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Gait & Posture May 2024Backward walking is an indispensable component of activities of daily living. The backward walk test has been used to assess balance, mobility, and fall risk in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Backward walking is an indispensable component of activities of daily living. The backward walk test has been used to assess balance, mobility, and fall risk in different populations. This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesize measurement properties of the backward walk test in people with balance and mobility deficits.
METHODS
Three bibliographic databases, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, were searched on June 18th, 2023. Cross-sectional or cohort studies assessing the measurement properties (reliability, validity, responsiveness) of the backward walk test were included. The COSMIN risk of bias checklist was used for methodological quality assessment. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were completed by two reviewers independently and in duplicate.
RESULTS
A total of 786 records were identified from three databases. Fourteen studies published from 2019 to 2023 with a total of 853 participants were included. Two studies were rated inadequate in quality assessment, all other studies demonstrated adequate to very good quality. The participants population included patients with cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia, hip and knee arthroplasty, dementia, and community-dwelling older adults. Good interrater and intrarater reliability, and moderate to good concurrent validity of the backward walk test were demonstrated.
SIGNIFICANCE
The review demonstrates that the backward walk test appears to be a valid and reliable tool in different patient populations. The 3-meter backward walk time and 3-meter backward walk speed can be used as outcome measures in clinical practice to assess balance and mobility and track progress throughout the course of physical rehabilitation. Future studies with a prospective cohort design are required to provide information regarding the predictive validity of the backward walk test for fall risk assessment.
Topics: Humans; Postural Balance; Walk Test; Reproducibility of Results; Mobility Limitation; Accidental Falls
PubMed: 38458049
DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.02.018 -
Clinical Rehabilitation Jul 2024Accurate and reliable balance measures are important for prescribing fall prevention treatments and monitoring their effectiveness. Thus, we aimed to systematically...
OBJECTIVE
Accurate and reliable balance measures are important for prescribing fall prevention treatments and monitoring their effectiveness. Thus, we aimed to systematically review the psychometric properties of the Six-Spot Step Test, an increasingly used measure of dynamic balance.
DATA SOURCES
A literature search using the free-text term "Six-Spot Step Test" was performed on 12 February 2024, in Medline, Embase, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine and SPORTDiscus. Eligibility criteria were adults aged 18 or more, trials evaluating the psychometric properties of the Six-Spot Step Test, and English-language articles. Conference abstracts were excluded.
REVIEW METHODS
Two investigators screened and selected data independently and assessed the methodological quality and evidence using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist and modified GRADE approach. One investigator extracted study characteristics such as design, population and psychometric properties.
RESULTS
Of the 159 articles identified, 16, evaluating multiple measurement properties, were included in the final analysis. A total of 1319 people participated, including people affected by Stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkison's disease, chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy and older adults with balance problems. Eight articles assessing reliability (n = 618, intraclass correlations coefficient ≥0.7, minimal detectable change = 22%) and 12 construct validity (n = 1082, 83% true hypothesis, area under the curve >0.7) exhibited sufficient methodological quality with high-level evidence, while two studies (n = 167) examining responsiveness showed very low evidence.
CONCLUSION
Apart from responsiveness, robust evidence supports the reliability and validity of the Six-Spot Step Test for assessing dynamic balance in a specific group of individuals with neurological diseases and older adults. Further, it is considered feasible for clinical use.
Topics: Humans; Accidental Falls; Exercise Test; Postural Balance; Psychometrics; Reproducibility of Results; Adult; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38425190
DOI: 10.1177/02692155241236609 -
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Apr 2024Fear of falling (FOF) is a common concern among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and affects the performance of their daily living activities. Falls may result in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Fear of falling (FOF) is a common concern among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and affects the performance of their daily living activities. Falls may result in FOF, leading to worsening of symptoms of MS, physical deconditioning, and exposure to future falls. This may trigger a vicious cycle between FOF and falls. A better understanding of the relationship between FOF and symptoms of MS may be helpful to develop a conceptual model to guide fall prevention interventions.
OBJECTIVE
To synthesize the correlational and predictive relationships between FOF and common symptoms of MS.
METHODS
Databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINHAL, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscuss were searched from inception to October 2023. Studies examining correlations and/or predictions between FOF and common MS symptoms that include measures of gait, postural control, fatigue, cognition, pain, sleep, depression, and anxiety were identified by two independent reviewers. Both reviewers also conducted the methodological quality assessment of the included studies.
RESULTS
Twenty-three studies with a total of 2819 participants were included in the review. Correlational findings indicated that increased FOF was significantly associated with greater walking deficits (lower gait speed, smaller steps), reduced mobility, and poorer balance. Increased FOF was also significantly correlated with higher cognitive impairments, more fatigue, sleep disturbances, and depression. Decreased gait parameters, reduced balance, lower physical functions, cognitive impairments, and sleep deficits were found as significant predictors of increased FOF.
