Establishing the reliability and validity of measurements of walking time using the Emory Functional Ambulation Profile

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Emory Functional Ambulation Profile (E-FAP) measures time to walk in different environments and accounts for use of assistive devices. This study assessed the reliability and validity of walking time measurements using these components. SUBJECTS: Twenty-eight subjects who had strokes and 28 subjects without impairment were recruited. METHODS: The E-FAP, Berg Balance Test, Functional Reach Test, and Timed 10-Meter Walk Test were administered in random order during a single data collection session. RESULTS: Interrater reliability for the total E-FAP was > or = .997. Subjects without impairment performed better on all 4 tests than did subjects who had strokes. Increased times on the E-FAP correlated with poor performance on the Berg Balance Test and slow gait speeds on the Timed 10-Meter Walk Test in the subjects who had strokes. The E-FAP scores and the Functional Reach Test scores were not correlated. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: The E-FAP can be administered easily and inexpensively. Because the E-FAP scores differentiated subject groups and correlated with known measures of function, the E-FAP may be a clinically useful measure of ambulation.     

An efficacy study on improving balance and gait in subacute stroke patients by balance training with additional motor imagery: a pilot study

[Purpose] The few studies conducted on subacute stroke patients have focused only on gait function improvement. This study therefore aimed to confirm the effect of balance training with additional motor imagery on balance and gait improvement in subacute stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Participants were divided into an experimental or control group. The experimental group received balance training for 20 minutes/day with mental imagery for 10 minutes/day, three days/week, for four weeks. The control group received only balance training for 30 minutes. Before and after the 12 sessions, balance and gait ability were assessed by the researcher and a physical therapist. [Results] After completion of the 4-week intervention, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test, Functional Reach Test, and Four Square Step test scores significantly increased in the experimental group. In the control group, Berg Balance Scale and Functional Reach Test scores significantly improved. Changes in the Timed Up and Go test, Functional Reach Test, and Four Square Step Test scores after intervention were significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group. [Conclusion] Specific balance training with additional motor imagery may result in better rehabilitation outcomes of gait and balance ability than balance training alone.Key words: Balance, Gait, Motor imagery     

Effect of a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks on the balance and gait of stroke patients

[Purpose] This study aimed to assess the effect of a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks on the balance and gait of stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty stroke patients were randomly assigned to two groups 10 to an experimental group that performed a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks and 10 to a control group. The control group performed a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise program. Balance was measured with the Berg Balance Scale. Gait was assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test. The paired t-test was used to compare groups before and after the experiment. The independent t-test was conducted to assess differences in the degree of change between the two groups before and after the experiment. [Results] Within-group comparison in the experimental group showed significant differences in the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go Test. In a comparison between groups, the differences in the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go Test in the experimental group appeared significant compared with the control group. [Conclusion] The results of the experiment indicate that a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks has a positive effect on the balance and gait of stroke patients.Key words: Virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks, Balance, Gait     

Therapeutic effects of reaching with forward bending of trunk on postural stability,dynamic balance,and gait in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to perform forward bending of the trunk and reaching training in chronic stroke patients and to investigate subsequent changes in trunk control, dynamic balance, and gait. [Subject] Twenty-three chronic stroke patients were randomly divided into two groups, with 10 patients in the forward bending of the trunk and reaching group and 13 patients in the control group. [Methods] Both groups underwent 30 minutes of rehabilitation therapy, five days a week, for four weeks. The forward bending of the trunk and reaching group additionally performed forward bending of the trunk and reaching training five times a week for four weeks, which involved four sets of pressing buttons 35 times, for a total of 140 button presses per session. The subjects were tested before and after training using the Trunk Impairment Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Six-Minute Walking Test, and 10-Meter Walking Test. Trunk control, dynamic balance, and walking ability were compared between the two groups. [Result] The results of the study showed that the results of the Trunk Impairment Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Six-Minute Walking Test improved significantly in the FBR group, while there were no significant differences in the control group. [Conclusion] This study results suggest that forward bending of the trunk and reaching training can be an effective exercise method for chronic stroke patients.Key words: Postural control, Stroke, Trunk     

