眩晕患者的静态平衡和稳定极限特征北大核心CSCD

目的分析颈性眩晕患者的静态平衡和稳定极限(LOS)特征。方法 2020年1月至2021年8月,选取本院颈性眩晕患者30例(眩晕组),健康人30例(对照组)。采用PRO-KIN平衡仪进行测试,记录两组在睁眼和闭眼条件下的前后摆动幅度标准差、左右摆动幅度标准差、前后平均运动速度、左右平均运动速度、运动面积、运动长度、 8个方向的LOS,计算面积和长度的Romberg值。结果闭眼时,两组各项静态平衡指标数值均大于睁眼时(|Z|>2.138, P<0.05);无论睁眼或闭眼,除左右平均运动速度外(|Z|<1.026, P>0.05),眩晕组各项静态平衡指标数值均大于对照组(|Z|>2.004, P<0.05)。眩晕组在前方(右上方、正上方、左上方)的LOS和总LOS完成百分比均低于对照组(|Z|>2.240, P<0.05)。结论颈性眩晕患者静态平衡能力下降,平衡控制有赖于视觉补偿,LOS范围缩小,有较高跌倒风险。     

不同站立姿势对偏瘫患者足底压力及平衡功能的影响

摘要 目的：探讨偏瘫患者不同站立姿势下足底压力的变化及对平衡功能的影响。 方法：选择24例偏瘫患者,要求每位患者在Novel Zebris压力测试平板上,分别以四种姿势站立,即双足并拢、双足左右分开、健足在前患足在后,以及患足在前健足在后站立,测试患者在四种不同站立姿势下的压力峰值、平均压力、压力中心偏移的椭圆轨迹长度,以及椭圆轨迹包络面积。 结果：①压力峰值：双足分开较双足并拢站立时,健侧前半足和后半足压力峰值均有明显下降（P＜0.05）;患足在前较患足在后站立时,患足压力峰值明显下降（P＜0.05）。②平均压力值：双足分开较双足并拢站立时,健侧前半足平均压力明显下降,后半足平均压力明显提高（P＜0.05）,但患侧前半足和后半足平均压力变化不大（P＞0.05）;健侧和患侧整足平均压力无明显变化（P＞0.05）;患足在前较患足在后站立时,健足平均压力明显提高,患足平均压力明显下降（P＜0.05）。③压力中心偏移的椭圆轨迹长度和椭圆面积：双足分开较双足并拢站立时椭圆面积明显下降（P＜0.05）,椭圆轨迹长度明显增加（P＜0.05）,椭圆轨迹长度与椭圆面积比值明显下降（P＜0.05）;患足在前较患足在后站立时,椭圆面积明显下降（P＜0.05）,椭圆轨迹长度与椭圆面积比值明显下降（P＜0.05）。 结论：①四种常见的站立姿势中,患足在前站立时健患足平均压力较其它三种站立姿势有明显差异,双足并拢、双足分开、健足在前站立时健患足平均压力几乎一致。②四种站立姿势中,双足分开站立时患者的平衡稳定性最好。     

