Evaluation of the instrumented Timed Up and Go test as a tool to measure exercise intervention effects in nursing home residents: results from a PROCARE substudy

Can We Target Close Therapeutic Goals in the Gait Re-Education Algorithm for Stroke Patients at the Beginning of the Rehabilitation Process?

(1) Background: The study aimed to determine the most important activities of the knee joints related to gait re-education in patients in the subacute period after a stroke. We focused on the tests that a physiotherapist could perform in daily clinical practice. (2) Methods: Twenty-nine stroke patients (SG) and 29 healthy volunteers (CG) were included in the study. The patients underwent the 5-meter walk test (5mWT) and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). Tests such as step up, step down, squat, step forward, and joint position sense test (JPS) were also performed, and the subjects were assessed using wireless motion sensors. (3) Results: We observed significant differences in the time needed to complete the 5mWT and TUG tests between groups. The results obtained in the JPS show a significant difference between the paretic and the non-paretic limbs compared to the CG group. A significantly smaller range of knee joint flexion (ROM) was observed in the paretic limb compared to the non-paretic and control limbs in the step down test and between the paretic and non-paretic limbs in the step forward test. (4) Conclusions: The described functional tests are useful in assessing a stroke patient's motor skills and can be performed in daily clinical practice.

Comparing the Effects of Virtual Reality and Home Chair-Based Exercises on Balance, Daily Living Activities, and Loneliness Among Older Adults With Balance Disorders

The current quasi-experimental study aimed to compare the effects of virtual reality (VR) and home chair-based (HCB) exercises on balance, daily living activities, and loneliness among older adults (N = 90) with balance disorders living in nursing homes. Participants were assigned to three groups: (a) VR exercises, (b) HCB exercises, and (c) routine nursing home programs. Findings indicated that VR and HCB exercises significantly increased participants' balance and daily living activities compared to routine programs (p < 0.001). However, there was no clinical difference among groups regarding Berg Balance Scale and Barthel Index scores. Main effect of time regarding loneliness mean score (p = 0.991) was not significant among groups. The minimal detectable change pre-set standard for loneliness also showed no significant clinical difference. Exercise had no significant impact on loneliness; however, it had a positive role in improving balance and daily living activities, with no significant difference between VR and HCB exercises. Further studies are recommended to evaluate adherence to such exercises. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16(1), 33-42.].