正常人动态平衡能力测试的信度及效度分析

目的　对正常人平衡功能进行动态姿势图重复检测 ,分析各参数间的内在一致性、重测信度及不同测试者间的信度 ;并与Berg平衡量表、功能性前伸测量、起立行走计时测定结果比较 ,检验其效标效度。方法　 2名测试者应用BiodexBalanceSystem (BBS)分别对 40名正常受试者 ( 18～ 67岁 )进行 2次 8级平台稳定性动态姿势图测试及稳定性测试 ;同时还应用Berg平衡量表、功能性前伸距离及起立行走计时等方法进行检测。结果　研究结果发现年龄因素对所有检测参数均有影响 ,体重指数对稳定指数及平均方向控制能力有影响。各参数间内部存在一致性 (r =0 .2 2～ 0 .93 ,均P <0 .0 1) ,其重测信度 (r =0 .70～ 0 .99)及不同测试者间信度 (r =0 .71～ 0 .98)较佳 (ICC =0 .88～ 0 .99)。在测试过程中 ,发现不同跌下次数的受试者其年龄差异和测试结果间差异显著相关 (P <0 .0 0 1)。BBS测试数据与Berg平衡量表、功能性前伸测量、起立行走计时测评结果有较高的相关性 (r =0 .72～ 0 .86)。结论　BBS能反映受试者平衡能力的年龄变化趋势 ,具有较高的内在一致性、重测信度及不同测试者间的信度 ,与Berg平衡量表、起立行走计时及功能性前伸测量结果具有一致性 ,可用于平衡功能的定量评定。     

Correlations among trunk impairment,functional performance,and muscle activity during forward reaching tasks in patients with chronic stroke

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the relationships among trunk impairment, functional performance, and muscle activity during forward reaching tasks in patients with chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-three chronic stroke patients participated in this study. Trunk impairment and functional performance were evaluated using the Trunk Impairment Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, and 10-Meter Walk Test. All subjects were asked to perform 3 different forward reaching tasks (affected side reaching, forward reaching, and less-affected side reaching), and measurements were taken during these 3 tasks by using surface electromyography. Correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationships among trunk impairment, functional performance, and muscle activity during the forward reaching tasks. [Results] Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a strong, significant correlation between the Trunk Impairment Scale and functional performance, that was associated with balance and gait ability. During the 3 different forward reaching tasks, muscle activities of the less-affected lower extremity were significantly correlated with functional performance. [Conclusion] This study revealed the correlations among trunk impairment, functional performance, and muscle activity during forward reaching tasks in patients with chronic stroke and emphasized the importance of trunk rehabilitation.Key words: Electromyography, Postural balance, Stroke     

Effects of aquatic PNF lower extremity patterns on balance and ADL of stroke patients

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of aquatic proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) patterns in the lower extremity on balance and activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty poststroke participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). The experimental group performed lower extremity patterns in an aquatic environment, and the control group performed lower extremity patterns on the ground. Both exercises were conducted for 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks. Balance was measured with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and One Leg Stand Test (OLST). Activities of daily living were measured with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). A paired t-test was used to measure pre- and post-experiment differences, and an independent t-test was used to measure between-group differences. [Results] The experimental and control groups showed significant differences for all pre- and post-experiment variables. In the between-group comparison, the experimental group was significantly difference from the control group. [Conclusion] These results indicate that performing aquatic proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation patterns in the lower extremity enhances balance and ADL in stroke patients.Key words: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, Balance, Activities of daily living     

Gait speed and related factors in Parkinson’s disease

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gait speed and various factors in ambulatory patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. [Subjects] Fifty ambulatory patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease who were admitted to an outpatient clinic were included in this cross-sectional study. [Methods] The Hoehn and Yahr Scale was used for measurement of the disease severity. Gait speed was measured by the 10-Meter Walk Test. Mobility status was assessed by Timed Up and Go Test. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used for evaluation of emotional state. Cognitive status was examined with the Mini-Mental State Examination. The Downton Index was used for fall risk assessment. Balance was evaluated with the Berg Balance Scale. Comorbidity was measured with the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey was completed for measurement of quality of life. [Results] The mean age was 66.7 (47–83) years. Twenty-eight (56%) patients were men. Gait speed was correlated positively with height, male gender, Mini-Mental Examination score, Berg Balance Scale score and physical summary scores of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. On the other hand, there was a negative correlation between gait speed and age, disease severity, TUG time, Downton Index, fear of falling, previous falls and the anxiety and depression scores of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. There was no correlation between gait speed and comorbidity. [Conclusion] The factors related with the slower gait speed are, elder age, clinically advanced disease, poor mobility, fear of falling, falling history, higher falling risk, and mood disorder.Key words: Gait, Fear of falling, Parkinson’s disease     

