Effect of six-week intervention program on postural stability measures and muscle coactivation in senior-aged women

Development of a Motion-Based Video Game for Postural Training: A Feasibility Study on Older Adults With Adult Degenerative Scoliosis

Forward sagittal alignment affects physical performance, is associated with pain and impacts the health-related quality of life of the elderly. Interventions that help seniors to improve sagittal balance are needed to inhibit the progression of pain and disability. A motion-sensing video game (active game) is developed in this study to monitor sitting and standing postures in real-time and facilitate the postural learning process by using optical sensors to measure body movement and a video game to provide visual feedback. Ten female subjects (mean age: 60.0 ± 5.2 years old; mean BMI: 21.4 ± 1.9) with adult degenerative scoliosis (mean major Cobb's angle: 38.1° ± 22.7°) participate in a 6-week postural training programme with three one-hour postural training sessions a week. Eleven body alignment measurements of their perceived "ideal" sitting and standing postures are obtained before and after each training session to evaluate the effectiveness of postural learning with the game. The participants learn to sit and stand with increased sagittal alignment with a raised chest and more retracted head position. The forward shift of their head and upper body is significantly reduced after each training session. Although this immediate effect only partially sustained after the 6-week program, the participants learned to adjust their shoulder and pelvis level for a better lateral alignment in standing. The proposed postural training system, which is presented as a gameplay with real-time visual feedback, can effectively help players to improve their postures. This pilot feasibility study explores the development and initial assessment of a motion-based video game designed for postural training in older adults with adult degenerative scoliosis, and demonstrates the usability and benefits of active gameplay in motor training.

Integrative function of proprioceptive system in the acute effects of whole body vibration on the movement performance in young adults

Background

The proprioceptive system coordinates locomotion, but its role in short-term integration and recovery of motor activity in imbalance of motor patterns and body remains debated. The aim of this study is investigating the functional role of proprioceptive system in motor patterns and body balance in healthy young adults.

Methods

70 participants (aged 20.1 ± 0.3) were divided into experimental groups EG1 (n = 30), EG2 (n = 30), control group (CG, n = 10). EG1 performed single WBV session on Power Plate (7 exercises adapted to Functional Movement Screen (FMS). EG2 performed single session of FMS Exercises (FMSE). CG didn't perform any physical activity. All participants performed pre- and post-session of FMS and stabilometric measurements.

Results

FMS total score in EG1 increased by 2.0 ± 0.2 (p0 < 0.001), this was significantly differed (p0 < 0.001) from EG2 and CG. Acute effects of WBV and FMSE on rate of change and standard deviation (SD) of pressure center (COP) were shown in all groups during Static Test (p0 < 0.01). SD increased (p0 < 0.01) in Given Setting Test in EG1 and EG2, and in Romberg Test (p0 < 0.001) in EG1. Length, width and area (p0 < 0.01) of confidence ellipse, containing 95% of the statokinesiogram points, decreased in Static Test in EG1; width and area (p0 < 0.01) decreased in EG2 group. Significant (p0 < 0.01) decrease in Given Setting Test was in EG1, and significant (p0 < 0.01) increase was in Romberg Test (open eyes) in CG. Maximum amplitude of COP oscillations: significantly (p0 < 0.01) decreasing along X and Y axes in EG1 and EG2, and along Y axis in CG during Static Test; along Y axis (p0 < 0.01) in all groups during Given Setting Test. Significant differences were identified (p0 < 0.01) in calculated energy consumption for COP moving during all stabilometric tests. However, inter-group differences in COP after acute WBV and FMSE sessions have not been identified.

Conclusions

Acute WBV session eliminates the deficits in motor patterns which is not the case after acute FMSE session, which, according to our integrative movement tuning hypothesis, is due to high activation of integrative function of proprioceptive system. Efficacy of WBV and FMSE on COP performance indicates a high sensitivity of postural control to different levels of proprioceptive system activity.

