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Clinical Rehabilitation Dec 2019To investigate the psychometric properties of measures of balance and falls risk prediction in people with Parkinson's disease (PD).
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the psychometric properties of measures of balance and falls risk prediction in people with Parkinson's disease (PD).
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Ovid Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to August 2019.
REVIEW METHOD
Studies testing psychometric properties of measures of balance and falls risk prediction in PD were included. The four-point COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) assessed quality.
RESULTS
Eighty studies testing 68 outcome measures were reviewed; 43 measures assessed balance, 9 assessed falls risk prediction, and 16 assessed both. The measures with robust psychometric estimation with acceptable properties were the (1) Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BEST), (2) Berg Balance Scale, (3) Timed Up and Go test, (4) Falls Efficacy Scale International, and (5) Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale. These measures assess balance and falls risk prediction at the body, structure and function level, falls risk and balance, and falls risk at the activity level. The motor examination of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-ME) with robust psychometric analysis is a condition-specific measure with acceptable properties. Except the UPDRS-ME and Mini-BESTest, the responsiveness of the other four measures has yet to be established.
CONCLUSION
Six of the 68 outcome measures have strong psychometric properties for the assessment of balance and falls risk prediction in PD. Measures assessing balance and falls risk prediction at the participatory level are limited in number with a lack of psychometric validation.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Humans; Motor Activity; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Parkinson Disease; Physical Therapy Modalities; Postural Balance; Psychometrics; Reproducibility of Results; Time and Motion Studies
PubMed: 31571503
DOI: 10.1177/0269215519877498 -
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related... Feb 2020To improve ankle stability in patients who have experienced an ankle sprain with residual symptoms of instability and/or objective joint laxity, external supports (such... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To improve ankle stability in patients who have experienced an ankle sprain with residual symptoms of instability and/or objective joint laxity, external supports (such as taping, bracing, and orthotic insoles) are used sometimes. However, available randomized trials have disagreed on whether restraints improve balance in those individuals. In this situation, a network meta-analysis can help because it allows for comparing multiple treatments simultaneously, taking advantage not only of direct but also indirect evidence synthesis.
QUESTIONS/PURPOSES
The aim of this network meta-analysis was to assess (1) the impact of taping and orthotic devices on dynamic postural control in individuals with ankle instability and (2) the presence of a placebo effect in participants treated with sham taping and complications resulting from the administered treatments.
METHODS
We searched the PubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases up to February 13, 2019 for completed studies. Randomized trials assessing the results of real and/or sham taping, wait-and-see protocols, ankle bracing, and foot orthotics for ankle instability as determined by one or more ankle sprains followed by ongoing subjective symptoms and/or mechanical laxity were included. We evaluated dynamic postural control in terms of the Star Excursion Balance Test in the posteromedial direction (SEBT-PM), which is considered the most representative of balance deficits in patients with ankle instability. Standardized mean differences were re-expressed to percentage differences in SEBT-PM, with higher scores representing possible improvement. Subsequently, those data were checked against the established minimal detectable change of 14% for this scale to make judgements on clinical importance. We also assessed the presence of a placebo effect by comparing the results of sham taping with no treatment and complications resulting from the administered treatments. Additionally, we judged the quality of trials using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. A total of 22 trials met our inclusion criteria, 18 of which were deemed to be at a low risk of bias. A network of treatments consisting of 13 studies was created, and the level of evidence was judged to be high. As far as participants' allocation to treatment arms, 85 patients followed a wait-and-see protocol, 29 received placebo taping, 99 were treated with taping, 16 were treated with bracing, 27 were administered insoles, and six individuals were offered a combination of insoles with bracing. Of note, with statistical power set at 80%, a minimum of 16 patients per treatment group was required to provide sufficient statistical power and detect a SEBT-PM percentage difference of 14%.