老年人下肢肌力和功能性活动测试与步速的相关性

目的了解老年人下肢特殊肌群肌力和几种功能性活动测试与步速的相关性。方法341 名居家老年人(65~94 岁),按步速<0.8 m/s 为肌少症的筛查标准,分为可疑肌少症组(n=137)和正常组(n=204)。比较两组人群的基本特征,下肢肌群(包括髂腰肌、股四头肌、腘绳肌、胫前肌)肌力,单腿站立测试、Berg 平衡量表、功能性步态测试、功能性伸展测试、计时起立-走测试评分,及其与步速的相关性。结果两组间体重、身高无显著性差异(P>0.05),可疑肌少症组年龄较大(P<0.05)。双侧下肢肌群肌力两组间无显著性差异(P>0.05);髂腰肌、股四头肌、腘绳肌肌力与步速呈弱相关(r=0.121~0.227, P<0.05),胫前肌肌力与步速无显著相关性(P>0.05)。步速与单腿站立试验呈弱相关(r=0.121~0.236, P<0.05),与Berg 平衡量表、功能性步态测试、功能性伸展试验评分呈中度相关(r=0.479~0.584, P<0.001),与计时起立-走测试评分呈中度负相关(r=-0.502, P<0.001);除功能性伸展测试(P=0.28)外,其他测试两组间均有非常高度显著性差异(P<0.001)。结论诊断肌少症不能仅依靠肌力,还应结合功能性活动。     

Berg平衡量表在脑卒中患者中的内在信度和同时效度

目的：探讨Berg平衡量表在脑卒中患者中的内在信度和同时效度。方法：40例符合入选标准的脑卒中偏瘫患者参与本研究。对患者进行Berg平衡量表、计时起立-步行测验和Barthel指数的评价。结果：Berg平衡量表的Cronbach α系数为0.864,14项目的Cronbach α系数范围为0.844—0.869,Berg平衡量表折半信度系数为0.915。Berg平衡量表与效标工具计时起立-步行测验和Barthel指数之间显著相关。结论：Berg平衡量表在脑卒中患者中具有良好的内在信度和同时效度。     

Clinical utility of the modified trunk impairment scale for stroke survivors

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the discriminant power of the modified Trunk Impairment Scale (mTIS) in stroke survivors versus healthy adults.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation center.

Participants: Fifty-five subjects with stroke and 29 healthy adults.

Methods: Subjects were examined using the mTIS, Berg Balance Scale, and Timed Up and Go test for balance; 5-m Walk Test and Functional Ambulation Category for gait; Fugl-Meyer Assessment for motor function; Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke-Trunk Control and Trunk Control Test for trunk control; and Modified Barthel Index for activities of daily living performance.

Results: The mTIS results differed significantly between stroke survivors and healthy adults (p?r?=?0.82), Timed Up and Go test (r?=?–0.70), 5-m Walk Test (r?=?0.73), Functional Ambulation Category (r?=?0.54), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (r?=?0.37–0.80), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke-Trunk Control and Trunk Control Test (r?=?0.55–0.63), and Modified Barthel Index score (r?=?0.56) results (p?10.5 points, while the area under the curve had a moderate accuracy of 73%.

Conclusion: The mTIS can be used to examine the degree of trunk control or the level of trunk impairment, which is seen as a prerequisite for balance, gait, motor function, and activities of daily living performance in stroke survivors.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• The modified Trunk Impairment Scale can be used as an assessment tool to classify the degree of trunk control or its level of impairment in stroke survivors.

• The modified Trunk Impairment Scale may have a favorable correlation with assessing physical functions such as balance, gait, motor function, and ADL in stroke survivors.