CONCLUSION
Evidence indicates significant correlational and bidirectional predictive relationships exist between FOF and common MS symptoms. A comprehensive conceptual framework accounting for the interaction between FOF and MS symptoms is needed to develop effective falls prevention strategies.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Depression; Fear; Cognition; Fatigue; Postural Balance
PubMed: 38422635
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105506 -
European Geriatric Medicine Apr 2024To investigate factors contributing to concerns about falling and activity restriction in the community among older adults who had a hip fracture. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To investigate factors contributing to concerns about falling and activity restriction in the community among older adults who had a hip fracture.
METHODS
A mixed method systematic review with a convergent segregated approach. We searched Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, PEDRo, CINAHL and the Cochrane library. Results were synthesised narratively considering physical, psychological, environmental, care, and social factors and presented in tables. Critical appraisal was completed in duplicate.
RESULTS
We included 19 studies (9 qualitative, 9 observational, 1 mixed methods) representing 1480 individuals and 23 factors related to concerns about falling and activity restriction. Physical factors included falls history, comorbidities, balance, strength, mobility and functionality. Psychological factors included anxiety and neuroticism scores, perceived confidence in/control over rehabilitation and abilities, and negative/positive affect about the orthopaedic trauma, pre-fracture abilities and future needs. Environmental factors included accessibility in the home, outdoors and with transport. Social and care factors related to the presence or absence of formal and informal networks, which reduced concerns and promoted activity by providing feedback, advice, encouragement, and practical support.
CONCLUSION
These findings highlight that to improve concerns about falling and activity restriction after hip fracture, it is important to: improve physical and functional abilities; boost self-confidence; promote positive affect; involve relatives and carers; increase access to clinicians, and; enhance accessibility of the home, outdoors and transport. Most factors were reported on by a small number of studies of varying quality and require replication in future research.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Accidental Falls; Hip Fractures; Activities of Daily Living; Comorbidity; Mental Processes
PubMed: 38418713
DOI: 10.1007/s41999-024-00936-9 -
BMC Geriatrics Feb 2024To identify risk factors for falls in older adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
To identify risk factors for falls in older adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
METHODS
The eligible studies identified factors associated with the risk of falls in older adults with T2DM. We searched PubMed, Cinahl, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases. The review has been updated and the last review date was November 30, 2023 (CRD42020193461).
RESULTS
Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, and eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. These studies included a total of 40,778 older adults with T2DM, aged 60 to 101 years. The risk of developing the outcome falls in older adults with T2DM is 63% higher compared to the risk in older adults without T2DM (HR 1.63; 95% CI [1.30 - 2.05]). The overall chance of falling in older adults with T2DM is 59% higher than that of non-diabetic older adults (OR 1.59; 95% CI [1.36 -1.87]), and in older adults with T2DM who take insulin the chance of falling is 162% higher (OR 2.62; 95% CI [1.87 - 3.65]). No results on diabetic polyneuropathy were found in the studies.
CONCLUSION
Older adults with T2DM present a higher risk of falls compared to non-diabetics. Among the included older adults with T2DM, the most important factor associated with a higher risk of falls was insulin use.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020193461).
Topics: Humans; Aged; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Accidental Falls; Risk Factors; Insulin
PubMed: 38413865
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04668-0 -
European Geriatric Medicine Apr 2024Frailty in older adults leads to progressive deterioration of their physical condition and makes them prone to develop Fear of Falling (FoF). Physical-activity... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Frailty in older adults leads to progressive deterioration of their physical condition and makes them prone to develop Fear of Falling (FoF). Physical-activity interventions appear to be effective in managing the components of frailty but there is no clear evidence to determine whether physical-activity may affect FoF in frail and pre-frail older adults.
OBJECTIVE
Τhis systematic literature review aims to synthesize evidence on the relationship between the physical interventions to ameliorate balance, strength, and mobility and FoF reduction in frail and pre-frail older adults.
METHODS
Studies assessing physical-activity interventions for frail and pre-frail older adults aged 60 years and older were identified in English through searches in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases till February 2023. Study quality was assessed, and a qualitative synthesis of results was performed.
RESULTS
A total of 13 studies published were included. All of them were Randomized Control Trials and the most frequent assessment tool used to assess FoF (10 of 13 studies) was the Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Six studies were assessed as having a low risk of bias. Cumulatively, the findings of this review indicate that physical-activity interventions are effective in reducing the FoF of frail and pre-frail older adults.
CONCLUSION
The results are encouraging and recapitulate the positive role of physical interventions in FoF reduction. However, future research would benefit from longer follow-up periods, longer intervention duration, and participation of interdisciplinary teams.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Middle Aged; Frail Elderly; Accidental Falls; Frailty; Fear; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38411771
DOI: 10.1007/s41999-024-00944-9 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024To summarize the status and characteristics of the available evidence, research gaps, and future research priorities for preventing falls in stroke patients through...
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the status and characteristics of the available evidence, research gaps, and future research priorities for preventing falls in stroke patients through balance training.