RESULTS
A network meta-analysis did not demonstrate a benefit of taping or bracing over no treatment (percentage difference in SEBT-PM between taping and bracing versus control: -2.4 [95% CI -6 to 1.1]; p = 0.18, and -7.5 [95% CI -15.9 to 1]; p = 0.08, respectively). This was also the case for sham taping because the measurement increase failed to exceed the minimal detectable change (percentage difference in SEBT-PM between sham taping and untreated control: -1.1 [95% CI -6.9 to 4.7]; p = 0.72). Importantly, there were no reported adverse events after treatment application.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence of moderate strength indicated that external supports of any type were no more effective than controls in improving dynamic postural control in patients with at least one ankle sprain and residual functional or mechanical deficits. Therefore, implementing those tools as a standalone treatment does not appear to be a viable strategy for the primary management of ankle instability. It is conceivable that combinations of rehabilitation and external supports could be more effective than external supports alone, and future trials should evaluate the potential of such combinations in enhancing not only clinician-reported but also patient-oriented outcomes using long-term follow-up measurements.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level I, therapeutic study.
Topics: Ankle Injuries; Ankle Joint; Athletic Tape; Biomechanical Phenomena; Chronic Disease; Equipment Design; Humans; Joint Instability; Network Meta-Analysis; Orthopedic Procedures; Orthotic Devices; Postural Balance; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Range of Motion, Articular; Recovery of Function; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31625960
DOI: 10.1097/CORR.0000000000000946 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Nov 2018Neck pain is a major health issue with high rates of recurrence. It presents with a variety of altered sensorimotor functions. Exercise is a cornerstone of... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Neck pain is a major health issue with high rates of recurrence. It presents with a variety of altered sensorimotor functions. Exercise is a cornerstone of rehabilitation and many training methods are used. Exercise is evaluated in most randomized controlled trials on its pain relieving effects. No review has assessed the effect of exercise on the altered physiological functions or determined if there are differential effects of particular training methods. This review investigated the effects of deep cervical flexor (DCF) training, a training method commonly used for patients with neck pain, and compared it to other training methods or no training on outcomes of cervical neuromuscular function, muscle size, kinematics and kinetics.
METHODS
Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed were searched from inception until January 2018. Twelve randomized controlled trials were included that compared DCF training as sole intervention to other training or no interventions in persons with neck pain. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the method quality. All outcome measures were analysed descriptively and meta-analyses were performed for measures evaluated in three or more studies.
RESULTS
DCF training was compared to cervical endurance, strength, proprioception and mobility training, muscle stretching, and no intervention control groups. Physiological outcome measures included neuromuscular co-ordination (craniocervical flexion test), functional tasks, muscle fatigability, muscle size, kinematics (joint position sense, posture and range of motion) and kinetics (strength, endurance and contraction accuracy). Strong evidence was found for effectiveness of DCF training on neuromuscular coordination, but it had no or small effects on strength and endurance at higher loads. DCF training improved head and cervical posture, while evidence was limited or contradictory for other measures.
CONCLUSIONS
DCF training can successfully address impaired neuromuscular coordination, but not cervical flexor strength and endurance at higher contraction intensities. A multimodal training regime is proposed when the aim is to specifically address various impaired physiological functions associated with neck pain.
Topics: Chronic Pain; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Muscle Fatigue; Neck; Neck Muscles; Neck Pain; Pain Management; Posture; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Range of Motion, Articular; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30486819
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-018-2324-z -
Journal of Physiotherapy Apr 2019What are the effects of aquatic exercise on disease severity, (non-)motor impairments, activity performance, fear of falling, and quality of life in people with...
QUESTIONS
What are the effects of aquatic exercise on disease severity, (non-)motor impairments, activity performance, fear of falling, and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease (PD)? Does aquatic exercise have greater effects on these outcomes than other forms of exercise in people with PD?
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
PARTICIPANTS
People with idiopathic PD.
INTERVENTION
Supervised aquatic exercise programs ≥ 2 weeks.
OUTCOMES MEASURES
The primary outcomes were disease severity, motor impairments, activity performance, and fear of falling. The secondary outcomes were non-motor impairments and quality of life.