     

平衡评价量表在临床中的应用

临床评定平衡障碍的方法很多,其中最常用的是量表评定法.本文介绍Berg平衡量表((BBS)、Tinetti平衡与步态量表(Tinetti POMA)、计时起立一步行测验(TUGT)、特异性活动平衡自信量表(ABC),Brunei平衡量表(BRA)、动态步态指数(DGI)、功能性步态评价(FGA)、平衡评价系统测试(BEST)等国内外常用的平衡评价量表及其信度、效度分析结果.并为临床推荐较好的平衡及步态障碍评价工具.     

The Relationship Between Physical Performance and Obesity in Elderly African-American Women

ABSTRACT

Objective. To examine the relationship between physical performance and obesity in older African-American women. Methods. Obese (n = 45) and nonobese (n = 88) women were assessed using instrumental activities of daily living, physical function subscale of the Medical Outcomes Short Form-36, and the physical activity scale for the elderly. Physical performance was assessed by Berg Balance Scale, Tandem Stance and Single Test Stance Tests, Multidirectional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Limb, Six-Minute Walk Test, gait stability ratio, and self-report of daily walking. Results. The obese group had significantly lower self-reported daily activities and poorer scores on several physical performance measures than nonobese older African-American women. Conclusions. Our findings substantiate a relationship between obesity and physical performance in African-American women. Although urban obese women have poorer physical performance, their impairments may be counterbalanced by their daily walking. Clinicians should consider this finding when developing rehabilitative and preventive strategies for older obese African-American women.     

平衡仪反馈训练法和Bobath平衡训练法对偏瘫患者平衡和功能性行走能力的影响

目的：探讨平衡仪反馈训练法和Bobath平衡训练法对偏瘫患者平衡和功能性行走能力的影响。方法：将符合试验条件的住院卒中患者分层随机分为试验组（20例）和对照组（20例）,两组对象在试验开始前Berg平衡得分（BBS）、“起立-走”计时试验（Up＆Go）比较差异无显著性意义。试验组的平衡训练使用平衡仪视觉反馈法,对照组平衡训练使用Bobath平衡训练法,测试指标采用BBS和Up＆Go,在试验开始前和训练6周后各评定1次。结果：训练6周后试验组的BBS、Up＆Go均优于对照组比较差异具有显著性意义。结论：使用平衡仪训练对改善脑卒中患者的平衡和行走功能比单纯的Bobath平衡训练法更有效。     

The effects of backward walking training on balance and mobility in an individual with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury: A case report

Background/Purpose: Individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries (ISCIs) commonly face persistent gait impairments. Backward walking training may be a useful rehabilitation approach, providing novel gait and balance challenges. However, little is known about the effects of this approach for individuals with ISCIs. The purpose of this case report was to describe the effects of backward walking training on strength, balance, and upright mobility in an individual with chronic ISCI. Methods: A 28-year-old female, 11-years post ISCI (C4, AIS D) completed 18-sessions of backward walking training on a treadmill with partial body-weight support and overground. Training emphasized stepping practice, speed, and kinematics. Outcome measures included: Lower Extremity Motor Score, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Sensory Organization Test (SOT), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), 3-meter backward walking test, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Results: Strength did not change. Improved balance was evident based on BBS (20 to 37/56) and SOT scores (27 to 40/100). Upright mobility improved based on TUG times (57 to 32.7 s), increased 10MWT speed (0.23 to 0.31 m/s), and backward gait speed (0.07 to 0.12 m/s). Additionally, self-reported balance confidence (ABC Scale) increased from 36.9% to 49.6%. Conclusions: The results suggest that backward walking may be a beneficial rehabilitation approach; examination of the clinical efficacy is warranted.     

Testing functional performance in people with Parkinson disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) is the most common performance measure for people with Parkinson disease (PD), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Forward Functional Reach Test (FFR), Backward Functional Reach Test (BFR), Timed "Up & Go" Test (TUG), and gait speed may be used to quantify some aspects of functional performance not measured by the UPDRS. The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship among a set of tests of balance, walking performance, and mobility in people with PD. SUBJECTS: Twenty-five community-dwelling adults (11 female, 14 male) with a diagnosis of PD were recruited from PD support groups in southeastern Wisconsin and consented to participate in the study. The mean age of the participants was 76 years (SD=7). The average Hoehn and Yahr Stage Scale score was 2. METHODS: Functional abilities of each subject were assessed with the UPDRS, BBS, FFR, BFR, TUG, and gait speed. Spearman and Pearson correlations were performed. RESULTS: The UPDRS total score was correlated with the BBS (r=-.64, P<.001), FFR (r=-.52, P<.05), and TUG (r=.50, P<.05) measurements. The BBS is the only test of functional performance where scores correlate with all other functional tests and the UPDRS. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The UPDRS total score may not reflect a comprehensive measure of mobility in people with PD. Because the BBS scores correlate both with UPDRS scores and with scores of all other tests of functional performance, the BBS appears to be a good overall measure of function in this population.     

