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Bolton DAE, Baggett CC, Mitton CA, Harper SA, Richardson JK. Suppressing a Blocked Balance Recovery Step: A Novel Method to Assess an Inhibitory Postural Response. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1488. [PMID: 37891855 PMCID: PMC10605013 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Stepping to recover balance is an important way we avoid falling. However, when faced with obstacles in the step path, we must adapt such reactions. Physical obstructions are typically detected through vision, which then cues step modification. The present study describes a novel method to assess visually prompted step inhibition in a reactive balance context. In our task, participants recovered balance by quickly stepping after being released from a supported forward lean. On rare trials, however, an obstacle blocked the stepping path. The timing of vision relative to postural perturbation was controlled using occlusion goggles to regulate task difficulty. Furthermore, we explored step suppression in our balance task related to inhibitory capacity measured at the hand using a clinically feasible handheld device (ReacStick). Our results showed that ReacStick and step outcomes were significantly correlated in terms of successful inhibition (r = 0.57) and overall reaction accuracy (r = 0.76). This study presents a novel method for assessing rapid inhibition in a dynamic postural context, a capacity that appears to be a necessary prerequisite to a subsequent adaptive strategy. Moreover, this capacity is significantly related to ReacStick performance, suggesting a potential clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. E. Bolton
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA; (C.C.B.IV); (C.A.M.); (S.A.H.)
- Sorenson Center for Clinical Excellence, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Charlie C. Baggett
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA; (C.C.B.IV); (C.A.M.); (S.A.H.)
| | - Chase A. Mitton
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA; (C.C.B.IV); (C.A.M.); (S.A.H.)
| | - Sara A. Harper
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA; (C.C.B.IV); (C.A.M.); (S.A.H.)
- Sorenson Center for Clinical Excellence, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- Kinesiology Department, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA
| | - James K. Richardson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
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Hezel N, Sloot LH, Wanner P, Becker C, Bauer JM, Steib S, Werner C. Feasibility, effectiveness and acceptability of two perturbation-based treadmill training protocols to improve reactive balance in fall-prone older adults (FEATURE): protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073135. [PMID: 37666555 PMCID: PMC10481747 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Perturbation-based balance training (PBT) targets the mechanism of falls (eg, slipping, tripping) to specifically train the recovery actions needed to avoid a fall. This task-specific training has shown great promise as an effective and efficient intervention for fall prevention in older adults. However, knowledge about the dose-response relationship of PBT, as well as its feasibility and acceptability in older adults with increased risk of falling is still limited. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two different treadmill PBT protocols for improving reactive balance control in fall-prone older adults, and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of these protocols. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study is designed as a pilot randomised controlled trial with a 6-week intervention and 6-week follow-up period. Thirty-six community-dwelling, fall-prone (Timed Up and Go >12 s, habitual gait speed <1.0 m/s and/or fall history) older adults will be randomised (1:1) to receive six (weeks 1-6) or two treadmill PBT sessions (weeks 1+6) plus four conventional treadmill training sessions (weeks 2-5). Training sessions are conducted 1×/week for 30 min. Each PBT will include 40 perturbations in anterior-posterior and mediolateral directions. Reactive balance after perturbations in standing (Stepping Threshold Test (STT)) and walking (Dynamic Stepping Threshold Test (DSTT)) will be assessed as the primary outcome for effectiveness. Secondary outcomes are spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters collected during STT, DSTT and PBT, maximum perturbation magnitude for each PBT session, static and dynamic balance, physical capacity, physical activity, concerns with falling and executive functions. Feasibility will be assessed via training adherence, drop-out rate, perturbations actually performed and adverse events; and acceptability via self-designed questionnaire and focus groups. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty Heidelberg (S-602/2022). Findings will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRKS00030805.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Hezel
- Geriatric Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lizeth H Sloot
- Institute of Computer Engineering, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Wanner
- Institute for Sports and Sports Science, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clemens Becker
- Unit of Digital Geriatric Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen M Bauer
- Geriatric Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Steib
- Institute for Sports and Sports Science, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Werner