RESULTS
Of the 129 identified records, seven trials met the inclusion criteria and six were meta-analysed (159 participants). One trial assessed the effect of aquatic exercise compared with control and found a significant improvement in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (MD -4.6, 95% CI -7.5 to -1.7) in favour of aquatic exercise. Six studies compared aquatic exercise with land-based exercise after intervention (mean 7.2 weeks of training (SD 2.2); 159 participants). The effect of aquatic exercise was superior to land-based exercise on the Berg Balance Scale (MD 2.7, 95% CI 1.6 to 3.9), the Falls Efficacy Scale (MD -4.0, 95% CI -6.1 to -1.8) and the 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (MD -6.0, 95% CI -11.3 to -0.6), with no other significant effects identified. The significant benefit on the Berg Balance Scale was maintained at the follow-up assessment (MD 6.3, 95% CI 2.1 to 10.5, 54 participants).
CONCLUSION
Aquatic exercise improves motor impairments in people with PD significantly more than no intervention. It also has slightly to moderately greater benefits than land-based exercise on balance capacity, fear of falling, and health-related quality of life. On other outcomes, the benefits of aquatic exercise are similar to those of land-based exercise.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42017077370.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Motor Disorders; Parkinson Disease; Postural Balance; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Swimming Pools; Water
PubMed: 30904467
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2019.02.003 -
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine May 2018Impaired balance function after a spinal cord injury (SCI) hinders performance of daily activities.
CONTEXT
Impaired balance function after a spinal cord injury (SCI) hinders performance of daily activities.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the evidence on the effectiveness of task-specific training on sitting and standing function in individuals with SCI across the continuum of care.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted on literature published to June 2016 using people (acute or chronic SCI), task-specific interventions compared to conventional physical therapy, and outcome (sitting or standing balance function). The PEDro scale was used to investigate the susceptibility to bias and trial quality of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A standardized mean difference (SMD) was conducted to investigate the effect size for interventions with sitting or standing balance outcomes.
RESULTS
Nineteen articles were identified; three RCTs, two prospective controlled trials, one cross-over study, nine pre-post studies and four prospective cohort studies. RCT and cross-over studies were rated from 6 to 8 indicating good quality on the PEDro scale. The SMD of task-specific interventions in sitting compared to active and inactive (no training) control groups was -0.09 (95% CI: -0.663 to 0.488) and 0.39 (95% CI: -0.165 to 0.937) respectively, indicating that the addition of task-specific exercises did not affect sit and reach test performance significantly. Similarly, the addition of BWS training did not significantly affect BBS compared to conventional physical therapy -0.36 (95% CI: -0.840 to 0.113). Task-specific interventions reported in uncontrolled trials revealed positive effects on sitting and standing balance function.
CONCLUSION
Few RCT studies provided balance outcomes, and those that were evaluated indicate negligible effect sizes. Given the importance of balance control underpinning all aspects of daily activities, there is a need for further research to evaluate specific features of training interventions to improve both sitting and standing balance function in SCI.
Topics: Adult; Clinical Trials as Topic; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neurological Rehabilitation; Postural Balance; Sitting Position; Spinal Cord Injuries; Standing Position
PubMed: 28738740
DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1350340 -
Physical Therapy Jun 2016Despite common use of proprioceptive retraining interventions in people with chronic, idiopathic neck pain, evidence that proprioceptive dysfunction exists in this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Despite common use of proprioceptive retraining interventions in people with chronic, idiopathic neck pain, evidence that proprioceptive dysfunction exists in this population is lacking. Determining whether proprioceptive dysfunction exists in people with chronic neck pain has clear implications for treatment prescription.
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to synthesize and critically appraise all evidence evaluating proprioceptive dysfunction in people with chronic, idiopathic neck pain by completing a systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Allied and Complementary Medicine, EMBASE, Academic Search Premier, Scopus, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Cochrane Collaboration databases were searched.