痉挛型脑瘫患儿躯干稳定性控制功能评估

目的检测痉挛型脑瘫患儿躯干稳定性控制功能,并对其视觉代偿以及躯干平衡特点进行分析。 方法共选取痉挛型脑瘫患儿及正常同龄儿童各20例,分别纳入脑瘫组及对照组。采用意大利产PK254P型平衡仪对上述入选对象进行检测,分别检测其在睁眼及闭眼状态下的躯干稳定性参数,包括躯干平均压力中心（COP）在前后方向及左右方向的平均运动速度、位移标准差、运动长度、运动椭圆面积及对称性等,睁眼及闭眼平衡检测时间均为30 s。 结果脑瘫组患儿COP前后方向位移标准差［睁眼时为（2.45±1.35）mm,闭眼时为（4.25±2.15）mm］、左右方向位移标准差［睁眼时为（3.05±1.82）mm,闭眼时为（5.95±2.95）mm］、前后方向平均运动速度［睁眼时为（5.70±2.70）mm/s,闭眼时为（8.80±4.66）mm/s］、左右方向平均运动速度［睁眼时为（5.85±3.10）mm/s,闭眼时为（9.10±4.82）mm/s］、运动长度［睁眼时为（183.50±84.12）mm,闭眼时为（255.90±119.07）mm］、运动椭圆面积［睁眼时为（60.65±32.63）mm2,闭眼时为（93.40±41.90）mm2］与对照组间差异均具有统计学意义（均P<0.05）。另外脑瘫组患儿在闭眼测试时其各项躯干稳定性控制参数与睁眼测试时的差值均大于对照组水平（均P<0.05）。脑瘫组患儿在睁眼及闭眼测试时其COP在左右方向上的分布基本对称（X轴COP均值接近于0）,而在前后方向的分布则更侧向于前方（Y轴COP均值均明显大于0）;对照组儿童在睁眼及闭眼测试时其COP在左右方向及前后方向的分布均基本对称（X轴COP及Y轴COP均值均接近于0）。 结论痉挛型脑瘫患儿在睁眼及闭眼时其躯干稳定性控制功能均不及正常同龄儿童,前者视觉代偿在躯干稳定性控制中的作用较正常同龄儿童显著;另外痉挛型脑瘫患儿COP在左右方向的分布基本对称,而在前后方向的分布则明显偏向于前方。     

绝经后女性骨密度与静态平衡功能以及稳定极限范围相关性临床研究

目的通过静态平衡仪记录身体直立静止以及倾斜时足底重心的移动,测量绝经后女性的静态平衡指标以及稳定极限范围（LOS）,比较绝经后正常骨量女性、绝经后骨量减少女性、绝经后骨质疏松女性的静态平衡功能指标以及稳定极限范围有无差异性。 方法50~60岁的绝经后正常骨量女性20例、绝经后骨量减少女性20例、绝经后骨质疏松症女性20例,使用压力测力板分别测定3组受试者睁、闭眼直立时的静态平衡指标（前后平均摆幅、左右平均摆幅、平均摆动速度、摆动路径长度、摆动有效面积）及前后左右4个方向LOS,使用SPSS 17.0进行统计学分析。 结果在睁眼以及闭眼状态下,3组受试者静态平衡各项指标（前后平均摆幅、左右平均摆幅、平均摆动速度、摆动路径长度和摆动有效面积）组间差异均无统计学意义（P&rt;0.05）。正常骨量组闭眼测试时的平均摆动速度和摆动路径长度分别为（0.916±0.666）cm/s和（52.109±16.950）cm均显著大于组内睁眼时的（0.885±0.585）cm/s和（38.768±10.095）cm,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。3组受试者前、后、左、右4个方向的LOS值组间比较,差异无统计学意义（P&rt;0.05）,且3组的前、后方LOS值均低于组内左、右方LOS值,差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。骨量减少组和骨量正常组前方LOS值高于组内后方的LOS值,差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论（1）50~60岁绝经后女性骨密度与静态平衡指标无相关性;对60岁以下绝经后骨量改变女性而言,视觉对静态平衡指标的代偿不明显。（2）骨密度与稳定极限范围之间亦无相关性;绝经后女性左右方向的主动姿势控制能力优于前后方向,50~60岁骨质疏松女性前方姿势控制能力下降。     

最大重心-压力中心倾角法评估不同年龄人群静态平衡的研究

目的应用最大重心-压力中心倾角法比较青、中、老年人群静态平衡能力差异及特征。方法使用三维运动捕捉系统及测力台,采集15名青年人(18~40岁)、10名中年人(41~65岁)及12名老年人(65岁)在睁眼双足站立、闭眼双足站立、睁眼单足站立及闭眼单足站立4种状态下的重心及压力中心数据,计算其在矢、冠状面上的重心-压力中心倾角,以各组平均峰值进行统计分析。结果在睁眼双足站立及闭眼单、双足站立3种状态下,不同年龄段人群在矢、冠状面的倾角均无显著性差异(P0.05);而在睁眼单足站立时,青、中年组与老年组间,在矢、冠状面的倾角均有显著性差异(P0.05)。结论睁眼单足站立下的最大重心-压力中心倾角可以敏感地检测出老年人群的平衡功能衰退,有望为临床静态平衡提供一种新的静态平衡评估指标。     