- Geriatric Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Brüll L, Hezel N, Arampatzis A, Schwenk M. Comparing the Effects of Two Perturbation-Based Balance Training Paradigms in Fall-Prone Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Gerontology 2023; 69:910-922. [PMID: 36921581 DOI: 10.1159/000530167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is increasing evidence that perturbation-based balance training (PBT) is highly effective in preventing falls at older age. Different PBT paradigms have been presented so far, yet a systematic comparison of PBT approaches with respect to feasibility and effectiveness is missing. Two different paradigms of PBT seem to be promising for clinical implementation: (1) technology-supported training on a perturbation treadmill (PBTtreadmill); (2) training of dynamic stability mechanisms in the presence of perturbations induced by unstable surfaces (PBTstability). This study aimed to compare both program's feasibility and effectiveness in fall-prone older adults. METHODS In this three-armed randomized controlled trial, seventy-one older adults (74.9 ± 6.0 years) with a verified fall risk were randomly assigned into three groups: PBTtreadmill on a motorized treadmill, PBTstability using unstable conditions such as balance pads, and a passive control group (CG). In both intervention groups, participants conducted a 6-week intervention with 3 sessions per week. Effects were assessed in fall risk (Brief-BEST), balance ability (Stepping Threshold Test, center of pressure, limits of stability), leg strength capacity, functional performance (Timed Up and Go Test, Chair-Stand), gait (preferred walking speed), and fear of falling (Short FES-I). RESULTS Fifty-one participants completed the study. Training adherence was 91% for PBTtreadmill and 87% for PBTstability, while no severe adverse events occurred. An analysis of covariance with an intention-to-treat approach revealed statistically significant group effects in favor of PBTstability in the Brief-BEST (p = 0.009, η2 = 0.131) and the limits of stability (p = 0.020, η2 = 0.110) and in favor of PBTtreadmill in the Stepping Threshold Test (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.395). The other outcomes demonstrated no significant group effects. CONCLUSION Both training paradigms demonstrated high feasibility and were effective in improving specific motor performances in the fall-prone population and these effects were task specific. PBTtreadmill showed higher improvements in reactive balance, which might have been promoted by the unpredictable nature of the included perturbations and the similarity to the tested surface perturbation paradigm. PBTstability showed more wide-ranging effects on balance ability. Consequently, both paradigms improved fall risk-associated measures. The advantages of both formats should be evaluated in light of individual needs and preferences. Larger studies are needed to investigate the effects of these paradigms on real-life fall rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Brüll
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany,
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,
| | - Natalie Hezel
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Geriatric Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Agaplesion Bethanien Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Schwenk
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Sports and Sports Sciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Sport Science, Human Performance Research Center, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Braun T, Wiegard A, Geritz J, Hansen C, Tan KE, Hildesheim H, Kudelka J, Maetzler C, Welzel J, Romijnders R, Maetzler W, Bergmann P. Association between heart failure severity and mobility in geriatric patients: an in-clinic study with wearable sensors. J Geriatr Cardiol 2022; 19:660-674. [PMID: 36284678 PMCID: PMC9548060 DOI: 10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with heart failure (HF) frequently experience limitations in mobility, but specific aspects of these limitations are not well understood. This study investigated the association of HF severity, based on the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes, with digital mobility outcomes (DMOs) and handgrip strength in older inpatients with HF. METHODS For this explorative analysis, hospital admission and discharge data from an ongoing, prospective cohort study were used. The sample included older participants with HF and a sub-sample of heart-healthy individuals. Participants were equipped with a wearable inertial measurement unit (IMU) system during mobility performance (balancing, sit-to-stand transfer, walking). We analyzed the association between 17 DMOs and HF severity with multiple linear regression models. RESULTS The total sample included 61 older participants (65-97 years of age, 55.7% female). Of all DMOs, only sway path in a semi-tandem stance position (m/s²) showed a relevant association with NYHA classes (admission: β = -0.28, P = 0.09; discharge: β = -0.39, P = 0.02). Handgrip strength showed a trend towards a significant association (admission: β = -0.15, P = 0.10; discharge: β = -0.15, P = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS This is to our best knowledge the first analysis on the association of HF severity and IMU-based DMOs. Sway path and handgrip strength may be the most promising parameters for monitoring mobility aspects in treatment of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Braun
- Department of Neurology, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- Department of Applied Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Hochschule für Gesundheit (University of Applied Sciences), Gesundheitscampus 6-8, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- HSD Hochschule Döpfer (University of Applied Sciences), Waidmarkt 3 und 9, 50676 Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Wiegard
- Department of Neurology, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Johanna Geritz
- Department of Neurology, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Clint Hansen