Graceful gait: virtual ballet classes improve mobility and reduce falls more than wellness classes for older women

Introduction

Dance is an effective and motivating form of exercise for older women, but few studies have quantified the benefits of virtual dance classes nor, specifically, ballet. This study tested the effectiveness of virtual ballet compared to virtual wellness classes, with the goal of reaching underserved populations. It is among the first to explore the effects of virtual classical ballet on functional gait mobility, balance, and quality of life measures in older women.

Methods

Older women were recruited in two waves and randomized to two groups: a ballet class modified for older adults and a wellness-based control class. Both groups received 12 weeks of online classes, meeting twice per week for 45-min sessions. Classes were taught by a local company that offers community-based ballet classes. The same instructor led both the ballet and the wellness classes. Pre- and post-intervention assessments include gait and balance testing using wearable inertial sensors and self-report outcomes including quality of life and mood questionnaires.

Results

Forty-four older women completed the study: Ballet group (n = 21, 67.81 ± 7.3 years); Wellness group (n = 23, 69.96 ± 6.7 years). Pre- to post-intervention, both groups increased velocity on the two-minute walk test (F1,42 = 25.36, p < 0.001) and improved their time on the Timed Up and Go (F1,42 = 4.744, p = 0.035). Both groups improved balance on the Mini-BESTest (F1,42 = 38.154, p < 0.001), increased their scores on the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (F1,42 = 10.688, p < 0.001), and increased quality of life via the Short Form Health Survey (F1,42 = 7.663, p = 0.008). The ballet group improved gait variability in the backward direction (F1,42 = 14.577, p < 0.001) and reduced fall rates more than the wellness group [χ2(1) = 5.096, p = 0.024].

Discussion

Both virtual ballet and wellness classes improve select measures of gait, balance, and quality of life. The benefits seen in both groups highlight the importance of considering social interaction as a key component when developing future interventions to target mobility in older women.

Comparison of concentric and eccentric resistance training in terms of changes in the muscle contractile properties

The habitual use of resistance exercises involving concentric and eccentric contractions can increase muscle strength, speed and endurance. However, current knowledge has limited potential to fully understand the application of such resistance training and the muscle changes that occur to differentiate these two types of training. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of concentric contraction (CON) and eccentric contraction (ECC) during an acute bout of resistance training on the hamstring contractile properties. A group of 20 female recreational athletes were divided into two equal groups, CON training and ECC training. The contractile properties of the muscles on both sides of the body were assessed using tensiomyography (TMG): biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST). The muscles were assessed twice, before and after 10 maximal repetitions of either concentric or eccentric isotonic contractions. The results indicate a greater change in TMG parameters with ECC training, with p < 0.001 (Td and Tc). An acute bout of resistance training induces changes in the muscle hamstrings contractile properties in both CON and ECC training. Eccentric training causes greater changes than concentric training, shortening contraction time (Td, Tc), increase radial displacement velocity (Vrd) and affecting changes in muscle belly displacement (Dm), so may be more effective in training.

Biomechanical and neuromuscular control characteristics of sit-to-stand transfer in young and older adults: A systematic review with implications for balance regulation mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Falls are major health concerns in older adults. Sit-to-stand transfer is an important functional movement that can predict falling risk in older adults. Aging-associated declines in neuromechanical control of movement may negatively impact sit-to-stand performance. This systematic review aims to summarize differences in neuromechanical characteristics of younger vs. older adults that likely affect balance regulation during sit-to-stand.

METHODS

Five databases (Academic search complete, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, Pubmed, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched from January 1985 through March 2023. Three reviewers assessed the quality of methodology, study design, results, and risk of bias using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. Studies reported neuromuscular and biomechanical characteristics during sit-to-stand in young versus older adults were included.

FINDINGS

Seventeen studies (343 older and 225 younger adults) were included. Compared to younger adults, older adults showed slower sit-to-stand time, higher trunk flexion, postural sway, agonist-antagonist muscle co-activation of the ankle and knee muscles, and lower ankle dorsiflexion torque. Lower magnitude and rate of vertical ground reaction force development and lower vertical momentum during rising were observed with aging during fast-speed sit-to-stand. There was heterogeneity among studies on sit-to-stand speed, foot position, use of arms, and seat height adjustability.

