-
Journal of Medical Internet Research Apr 2024Falls and their consequences are a serious public health problem worldwide. Each year, 37.3 million falls requiring medical attention occur. Therefore, the analysis of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Falls and their consequences are a serious public health problem worldwide. Each year, 37.3 million falls requiring medical attention occur. Therefore, the analysis of fall risk is of great importance for prevention. Artificial intelligence (AI) represents an innovative tool for creating predictive statistical models of fall risk through data analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review was to analyze the available evidence on the applications of AI in the analysis of data related to postural control and fall risk.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted in 6 databases with the following inclusion criteria: the articles had to be published within the last 5 years (from 2018 to 2024), they had to apply some method of AI, AI analyses had to be applied to data from samples consisting of humans, and the analyzed sample had to consist of individuals with independent walking with or without the assistance of external orthopedic devices.
RESULTS
We obtained a total of 3858 articles, of which 22 were finally selected. Data extraction for subsequent analysis varied in the different studies: 82% (18/22) of them extracted data through tests or functional assessments, and the remaining 18% (4/22) of them extracted through existing medical records. Different AI techniques were used throughout the articles. All the research included in the review obtained accuracy values of >70% in the predictive models obtained through AI.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of AI proves to be a valuable tool for creating predictive models of fall risk. The use of this tool could have a significant socioeconomic impact as it enables the development of low-cost predictive models with a high level of accuracy.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42023443277; https://tinyurl.com/4sb72ssv.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Risk Assessment; Postural Balance
PubMed: 38684088
DOI: 10.2196/54934 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine May 2024The effect of fall prevention exercise programmes in residential aged care (RAC) is uncertain. This paper reports on an intervention component analysis (ICA) of...
OBJECTIVE
The effect of fall prevention exercise programmes in residential aged care (RAC) is uncertain. This paper reports on an intervention component analysis (ICA) of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), from an update of a Cochrane review, to develop a theory of features of successful fall prevention exercise in RAC.
METHODS
Trial characteristics were extracted from RCTs testing exercise interventions in RAC identified from an update of a Cochrane review to December 2022 (n=32). Eligible trials included RCTs or cluster RCTs in RAC, focusing on participants aged 65 or older, assessing fall outcomes with stand-alone exercise interventions. ICA was conducted on trials with >30 participants per treatment arm compared with control (n=17). Two authors coded trialists' perceptions on intervention features that may have contributed to the observed effect on falls. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify the key differences between the trials which might account for positive and negative outcomes.
RESULTS
32 RCTs involving 3960 residents including people with cognitive (57%) and mobility (41%) impairments were included. ICA on the 17 eligible RCTs informed the development of a theory that (1) effective fall prevention exercise delivers by specifically targeting balance and strength, tailored to the individual and delivered simply at a moderate intensity and (2) successful implementation needs to be to deliver structured and supervised exercise at an adequate dose.
CONCLUSIONS
This analysis suggests that delivering the right exercise, sufficiently resourced, is important for preventing falls in RAC. This clinical guidance requires confirmation in larger trials.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Humans; Exercise Therapy; Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Postural Balance; Homes for the Aged
PubMed: 38658135
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107505 -
Gait & Posture Jun 2024Compromised balance is known to contribute to falls, which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality for older adults. Evidence suggests that the application... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Compromised balance is known to contribute to falls, which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality for older adults. Evidence suggests that the application of local vibration to the lower limbs of older adults has the potential to modulate balance.
RESEARCH QUESTION
To identify the temporal and mechanical parameters of vibration applied locally to the lower limbs of older adults that modulate measures of balance, and to define the short- and long-term effects of vibration on balance in this population.
METHODS
The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were used to conduct a systematic search including the PUBMED, EMBASE, and Scopus databases to identify peer-reviewed literature where vibration was applied to the lower limbs of older adults to modulate balance. Data was extracted using a study-specific data extraction form and risk of bias assessed. Where possible, effect sizes were calculated.
RESULTS
Of 7777 records screened, ten randomised controlled trials and 43 prospective laboratory-based studies met the inclusion criteria. Vibration frequencies ranged from 1 to 272 Hz, most studies (n=41) used ≤100 Hz. Amplitude ranged from 0.2 to 3.0 mm, most studies (n=28) used ≤1 mm. Effects of short-term vibration (applied for seconds to hours) were measured during and/or immediately after application. Short-term suprathreshold perceived muscle/tendon vibration had a 'large' destabilising effect size on balance in healthy older adults, but little or no effect on older fallers. Short-term subthreshold vibration to the soles of the feet had a 'small' stabilising effect size. Suprathreshold muscle, tendon or sole vibration applied for 10-30 min over days to weeks improved balance measures, but most (8 of 10) had increased risk of bias.