STUDY SELECTION
All published studies that compared neck proprioception (joint position sense) between a chronic, idiopathic neck pain sample and asymptomatic controls were included.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two independent reviewers extracted relevant population and proprioception data and assessed methodological quality using a modified Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Thirteen studies were included in the present review. Meta-analysis on 10 studies demonstrated that people with chronic neck pain perform significantly worse on head-to-neutral repositioning tests, with a moderate standardized mean difference of 0.44 (95% confidence interval=0.25, 0.63). Two studies evaluated head repositioning using trunk movement (no active head movement thus hypothesized to remove vestibular input) and showed conflicting results. Three studies evaluated complex or postural repositioning tests; postural repositioning was no different between groups, and complex movement tests were impaired only in participants with chronic neck pain if error was continuously evaluated throughout the movement.
LIMITATIONS
A paucity of studies evaluating complex or postural repositioning tests does not permit any solid conclusions about them.
CONCLUSIONS
People with chronic, idiopathic neck pain are worse than asymptomatic controls at head-to-neutral repositioning tests.
Topics: Chronic Pain; Head; Humans; Neck Pain; Posture; Proprioception; Somatosensory Disorders
PubMed: 26472296
DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20150241 -
Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair Oct 2023We aimed to identify key aspects of the learning dynamics of proprioception training including: 1) specificity to the training type, 2) acquisition of proprioceptive... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to identify key aspects of the learning dynamics of proprioception training including: 1) specificity to the training type, 2) acquisition of proprioceptive skills, 3) retention of learning effects, and 4) transfer to different proprioceptive skills.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature search using the database (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PEDro). The inclusion criteria required adult participants who underwent any training program that could enhance proprioceptive function, and at least 1 quantitative assessment of proprioception before and after the intervention. We analyzed within-group changes to quantify the effectiveness of an intervention.
RESULTS
In total, 106 studies with 343 participant-outcome groups were included. Proprioception-specific training resulted in large effect sizes with a mean improvement of 23.4 to 42.6%, nonspecific training resulted in medium effect sizes with 12.3 to 22% improvement, and no training resulted in small effect sizes with 5.0 to 8.9% improvement. Single-session training exhibited significant proprioceptive improvement immediately (10 studies). For training interventions with a midway evaluation (4 studies), trained groups improved by approximately 70% of their final value at the midway point. Proprioceptive improvements were largely maintained at a delayed follow-up of at least 1 week (12 studies). Finally, improvements in 1 assessment were significantly correlated with improvements in another assessment (10 studies).
CONCLUSIONS
Proprioceptive learning appears to exhibit several features similar to motor learning, including specificity to the training type, 2 time constant learning curves, good retention, and improvements that are correlated between different assessments, suggesting a possible, common mechanism for the transfer of training.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Proprioception; Learning
PubMed: 37864458
DOI: 10.1177/15459683231207354 -
Journal of Physiotherapy Oct 2020In adults with stroke, does Bobath therapy improve lower limb activity performance, strength or co-ordination when compared with no intervention or another intervention? (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
QUESTION
In adults with stroke, does Bobath therapy improve lower limb activity performance, strength or co-ordination when compared with no intervention or another intervention?
DESIGN
Systematic review of randomised trials with meta-analyses.
PARTICIPANTS
Adults after stroke.
INTERVENTION
Bobath therapy compared with another intervention or no intervention.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Lower limb activity performance (eg, sit to stand, walking, balance), lower limb strength and lower limb co-ordination. Trial quality was assessed using the PEDro scale.