Effects of horse-riding exercise on balance,gait, and activities of daily living in stroke patients

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of horse-riding exercise on balance, gait, and activities of daily living (ADLs) in stroke patients. [Subjects] Among 20 participants with stroke, 10 were randomly assigned to the experimental group, and 10 were randomly assigned to the control group. The experimental group participated in horse-riding exercise for 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Balance was tested with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Gait was measured using the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). ADLs were tested with the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Differences between pre- and post-experiment values within the two groups were compared using paired t-tests. Between-group differences were compared using independent t-tests. [Results] The experimental group showed significant improvements in balance, gait, and ADLs following horse-riding exercise. Additionally, the experimental group showed significant differences in balance, gait, and ADLs compared with in the control group. [Conclusion] These results support that horse-riding exercise enhances balance, gait, and ADLs in stroke patients. This study supports the need for further research on horse-riding exercise programs.Key words: Horse-riding exercise, Balance, Activities of daily living     

Evaluation of the disabilities of hemiplegic patients]

OBJECTIVES: To identify and describe the most useful functional disability scales for assessing post-stroke hemiplegic patients and those used largely in clinical trials. METHODS: A literature review of Medline about the functional parameters for balance, gait and mobility, upper extremity functional abilities, and activities of daily living. The metrologic properties of the scales were specified as were their clinical use. RESULTS: Thirty-three scales were evaluated and classified into five categories: balance (6 scales), gait and mobility (4), upper limb function (11), global motricity scales (5) and independence in activities of daily living (7). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Many functional scales are useful for assessing post-stroke hemiplegic patients. To assess balance, the Postural Assessment Stroke Scale and Berg Balance Scale are the most interesting. The Functional Ambulation Classification and the Timed Up and Go Test are the most relevant to assess gait and mobility. The Action Research Arm Test is largely used to assess upper limb functional abilities. The Functional Independence Measure and the Barthel Index are largely used to assess independence in activities of daily living.     

Effect of Whole Body Vibration Exercise in the Horizontal Direction on Balance and Fear of Falling in Elderly People: A Pilot Study

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction on balance and fear of falling in the elderly. [Methods] This study was a case series of 17 elderly individuals. Participants performed whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction using a whole body vibration device for 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. At baseline and after the 6-week intervention, balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test, and fear of falling was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale. [Results] After the intervention, significant improvements from baseline values in the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test, and Falls Efficacy Scale were observed in the study participants. [Conclusion] Elderly individuals who performed whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction showed significant improvements in balance and fear of falling. However, the observed benefits of whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction need to be confirmed by additional studies.Key words: Whole body vibration, Elderly, Balance     

Effects of Resistance Exercise Using Thera-band on Balance of Elderly Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of resistance exercise using Thera-band on balance of elderly adults. [Methods] Subjects (age range, 60–70 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=12) or control group (n=12). The experimental group performed stretching and resistance exercises, and the control group performed stretching exercises only. Before and after the 5-week intervention, the participants’ static and dynamic balance were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale, the Timed Up & Go Test, and the Tetrax Portable Multiple System (Tetrax Ltd., Ramat Gan, Israel) after 5 weeks. [Results] After the intervention, the values of the Tetrax in the weight distribution index with eyes open and that with eyes closed and the stability test index with eyes open were significantly lower in the resistance exercise group than in the control group, and the pre-test values were was significantly higher than the post-test values. However, there were no significant differences between groups in the values of the Berg Balance Scale, the Timed Up & Go Test, and the Tetrax stability test index with the eyes closed. [Conclusion] The findings of this study indicate that resistance exercise using the Thera-band is possible to improve the static and dynamic balance of elderly adults.Key words: Stretching, Resistance exercise, Balance