基于足底压力下睁闭眼对静态平衡功能的影响

目的:采用足底压力分析技术对正常年轻人的睁眼、闭眼状态下的姿势控制进行评估,旨在研究视觉输入对于静态平衡功能的影响。方法:选取66例健康成年人作为研究对象,指示受试者站立于FreeMed足底压力分析测试板固定位置。测试者按前、后、左、右4个方向摆动受试者骨盆,使受试者双脚压力均匀分布。先后进行睁眼和闭眼状态监测,分别记录足底压力数据30 s。使用Freestep足底压力分析系统对已采集足底压力原始数据进行预处理,得出球长度、椭圆面积、平均速度、平均X、平均Y、椭圆倾斜角、椭圆偏心角、最大摆动、最小摆动和左右双侧下肢的足底整体负荷、前足负荷和后足负荷。结果:在睁眼和闭眼2种状态下受试者的椭圆面积(P<0.05)、平均Y(P<0.001)和最大摆动(P<0.001)的差异均有统计学意义。对比睁眼状态,闭眼时正常人的椭圆面积减小,平均Y减小,而最大摆动增加。根据足底压力中心(COP)的散点图分布情况,发现睁眼状态下COP分布较闭眼状态下集中。对比睁眼和闭眼2种状态,受试者的左脚前足负荷(P<0.001)、右脚前足负荷(P<0.001)、左脚后足负荷(P<0.001)和右脚后足负荷(P<0.001)的差异均有统计学意义。闭眼状态较睁眼状态下左脚前足负荷和右脚前足负荷均有增加,而左脚后足负荷和右脚后足负荷均有减少。在左侧下肢与右侧下肢2种状态对比中,受试者的睁眼状态左脚整体负荷较右侧下肢减少(P=0.030);在闭眼状态下左脚整体负荷也比右侧下肢减少(P=0.021),差异有统计学意义。由前足和后足在睁闭眼2种状态的对比中可见,受试者的后足负荷均明显大于前足负荷(P<0.001),差异有统计学意义。结论:视觉输入作用于椭圆面积和摆动幅度,影响静态平衡功能维持;本研究通过足底压力分析的运动学和动力学参数量化评估平衡功能,力求能为临床评估提供方向。     

功能性踝关节不稳者的静态平衡能力*

背景：目前国内对功能性踝关节不稳者平衡能力的研究较少,并且其平衡能力的缺失也可能是导致踝关节反复损伤的一个重要原因,对其研究能有效地降低损伤概率。
　　目的：分析功能性踝关节不稳者的静态平衡能力特征。
　　方法：选取10名男性患有单侧功能性踝关节不稳的受试者为实验组,匹配10名无踝关节伤病的受试者作为对照组。采用win-pod平衡功能检测系统对受试者进行双足和单足的静态平衡能力的测试,双足测试30 s,单足测试10 s,获得评价平衡能力各指标的数值。
　　结果与结论：双足测试时,无论是睁眼还是闭眼状态下,实验组的各项指标与对照组之间差异无显著性意义(P>0.05),但双足站立时各指标的值明显都小于单足站立时各指标值,说明在双足站立时,功能性踝关节不稳者的静态平衡能力与正常人差异没有显著性意义,而双足的静态平衡能力比单足的要好。而在患侧足单足测试时,观察发现功能性踝关节不稳者的静态平衡能力略差于正常人,尤其在闭眼状态下。再通过组内X轴平均摆幅与Y 轴平均摆幅的对比发现,在维持平衡姿势的过程中,身体重心的摆动方向基本上以前后方向为主。     