RESULTS
Twenty-two trials were included in the review and 17 in the meta-analyses. The methodological quality of the trials varied, with PEDro scale scores ranging from 2 to 8 out of 10. No trials compared Bobath therapy to no intervention. Meta-analyses estimated the effect of Bobath therapy on lower limb activities compared with other interventions, including: task-specific training (nine trials), combined interventions (four trials), proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (one trial) and strength training (two trials). The pooled data indicated that task-specific training has a moderately greater benefit on lower limb activities than Bobath therapy (SMD 0.48), although the true magnitude of the benefit may be substantially larger or smaller than this estimate (95% CI 0.01 to 0.95). Bobath therapy did not clearly improve lower limb activities more than a combined intervention (SMD -0.06, 95% CI -0.73 to 0.61) or strength training (SMD 0.35, 95% CI -0.37 to 1.08). In one study, Bobath therapy was more effective than proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for improving standing balance (SMD -1.40, 95% CI -1.92 to -0.88), but these interventions did not differ on any other outcomes. Bobath therapy did not improve strength or co-ordination more than other interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
Bobath therapy was inferior to task-specific training and not superior to other interventions, with the exception of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Prioritising Bobath therapy over other interventions is not supported by current evidence.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42019112451.
Topics: Adult; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Lower Extremity; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Walking
PubMed: 33069609
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2020.09.008 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Mar 2024Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) presents significant treatment challenges due to its multifactorial nature. Whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) has emerged... (Review)
Review
Effect of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Pain, Disability, Balance, Proprioception, Functional Performance and Quality of Life in People with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) presents significant treatment challenges due to its multifactorial nature. Whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) has emerged as a potential therapeutic modality, offering benefits across various domains, including pain reduction, improved balance, and enhanced quality of life (QoL). The aim of this present systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effects of WBVE on pain, disability, balance, proprioception, functional performance, and QoL in individuals with NSCLBP. We comprehensively searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases from October 2023 to January 2024, including RCTs with a PEDro score of ≥5 for high-quality evidence. Outcome measures included pain intensity, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) score, balance, proprioception, functional performance (through a progressive iso-inertial lifting evaluation), and QoL (SF-36) in NSCLBP patients. The risk of bias was assessed using ROB-2, and the certainty of evidence for each outcome indicator was analyzed using GRADE. A meta-analysis was conducted using standardized mean differences (SMD) and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes. Ten randomized controlled trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and nine were suitable for the meta-analysis. The qualitative synthesis revealed WBVE is effective in improving pain, disability, balance, proprioception, and functional performance and QoL. Further, the results of the quantitative review demonstrated WBVE significantly reduced pain [visual analogue scale: SMD = -0.81, 95% CI (-1.11, -0.50), I = 0%, < 0.01], disability [ODI: MD = -3.78, 95% CI (-5.27, -2.29), I = 24%, < 0.01]; RMDQ: MD = -1.43, 95% CI (-2.04, -0.82), I = 51%, < 0.01], balance [SMD = -0.28, 95% CI (-0.52, -0.05), I = 0%, = 0.02], and proprioception [SMD = -4.20, 95% CI (-7.50, -0.89), I = 99%, = 0.01]. This review and meta-analysis indicate that WBVE significantly improves pain, disability, balance and proprioception in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. These findings suggest potential benefits of incorporating WBVE into the management strategies for NSCLBP.
PubMed: 38541865
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13061639 -
Cureus Oct 2022From conception to childbirth, there are many physical, hormonal, and psychological changes that a woman undergoes during pregnancy. During this time, balance is also... (Review)
Review
From conception to childbirth, there are many physical, hormonal, and psychological changes that a woman undergoes during pregnancy. During this time, balance is also affected, resulting in symptoms like vertigo and unsteadiness. These symptoms can lead to physical impairment and disability and can develop at any time. Vertigo in pregnancy has not been extensively written about. The subject of a narrative review is vertigo in pregnant patients. In pregnant women, hormonal alterations in the peripheral tissues and inner ear organs may contribute to vertigo. Meniere's disease, mild convulsive positional dizziness, and oculomotor migraines are all commonly exacerbated by pregnancy. Between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, specific modifications to proprioception and hearing are also detected during physical examination. Patients who are pregnant typically experience these symptoms throughout this time. Some vertigo conditions can worsen during pregnancy, while others can appear at any time. Understanding audio-vestibular symptoms' pathological and clinical relationship during pregnancy requires more study.
PubMed: 36337796
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29814