- Department of Neurology, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Kim Eng Tan
- Department of Neurology, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Hanna Hildesheim
- Department of Neurology, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jennifer Kudelka
- Department of Neurology, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Corina Maetzler
- Department of Neurology, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Julius Welzel
- Department of Neurology, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Robbin Romijnders
- Department of Neurology, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Walter Maetzler
- Department of Neurology, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Philipp Bergmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
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La Porta F, Lullini G, Caselli S, Valzania F, Mussi C, Tedeschi C, Pioli G, Bondavalli M, Bertolotti M, Banchelli F, D'Amico R, Vicini R, Puglisi S, Clerici PV, Chiari L. Efficacy of a multiple-component and multifactorial personalized fall prevention program in a mixed population of community-dwelling older adults with stroke, Parkinson's Disease, or frailty compared to usual care: The PRE.C.I.S.A. randomized controlled trial. Front Neurol 2022; 13:943918. [PMID: 36119666 PMCID: PMC9475118 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.943918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fall risk in the elderly is a major public health issue due to the injury-related consequences and the risk of associated long-term disability. However, delivering preventive interventions in usual clinical practice still represents a challenge. Aim To evaluate the efficacy of a multiple-component combined with a multifactorial personalized intervention in reducing fall rates in a mixed population of community-dwelling elderly compared to usual care. Design Randomized Controlled Trial (NCT03592420, clinicalTrials.gov). Setting Outpatients in two Italian centers. Population 403 community-dwelling elderly at moderate-to-high fall risk, including subjects with Parkinson's Disease and stroke. Methods After the randomization, the described interventions were administered to the intervention group (n = 203). The control group (n = 200) received usual care and recommendations to minimize fall risk factors. In addition, each participant received a fall diary, followed by 12 monthly phone calls. The primary endpoint was the total number of falls in each group over 12 months, while the secondary endpoints were other fall-related indicators recorded at one year. In addition, participants' functioning was assessed at baseline (T1) and 3-month (T3). Results 690 falls were reported at 12 months, 48.8% in the intervention and 51.2% in the control group, with 1.66 (± 3.5) and 1.77 (± 3.2) mean falls per subject, respectively. Subjects with ≥ 1 fall and ≥2 falls were, respectively, 236 (58.6%) and 148 (36.7%). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups regarding the number of falls, the falling probability, and the time to the first fall. According to the subgroup analysis, no significant differences were reported. However, a statistically significant difference was found for the Mini-BESTest (p = 0.004) and the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (p = 0.006) for the intervention group, with a small effect size (Cohen's d 0.26 and 0.32, respectively), at T1 and T3 evaluations. Conclusions The intervention was ineffective in reducing the number of falls, the falling probability, and the time to the first fall at 12 months in a mixed population of community-dwelling elderly. A significant improvement for two balance indicators was recorded in the intervention group. Future studies are needed to explore different effects of the proposed interventions to reduce falls and consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio La Porta
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giada Lullini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Serena Caselli
- Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Franco Valzania
- Azienda Ospedaliera Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Chiara Mussi
- Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Claudio Tedeschi
- Azienda Ospedaliera Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giulio Pioli
- Azienda Ospedaliera Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Marco Bertolotti
- Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Federico Banchelli
- Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Statistical and Methodological Support for Clinical Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto D'Amico
- Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Statistical and Methodological Support for Clinical Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Vicini
- Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Statistical and Methodological Support for Clinical Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Puglisi
- Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Chiari
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi” (DEI), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences and Technologies Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (CIRI-SDV), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Bolton DAE, Richardson JK. Inhibitory Control and Fall Prevention: Why Stopping Matters. Front Neurol 2022; 13:853787. [PMID: 35432150 PMCID: PMC9005868 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.853787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David A. E. Bolton
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
- *Correspondence: David A. E. Bolton
| | - James K. Richardson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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