注意力分配对双重任务模型平衡和计算能力的影响

目的探讨执行计算-平衡双重任务时,注意力分配原则对平衡能力和计算能力的影响。方法 2016年10月至2017年12月,选取健康青年人20例,于坐位下进行睁眼+计算、闭眼+计算测试,于静态平衡仪上分别进行单腿站立+睁眼、单腿站立+闭眼、单腿站立+睁眼+计算、单腿站立+闭眼+计算测试。记录身体重心的左右最大摆幅、前后最大摆幅,外周面积,轨迹长,以及连续逆序减7计算的正确率。结果睁眼时身体重心左右、前后最大摆幅,外周面积,轨迹长显著小于闭眼时(t 8.775, P 0.001);双重任务闭眼时身体重心左右、前后最大摆幅,外周面积小于单项任务(t 2.276, P 0.05);双重任务睁眼时身体重心的左右、前后最大摆幅,外周面积,轨迹长与单项任务相比无显著性差异(t 1.379, P 0.05)。睁眼坐位组、闭眼坐位组、睁眼平衡测试组、闭眼平衡测试组计算正确率无显著性差异(P 0.05)。结论低难度的认知双重任务不通过注意力分配原则来影响平衡稳定性和计算能力,计算任务反而改善闭眼时的单腿静态平衡稳定性,但对睁眼时的平衡稳定性无影响。     

腰痛对老年女性动静态平衡功能的影响

摘要 目的：探讨慢性腰痛对老年女性动静态平衡功能的影响。 方法：选取20例老年女性腰痛受试者与20例健康老年女性对照，使用PK 254压力台评估2组受试者在双腿站立睁眼、双腿站立闭眼、单腿站立睁眼时的静态平衡，利用起立步行试验、四格移步试验、10m步行试验评估两组受试者的动态平衡。 结果：与健康对照组相比，老年女性腰痛患者在单腿站立条件下静态平衡控制更差(前后速度P=0.017；左右速度P<0.001；椭圆面积P=0.019；椭圆轨迹P=0.005)，起立步行测试及四格移步测试花费的时间更长(P<0.001)，而在双腿站立、10m步行测试中两组受试者的差别无显著性意义(P>0.05)。 结论：当姿势任务难度增加时，老年女性腰痛患者的平衡控制能力下降，同时单腿站立是评估平衡控制的一项较为敏感的指标。     

Attentional control of postural stability in institutionalised elderly people: effects of a physical exercise program]

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the effect of a physical activity program on postural sway and on the attentional control of postural abilities in elderly frail adults. METHOD: Twelve older adults (age 81.4+/-9 years) institutionalised in a geriatric care institution participated in the physical activity program posture-balance-mobility (PBM) twice a week (1 hour per session) for 12 weeks. We analysed stabilometric data for surface and length of the center of pressure (COP) sway, with eyes open and eyes closed, under single-task and dual-task conditions on a firm floor before and after the training program. During the static postural evaluation and under the dual-task condition, subjects performed an attention-demanding cognitive task, the random number generation task. RESULTS: Only the length of COP sway was more important under the dual-task condition than under the single-task condition (p=0.05). At baseline, cognitive performance was significantly weaker under the dual-task condition (standing) than under the single-task condition (seated), with eyes closed but not eyes open (p<0.05). However, after the training program, the performance of the cognitive task did not significantly differ between the dual-task condition with eyes closed and the single-task condition with eyes closed. CONCLUSION: The training program allowed elderly subjects to improve their ability to perform an attention-demanding cognitive task while standing still, in particular with their eyes closed. Although balance seemed to be less stable under the dual-task condition than under the single-task condition, these results could be interpreted as an improvement of the attentional control of postural stability.     

Concurrent Validity of Postural Sway Measures in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Aims: To examine concurrent validity of inertial sensor (APDM ISway) versus force plate center of pressure (COP) measures of postural sway in cognitively impaired older adults. Methods: Participants, mean age 85.6 (SD 4.8), were tested in 4 static standing conditions: (1) eyes open/normal base, (2) eyes open/narrow base, (3) eyes closed/normal base, and (4) eyes closed/narrow base. ISway and COP measures were collected. Results: Strong correlations between ISway trunk sway smoothness [ISway JERK, (m²/s⁵)] and COP path length (r?=?0.67–0.85) and COP mean velocity (r?=?0.77–0.87); also ISway total sway acceleration path length/trail duration [ISway PATH, (m²/s²)] and COP path length (r?=?0.77–0.87) and COP mean velocity (r?=?0.77–0.91). Increased sway was detected in narrow versus normal base and eyes closed versus open conditions (P = .001). Conclusions: APDM ISway demonstrated concurrent validity to force-plate COP and changes in postural sway were detected between conditions.     