SIGNIFICANCE
The heterogeneity of methodology, populations, and vibration and balance parameters precluded conclusions about the relative effects of lower limb vibration in older adults. However, these results suggest that the application of local vibration to the lower limbs of older adults can modulate balance in the short- and long-term.
Topics: Humans; Vibration; Postural Balance; Aged; Lower Extremity; Accidental Falls; Time Factors
PubMed: 38657476
DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.04.011 -
Gait & Posture May 2024To examine whether immersive virtual reality (VR) can improve balance, gait, mobility and fear of falling in older people. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether immersive virtual reality (VR) can improve balance, gait, mobility and fear of falling in older people.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest Central (Engineering and Computer Science) and reference lists of included articles.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomised controlled trials that administered immersive VR training and assessed balance, gait and mobility outcomes in older adults without neurological disorders (mean age ≥ 65). Primary outcomes were standing balance (e.g. postural sway), multi-item balance scales (e.g. Berg Balance Scale), gait (e.g. gait speed) and mobility (e.g. Timed Up and Go test). Secondary outcomes comprised measures of enjoyment, fear of falling, adherence (e.g. dropout rate), feasibility/usability and adverse effects (e.g. motion sickness).
RESULTS
Meta-analyses showed that immersive VR training significantly improved standing balance (SMD: 0.51, 95% CI: .15, 0.86, p = 0.005, I = 28% - 3 studies, n = 79) and performance on the Berg Balance Scale (MD: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.56, p=0.0001, I=0% - 4 studies, n = 190). No significant improvement in gait, mobility or fear of falling was found. Subgroup analyses revealed higher training doses (≥4.5 total hours) and VR interventions using non-head mounted displays were more likely to improve standing balance. No meta-analyses were conducted for enjoyment, adherence, feasibility/usability and adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate immersive VR has beneficial effects on balance, but not gait, mobility or fear of falling. Further research is required to examine these outcomes in trials that also include quantitative measurements of enjoyment, adherence, clinical feasibility, usability and adverse effects.
Topics: Humans; Postural Balance; Aged; Gait; Accidental Falls; Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy; Virtual Reality
PubMed: 38581933
DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.03.009 -
BMC Geriatrics Apr 2024As a common psychological problem among older adults, fear of falling was found to have a wide range prevalence in different studies. However, the global prevalence of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
As a common psychological problem among older adults, fear of falling was found to have a wide range prevalence in different studies. However, the global prevalence of it was unknown and a lack of the large sample confirmed its risk factors.
OBJECTIVES
To report the global prevalence of fear of falling and to explore its risk factors among older adults for further developing precise interventions to systematically manage FOF.
DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted by PRISMA guidelines.
METHODS
Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and the manual search in August 20, 2022, updated to September 2, 2023. Observational studies published in English were included and two researchers independently screened and extracted the data. Fixed or random effects mode was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of and risk factors for fear of falling. Heterogeneity resources were analyzed by subgroup and sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was assessed through funnel plots, Egger's test and Begg's test.
RESULTS
A total of the 153 studies with 200,033 participants from 38 countries worldwide were identified. The global prevalence of fear of falling was 49.60%, ranging from 6.96-90.34%. Subgroup analysis found the estimates pooled prevalence of it was higher in developing countries (53.40%) than in developed countries (46.7%), and higher in patients (52.20%) than in community residents (48.40%). In addition, twenty-eight risk factors were found a significant associations with fear of falling, mainly including demographic characteristics, physical function, chronic diseases and mental problems.