METHODS
We used a scoping review framework. A systematic search of PUBMED, Embase, and Cochrane databases for main articles was conducted. Our study only included articles that on balance training and fall-related indicators in stroke patients. Two researchers independently screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data of demographic, clinical characteristics, intervention, sample, and outcome indicators were extracted. The characteristics and limitations of the included literature were comprehensively analyzed.
RESULTS
Of the 1,058 studies, 31 were included. The methods of balance training include regular balance training, Tai Chi, Yoga, task balance training, visual balance training, multisensory training, aquatic balance training, perturbation-based balance training, cognitive balance training, system-based balance training, and robot-assisted balance training. The commonly used outcome measures include clinical balance test, such as Berg balance scale (BBS), Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG), Fall Risk Index assessment (FRI), Fall Efficacy Scale score (FES), and instrumented balance tests.
CONCLUSION
This scoping review summarizes the existing primary research on preventing falls in stroke patients by balance training. Based on the summary of the existing evidence, the characteristics of balance training and their relation to falls in stroke patients were found. The future researches should explore how to develop personalized training program, the sound combination of various balance training, to more effectively prevent falls.
PubMed: 38375467
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1167954 -
Obesity Research & Clinical Practice 2024This review sought to meta-analyze previous research observing the effects of fat mass distribution on the fall risk among people with obesity. The literature search... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This review sought to meta-analyze previous research observing the effects of fat mass distribution on the fall risk among people with obesity. The literature search yielded five qualified studies enrolling 1218 participants (650 with android vs. 568 with gynoid). The outcome variables included the annual fall prevalence (primary outcome) and the center of pressure (COP) movement measurements during a posturography test (secondary) among people with android or gynoid obesity. Meta-analyses were conducted using the inverse variance weighted random-effects model. The odds ratio (OR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used as the effect size for the primary and secondary variables, respectively. The results revealed that more people with android obesity fall annually than their gynoid obesity counterparts (OR = 1.78 [1.34, 2.37], p < 0.0001). People with android obesity also exhibited significantly faster overall COP velocity (SMD = 0.49 [0.11, 0.88], p = 0.01) during standing compared to individuals with gynoid obesity. Our results indicated that people with android obesity could have a greater fall risk than those with gynoid obesity. Given the limited number of studies included, more well-designed and quality work is desired to further clarify how fat mass distribution alters the fall risk among people with obesity. A standardized approach to quantify the fat mass distribution (android vs. gynoid) is imperatively needed for people with obesity.
Topics: Humans; Adipose Tissue; Obesity; Odds Ratio; Accidental Falls; Adiposity
PubMed: 38360492
DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2024.02.003 -
European Journal of Clinical... May 2024Statins are commonly prescribed medications with recognised side effects including muscle weakness. Despite this, little is known about their effect on the physical... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Statins are commonly prescribed medications with recognised side effects including muscle weakness. Despite this, little is known about their effect on the physical activity and falls risk in the older population. This paper aims to explore the relationship between statin use and the physical activity and falls risk in adults aged 65 and older.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched on 21/11/2022 to obtain relevant articles. Data considered appropriate included that relating to muscle strength, grip strength, gait speed, balance and falls incidence. Reference and citation searches were performed to identify further relevant papers, and all eligible articles were subject to a Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) to assess potential bias. With the data being highly heterogeneous, no attempt to measure effect size was made and a narrative synthesis approach was used. The review proposal was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42022366159.
RESULTS
Twenty articles were included. Data were inconsistent throughout, with the overall trend suggesting no significant negative effects of statins on the parameters of physical activity, or on falls risk. This was especially true in matched and adjusted cohorts, where potential confounders had been accounted for.
CONCLUSION
This review did not identify a relationship between statin use and physical activity and falls risk in people aged 65 years and older. Ultimately, the risks and benefits of every medication should be considered in the context of each individual.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Accidental Falls; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Exercise; Bias; Data Collection
PubMed: 38353691
DOI: 10.1007/s00228-024-03632-6 -
Geriatric Nursing (New York, N.Y.) 2024To identify the effects of mirror neuron activation (MNAT) combined or not with physical exercise (PE) in healthy older adults, on functionality, balance, gait velocity... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To identify the effects of mirror neuron activation (MNAT) combined or not with physical exercise (PE) in healthy older adults, on functionality, balance, gait velocity and risk of falls.
METHODS
A systematic electronic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase databases.
RESULTS
Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included in the qualitative analysis, and eleven in the quantitative analysis. All studies showed fair to high quality and the most frequent high-risk bias was "Blinding of participants and personnel". Compared to the control condition, higher improvement was shown in older people who received MNAT, on functionality (1.57 [0.57, 2.62], balance (1.95 [1.32, 2.572]), and gait velocity (1.20 [0.30, 2.11]). Compared to PE, MNAT combined with PE does not improve functionality. More studies are needed to assess MNAT effectiveness in the rest of the outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Neuron system activation through MNAT improves relevant abilities in older adults, with better results when including functional activities. However, the beneficial effects on these variables of adding MNAT to a PE program are controversial.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Mirror Neurons; Exercise; Accidental Falls
PubMed: 38346365
DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.02.006