The influence of thoracolumbosacral orthoses on standing balance in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a pilot study

Background and aim: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of thoracolumbosacral orthoses (TLSOs) on antero-posterior (AP) sway, medio-lateral (ML) sway and displacement of the center of pressure (COP) during a longitudinal study in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods: Eight females aged between 12 and 14.5 years participated in this study. Evaluations were performed prior to the TLSO intervention as a baseline condition, after 1 month, and after 4 months of orthosis use by assessing balance when standing statically on different surfaces. Results: When standing on both lower limbs on a solid surface there were significant differences in ML sway with the eyes both open and closed, and also in A/P sway but only when standing on a solid surface with the eyes open and also when standing on a foam surface with the eyes closed with TLSO use. When standing on the dominant leg, ML sway significantly improved, but AP sway only improved with a foam base surface with the eyes open. Conclusion: This study demonstrated positive effects of wearing a TLSO in improving quiet standing balance and standing on the dominant lower extremity in subjects with AIS after 4 months of brace use.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Due to a change in body shape such as that caused by scoliosis, human posture changes and spinal deformities affect the position of the center of support, and thus balance ability may change.

• AIS subjects have poor standing stability compared to a healthy matched control group.

• Brace wearing had positive effect in improving quiet standing balance and standing on the dominant lower extremity in subjects with AIS undergoing brace treatment after 4 months of TLSO use.

     

正常人静态姿势图参数参考值研究

目的 研究正常人静态姿势图参数的参考值范围。方法 用平衡测试仪对611例正常人进行静态平衡功能测试，按性别、年龄分组，分别测试并足、分足状态下睁眼和闭眼时的平衡状况，共得到10个平衡参数值。用正态分布法计算双侧95％参考值范围。结果 不同性别、年龄、足距和视觉平衡参数的双侧95％参考值范围有明显差异：男性各平衡参数值较女性大；15～19岁组各平衡参数值最小，66～79岁组各平衡参数值最大，5～14岁、20～35岁、36～50岁和51～65岁这4个年龄组各平衡参数值处于中等水平，其中，20～35岁、36～50岁和51～65岁这3个年龄组各参数值间差异无显著性意义；并足时各平衡参数值较分足时大；闭眼时各平衡参数值较睁眼时大。结论 性别、年龄、足距和视觉均影响人的平衡功能，在确定正常参考值时，应进行分层。     

Intrasession reliability of force platform parameters in community-dwelling older adults

Bauer C, Gröger I, Rupprecht R, Gaßmann KG. Intrasession reliability of force platform parameters in community-dwelling older adults.

Objective

To investigate the intrasession reliability of center of pressure (COP) parameters calculated from force platform measurements.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Gait and balance laboratory.

Participants

Community-dwelling healthy older adults (N=63) above the age of 62 years (mean age, 78.74y).

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

COP was estimated from a force platform, and the following parameters were calculated: (1) the total length of the COP displacement, (2) area of sway, (3) length of the COP displacement in the sagittal plane, and (4) length of the COP displacement in the frontal plane. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated by using 3 successive trials with 4 different test conditions. The test conditions were (1) normative standing with eyes open, (2) normative standing with eyes closed, (3) narrow stance with eyes open, and (4) narrow stance with eyes closed.

Results

The ICCs for the tests with eyes closed (.710-.946) were higher than those for tests with eyes open (.841-.945). The highest value was obtained for the vector sum of the COP during anteroposterior movement in narrow stance with eyes closed (.946). The value .710 was the lowest of all parameters and was an outlier for the narrow stance with eyes closed test, which was otherwise very reliable.

Conclusions

Eight of 16 calculated ICCs showed excellent reliability (>.90). They can be recommended for further use in clinical trials. Tests with closed eyes were more reliable than tests with eyes open. We recommend using eyes closed test conditions when assessing static balance control. For these tests, all the calculated ICCs were over .90, except for measurements of sway area.     