CONCLUSION
The global prevalence of FOF was high, especially in developing countries and in patients. Demographic characteristics, Physical function, chronic diseases and mental problems were a significant association with FOF. Policy-makers, health care providers and government officials should comprehensively evaluate these risk factors and formulate precise intervention measures to reduce FOF.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study was registered in the International Database of Prospectively Registered Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42022358031.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Independent Living; Prevalence; Fear; Risk Factors; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 38580924
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04882-w -
The American Surgeon Jun 2024Electric scooter (ES)-related injuries are increasing but poorly described. Clinicians need more information to be prepared for these patients. We supposed two prevalent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Electric scooter (ES)-related injuries are increasing but poorly described. Clinicians need more information to be prepared for these patients. We supposed two prevalent patterns of patients: mildly injured (predominant upper-limb injuries) and severely injured (predominant head trauma). This study aims to understand the frequency of ES-related injuries and patients' characteristics despite the heterogeneity of data currently available. A systematic review with a proportion meta-analysis was conducted on studies with a multidisciplinary description of ES-related injuries in adult patients (PROSPERO-ID: CRD42022341241). Articles from inception to April 2023 were identified in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane's databases. The risk of bias was evaluated using ROBINS-I. Twenty-five observational studies with 5387 patients were included in the meta-analysis, depending on reported data. Upper-limb (31.8%) and head (19.5%) injuries are the most frequent (25/25 studies included). When injured while riding, 19.5% of patients are intoxicated with drugs/alcohol, and only 3.9% use a helmet, increasing the possibility of severe injuries. About 80% of patients are victims of spontaneous falls. Half of the patients self-present to the ED, and 69.4% of cases are discharged directly from the ED. Studies' limitations include an overall moderate risk of bias and high heterogeneity. Electric scooter-related accidents are commonly associated with upper-limb injuries but often involve the head. Spontaneous falls are the most common mechanism of injury, probably related to frequent substance abuse and helmet misuse. This hot topic is not adequately investigated due to a lack of data. A prospective registry could fill this gap.
Topics: Humans; Accidental Falls; Craniocerebral Trauma; Head Protective Devices; Motorcycles
PubMed: 38532248
DOI: 10.1177/00031348241241682 -
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research Mar 2024Few studies comparing the effects of different types of Tai Chi exercises on preventing falls in older adults. We compared the effects for finding an optimal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Few studies comparing the effects of different types of Tai Chi exercises on preventing falls in older adults. We compared the effects for finding an optimal intervention.
METHODS
We searched 12 databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and so on, from their inception to January 13, 2023. Randomized controlled trials incorporating different types of Tai Chi for preventing falls in older adults were included. The outcome measures were the incidence of falls and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted using Stata 15.1 based on a frequentist framework.
RESULTS
Seventeen trials were eligible, including 3470 participants and four types of Tai Chi. They were 24-form simplified Tai Chi (24-form), Yang style Tai Chi (Yang style), Sun style Tai Chi (Sun style) and Tai Chi exercise program (TCEP). In paired meta-analysis, for incidence of falls, 24-form (Relative Risk (RR) = 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.40, 0.86]) was more efficient than the control group. For BBS outcome, 24-form (MD (mean difference) = 2.32, 95% CI [1.42, 3.22]) was better than the control group. In the NMA, the results of incidence of falls were as follows: 24-form > Yang style > Sun style > control > TCEP. The rank probability of BBS was as follows: 24-form > TCEP > Yang style > control.
CONCLUSION
Among the four types of Tai Chi studied, the 24-form simplified Tai Chi has shown better efficacy than other types.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Exercise Therapy; Network Meta-Analysis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tai Ji; Accidental Falls
PubMed: 38472538
DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02674-7 -
American Journal of Physical Medicine &... Jun 2024This review investigated the ability of dual-task tests to predict falls in people with neurological disorders. Databases were searched to identify prospective cohort...
This review investigated the ability of dual-task tests to predict falls in people with neurological disorders. Databases were searched to identify prospective cohort studies that analyzed dual-task testing and falls in people with neurological disorders. Reviewers screened studies for eligibility and extracted key information like participant characteristics, intervention details, outcome measures, and significant outcomes. Reviewers assessed methodological quality of eligible studies using the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria. Eighteen studies of strong methodological qualified with 1750 participants were included in the review. Dual-task performances were predictive of future falls in people with Huntington's disease, spinal cord injury, and moderate cognitive impairment, although only one independent study was included for each disability type. In people with stroke, 37% of eligible studies showed dual-task assessments to be predictive of future falls. No dual-task tests predicted prospective falling in people with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Complex dual tasks seemed to be more predictive of fall risk than simpler dual tasks. Results suggest that disability type, severity of disability, and task complexity play a role in the predictive ability of dual-task assessments and future falling in neurological disorders. Future studies may benefit from using this review to guide the design of effective dual-task assessments and fall interventions.
Topics: Humans; Accidental Falls; Nervous System Diseases; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 38466165
DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000002452 -
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