INTERPRETATIONS

Higher trunk angular displacement and velocity accompanied by higher anterior momentum, likely to compensate for knee extensor muscle weaknesses, may lead to higher postural sway upon standing and therefore require higher knee and ankle muscle co-activation to maintain balance stability. Thus, additional attention to trunk control strategies is needed during clinical evaluations.

Age-Related Differences in Intermuscular Coherence EMG-EMG of Ankle Joint Antagonist Muscle Activity during Maximal Leaning

BACKGROUND

Intermuscular synchronization is one of the fundamental aspects of maintaining a stable posture and is of great importance in the aging process. This study aimed to assess muscle synchronization and postural stabilizer asymmetry during quiet standing and the limits of stability using wavelet analysis. Intermuscular synchrony and antagonistic sEMG-sEMG (surface electromyography) coherence asymmetry were evaluated in the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles.

METHODS

The study involved 20 elderly (aged 65 ± 3.6) and 20 young (aged 21 ± 1.3) subjects. The task was to perform a maximum forward bend in a standing position. The prone test was divided into three phases: quiet standing (10 s), dynamic learning, and maintenance of maximum leaning (20 s). Wavelet analysis of coherence was performed in the delta and beta bands.

RESULTS

Young subjects modulated interface coherences to a greater extent in the beta band. Analysis of postural stability during standing tasks showed that only the parameter R2b (the distance between the maximal and minimal position central of pressure), as an indicator for assessing the practical limits of stability, was found to be significantly associated with differences in aging.

CONCLUSION

The results showed differences in the beta and delta band oscillations between young and older subjects in a postural task involving standing quietly and leaning forward.

Using Nonlinear Vibroartrographic Parameters for Age-Related Changes Assessment in Knee Arthrokinematics

Changes in articular surfaces can be associated with the aging process and as such may lead to quantitative and qualitative impairment of joint motion. This study is aiming to evaluate the age-related quality of the knee joint arthrokinematic motion using nonlinear parameters of the vibroarthrographic (VAG) signal. To analyse the age-related quality of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ), motion vibroarthrography was used. The data that were subject to analysis represent 220 participants divided into five age groups. The VAG signals were acquired during flexion/extension knee motion and described with the following nonlinear parameters: recurrence rate (RR) and multi-scale entropy (MSE). RR and MSE decrease almost in a linear way with age (main effects of group p<0.001; means (SD): RR=0.101(0.057)−0.020(0.017); and MSE=20.9(8.56)−13.6(6.24)). The RR post-hoc analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences (p<0.01) in all comparisons with the exception of the 5th−6th life decade. For MSE, statistically significant differences (p<0.01) occurred for: 3rd−7th, 4th−7th, 5th−7th and 6th life decades. Our results imply that degenerative age-related changes are associated with lower repeatability, greater heterogeneity in state space dynamics, and greater regularity in the time domain of VAG signal. In comparison with linear VAG measures, our results provide additional information about the nature of changes of the vibration dynamics of PFJ motion with age.

Intensity-Dependent Effects of a Six-Week Balance Exercise Program in Elderly Women

The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying falls in the elderly. The results were based on a group of 28 women in a control group (CON) and 16 women in an experimental group (EXP), aged 60–70. Participants took part in the six-weeks Elderly Recreation Movement Program (ERMP) with the only difference that the EXP group practiced twice as often as the CON group. The measurement of variations in the index called limits of stability (LOS) was performed by application of Kistler force plate and the coactivation index (CI) was registered by means of sEMG. The results demonstrate the existence of statistically significant differences in terms of the principal outcome of the exercise time in the measurements of LOS (F(1.42) = 10.0, p = 0.003), and CI (F(1.42) = 10.5, p = 0.002). The effect of the program was associated with an increase the level of the maximum LOS, and a decrease of the CI level, especially in the experimental group. Hence, the implementation of an innovative ERMP exercise program results in the improvement of the physical capabilities of senior subjects.