基于体感互动的综合平衡训练对脑卒中偏瘫患者平衡功能的影响

目的:探讨基于体感互动的综合平衡训练对脑卒中偏瘫患者平衡能力的影响。方法:35例脑卒中偏瘫患者随机分为体感互动综合平衡训练组(观察组)18例和传统平衡训练组(对照组)17例。对照组进行传统平衡训练,观察组利用体感互动技术,结合任务导向性游戏项目进行平衡训练、躯干控制训练和下肢力量训练的综合平衡训练。治疗期间均配合常规康复治疗。分别在治疗前及治疗4周后进行静动态平衡功能评估。结果:治疗4周后,2组Berg平衡量表(BBS)及Fugl-Meyer运动功能评分(FMA)下肢部分评分均较治疗前明显提高(P0.01),且观察组更高于对照组(P0.01,0.05)。治疗后,观察组在睁眼站立、闭眼站立、脚前后站立时重心摆动速度和稳定时间评分均较治疗前及对照组显著降低(P0.05,0.01),对照组在睁眼站立时重心摆动速度和稳定时间评分与治疗前比较显著降低(P0.05,0.01),脚前后站立和闭眼站立时重心摆动速度与治疗前比较无显著性差异。结论:基于体感互动的综合平衡训练结合常规平衡训练能更有效的改善脑卒中偏瘫患者的静动态平衡能力。     

The Effects of Wobble Board Training on the Eyes Open and Closed Static Balance Ability of Adolescents with Down Syndrome

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of wobble board training on static balance, with and without vision, of adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). [Subjects] Ten adolescents with DS were recruited for this study. [Methods] Participants performed quiet standing with their eyes open and closed, pre- and post-wobble board training. During quiet standing, the center of pressure (COP) data was recorded using a force plate. To assess the static balance ability of the participants, the 95% confidence ellipse area of COP was calculated. The paired t-test was used to compare the 95% confidence ellipse area of COP between the eyes open and closed conditions, and between pre- and post-training. [Results] Although there was no significant difference in the 95% confidence ellipse area of COP between with and without vision, the 95% confidence ellipse area of COP decreased significantly after wobble board training. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that wobble board training is an effective at improving the static balance ability of adolescents with DS.Key words: Down syndrome, Center of pressure, Static balance     

Standing Balance on the Ground —The Influence of Flatfeet and Insoles

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine whether insoles change standing balance on the ground in normal and flat-footed subjects. [Subjects] Twenty subjects with flatfeet and 20 subjects with normal feet were included in this study. [Methods] Body sway was evaluated based on the center of pressure while subjects stood on the ground. Body sway was measured during upright standing with the feet 10 cm apart for 30 seconds. The total locus length and the area of body sway were then measured using a zebris system. Measurements were made under three sets of conditions: using BMZ insoles, which supported the cuboid; using Superfeet insoles, which supported the medial longitudinal arch; and with no insoles. [Results] The 3 insole conditions were compared. On level ground, the total locus length for the Superfeet insole was significantly less than those for the BMZ insole and no insole. [Conclusion] On level ground, Superfeet feet insoles were effective in stabilizing standing balance in both flat-footed and normal-footed subjects.Key words: Flatfoot, Insole, Standing balance     

Effect of Muscle Vibration on Postural Balance of Parkinson’s Diseases Patients in Bipedal Quiet Standing

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of muscle vibration applied to the lower extremities on static postural balance of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). [Subjects] Seven subjects with Parkinson’s disease participated in this study. [Methods] The oscillators of vibration were attached to the muscle bellies of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, biceps femoris, and rectus femoris on both sides of the lower extremities with adhesive tape. A vibration frequency of 60 Hz was used to induce static postural reactions. Subjects’ center of pressure (COP) sway and peak ground reaction force (GRF) were measured with their eyes open with and without vibration. COP sway and peak GRF (Fx, Fy, Fz) were measured using a force plate (AMTI, Newton, USA), which provides x, y and z coordinates of body movement. [Results] The area of COP sway with vibration was significantly smaller than that with no vibration, but the length of COP sway showed no difference between two conditions. Peak medial-lateral maximum force (Fy) with vibration was significantly higher than that with no vibration, but peak anterior-posterior force (Fx) and peak vertical force (Fz) showed no differences. [Conclusion] These results suggest that vibration applied to the lower extremities can help PD patients control postural balance during quiet standing.Key words: Vibration, Postural balance, Parkinson’s disease