Computerized dynamic posturography analysis of balance in individuals with a shoulder stabilization sling

The Effect of Upper Extremity Slings (UESs) on Balance in Young Adults

INTRODUCTION

Upper extremity slings (UESs) are frequently provided for patients with a hand or forearm injury. However, their effect on balance has not been well explored. We sought to characterize the effect of a UES on balance in young adults.

METHODS

Healthy young adult participants with no injuries acting as a proxy for the general young adult patient population using UESs balanced on a BioDex Balance System platform: once while wearing a UES and once without wearing it, to serve as their own control. Participant weight, height, gender, hand dominance, overall stability index, anterior/posterior stability index, and medial/lateral stability index were recorded. Comparisons were analyzed with paired t-tests and linear regression analysis.  Results: No significant difference in the three stability index scores were found between UES and no UES usage. Height and weight were found to have positive significant relationships with the overall stability index during UES usage.  Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the feasibility of assessing balance discrepancies between the sling and nonsling usage in a broader patient population and suggests that height and weight may impact balance negatively during UES use.

The effect of latin dance on dynamic balance

BACKGROUND

Figures and movements in Latin dance are effectively used to provide posture stabilization and balance control. A Computerized Dynamic Posturography can be used to complete a functional evaluation of postural control and stability in static and dynamic conditions, mediated by the interaction between the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems.

RESEARCH QUESTION

According to the results of Computerized Dynamic Posturography, do dancers have better postural control and stability when compared to non-dancers, and can dance activity be recommended for vestibular rehabilitation?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Our study included 26 professional Latin dancers and 26 non-dancers as a control group whoboth had no problems with their hearing or balance. Pure-tone audiometry and Computerized Dynamic Posturography tests were applied to the participants. The test results for the professional dancers and the control group were compared and evaluated. In statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney U and Independent Samples T tests were used. A value of p < 0.05 was accepted for significance.

RESULTS

According to the results of the Computerized Dynamic Posturography, the dancers generally performed better than the control group. While statistically significant and better performances were observed in dancers in terms of the composite balance, visual and vestibular scores within the scope of the Sensory Organization Test (p < 0.05), no statistically significant difference was found for somatosensory and preference scores (p > 0.05). Also, significant differences were obtained between the two groups in some subtests of Adaptation, Unilateral Stance and Limits of Stability assessment (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in Rhythmic Weight Shift results (p > 0.05).

IMPORTANCE

The results of thisresearch demonstrate that balance and posture improve through dance. Therefore, adding appropriate dance activities to vestibular rehabilitation programmes might be helpful.

Balance Impairments after Brachial Plexus Injury as Assessed through Clinical and Posturographic Evaluation

Objective: To investigate whether a sensorimotor deficit of the upper limb following a brachial plexus injury (BPI) affects the upright balance.

Design: Eleven patients with a unilateral BPI and 11 healthy subjects were recruited. The balance assessment included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the number of feet touches on the ground while performing a 60 s single-leg stance and posturographic assessment (eyes open and feet placed hip-width apart during a single 60 s trial). The body weight distribution (BWD) between the legs was estimated from the center of pressure (COP) lateral position. The COP variability was quantified in the anterior-posterior and lateral directions.

Results: BPI patients presented lower BBS scores (p = 0.048) and a higher frequency of feet touches during the single-leg stance (p = 0.042) compared with those of the healthy subjects. An asymmetric BWD toward the side opposite the affected arm was shown by 73% of BPI patients. Finally, higher COP variability was observed in BPI patients compared with healthy subjects for anterior-posterior (p = 0.020), but not for lateral direction (p = 0.818).

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that upper limb sensorimotor deficits following BPI affect body balance, serving as a warning for the clinical community about the need to prevent and treat the secondary outcomes of this condition.