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Liang SGS, Fan ESL, Lam PK, Kwok WT, Ma CZH, Lam FMH. The effect of adding real-time postural feedback in balance and mobility training in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 123:105439. [PMID: 38643641 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105439] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to systematically review the additional value of providing real-time postural feedback during balance and mobility training in older people. METHODS PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web-of-Science were searched from inception to August 2023. Studies comparing the effectiveness of feedback-based versus non-feedback-based postural balance or mobility training on balance or mobility outcomes were selected. Similar outcomes were pooled in meta-analyses using a random-effect model. The quality of evidence for available outcomes was rated by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS Eight studies were identified with 203 subjects. Two studies showed that providing postural feedback immediately improved stability in static balance and gait. For the post-training effect, however, no significant change was found in trunk movement during single-leg standing (i.e., pitch angle, MD=0.65, 95 %CI=-0.77 to 2.07, low-quality; roll angle, MD=0.96, 95 %CI=-0.87 to 2.80, moderate-quality), in the Mini-BESTest (MD=1.88, 95 %CI=-0.05 to 3.80, moderate-quality), and in balance confidence (MD=0.29, 95 %CI=-3.43 to 4.2, moderate-quality). A worsened functional reach distance was associated with providing feedback during balance training (MD=-3.26, 95 %CI=-6.31 to -0.21, high-quality). Meta-analyses on mobility outcomes were mostly insignificant, except for the trunk-roll angle of walking (MD=0.87, 95 %CI=0.05 to 1.70, low-quality) and trunk-pitch angle of walking with head-turning (MD=1.87, 95 %CI=0.95 to 2.79, moderate-quality). CONCLUSION Adding real-time postural feedback to balance and mobility training might immediately improve stability in balance and mobility in older people. However, mixed results were reported for its post-training effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Guo-Shi Liang
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Eva Si-Long Fan
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Pik Kwan Lam
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Wing Tung Kwok
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Christina Zong-Hao Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Freddy Man-Hin Lam
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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Mao Q, Zhang J, Yu L, Zhao Y, Luximon Y, Wang H. Effectiveness of sensor-based interventions in improving gait and balance performance in older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2024; 21:85. [PMID: 38807117 PMCID: PMC11131332 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-024-01375-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensor-based interventions (SI) have been suggested as an alternative rehabilitation treatment to improve older adults' functional performance. However, the effectiveness of different sensor technologies in improving gait and balance remains unclear and requires further investigation. METHODS Ten databases (Academic Search Premier; Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Complete; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; MEDLINE; PubMed; Web of Science; OpenDissertations; Open grey; ProQuest; and Grey literature report) were searched for relevant articles published up to December 20, 2022. Conventional functional assessments, including the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, normal gait speed, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and Falling Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), were used as the evaluation outcomes reflecting gait and balance performance. We first meta-analyzed the effectiveness of SI, which included optical sensors (OPTS), perception sensors (PCPS), and wearable sensors (WS), compared with control groups, which included non-treatment intervention (NTI) and traditional physical exercise intervention (TPEI). We further conducted sub-group analysis to compare the effectiveness of SI (OPTS, PCPS, and WS) with TPEI groups and compared each SI subtype with control (NTI and TPEI) and TPEI groups. RESULTS We scanned 6255 articles and performed meta-analyses of 58 selected trials (sample size = 2713). The results showed that SI groups were significantly more effective than control or TPEI groups (p < 0.000) in improving gait and balance performance. The subgroup meta-analyses between OPTS groups and TPEI groups revealed clear statistically significant differences in effectiveness for TUG test (mean difference (MD) = - 0.681 s; p < 0.000), normal gait speed (MD = 4.244 cm/s; p < 0.000), BBS (MD = 2.325; p = 0.001), 6MWT (MD = 25.166 m; p < 0.000), and FES-I scores (MD = - 2.036; p = 0.036). PCPS groups also presented statistically significant differences with TPEI groups in gait and balance assessments for normal gait speed (MD = 4.382 cm/s; p = 0.034), BBS (MD = 1.874; p < 0.000), 6MWT (MD = 21.904 m; p < 0.000), and FES-I scores (MD = - 1.161; p < 0.000), except for the TUG test (MD = - 0.226 s; p = 0.106). There were no statistically significant differences in TUG test (MD = - 1.255 s; p = 0.101) or normal gait speed (MD = 6.682 cm/s; p = 0.109) between WS groups and control groups. CONCLUSIONS SI with biofeedback has a positive effect on gait and balance improvement among a mixed population of older adults. Specifically, OPTS and PCPS groups were statistically better than TPEI groups at improving gait and balance performance, whereas only the group comparison in BBS and 6MWT can reach the minimal clinically important difference. Moreover, WS groups showed no statistically or clinically significant positive effect on gait and balance improvement compared with control groups. More studies are recommended to verify the effectiveness of specific SI. Research registration PROSPERO platform: CRD42022362817. Registered on 7/10/2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Mao
- School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- School of System Design and Intelligent Manufacturing, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lisha Yu
- School of Data Science, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Luximon
- School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hailiang Wang
- School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
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Park C, Lee BC. A Systematic Review of the Effects of Interactive Telerehabilitation with Remote Monitoring and Guidance on Balance and Gait Performance in Older Adults and Individuals with Neurological Conditions. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:460. [PMID: 38790328 PMCID: PMC11117498 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11050460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Recognizing the growing interests and benefits of technology-assisted interactive telerehabilitation in various populations, the aim of this review is to systematically review the effects of interactive telerehabilitation with remote monitoring and guidance for improving balance and gait performance in older adults and individuals with neurological conditions. The study protocol for this systematic review was registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) with the unique identifier CRD42024509646. Studies written in English published from January 2014 to February 2024 in Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were examined. Of the 247 identified, 17 were selected after initial and eligibility screening, and their methodological quality was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies. All 17 studies demonstrated balance and gait performance improvement in older adults and in individuals with stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis following 4 or more weeks of interactive telerehabilitation via virtual reality, smartphone or tablet apps, or videoconferencing. The findings of this systematic review can inform the future design and implementation of interactive telerehabilitation technology and improve balance and gait training exercise regimens for older adults and individuals with neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Park
- Division of Digital Healthcare, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom-Chan Lee
- Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
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Weisberg SM, Ebner NC, Seidler RD. Getting LOST: A conceptual framework for supporting and enhancing spatial navigation in aging. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2024; 15:e1669. [PMID: 37933623 PMCID: PMC10939954 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Spatial navigation is more difficult and effortful for older than younger individuals, a shift which occurs for a variety of neurological, physical, and cognitive reasons associated with aging. Despite a large body of evidence documenting age-related deficits in spatial navigation, comparatively less research addresses how to facilitate more effective navigation behavior for older adults. Since navigation challenges arise for a variety of reasons in old age, a one-size-fits-all solution is unlikely to work. Here, we introduce a framework for the variety of spatial navigation challenges faced in aging, which we call LOST-Location, Orientation, Spatial mapping, and Transit. The LOST framework builds on evidence from the cognitive neuroscience of spatial navigation, which reveals distinct components underpinning human wayfinding. We evaluate research on navigational aids-devices and depictions-which help people find their way around; and we reflect on how navigation aids solve (or fail to solve) specific wayfinding difficulties faced by older adults. In summary, we emphasize a bespoke approach to improving spatial navigation in aging, which focuses on tailoring navigation solutions to specific navigation challenges. Our hope is that by providing precise support to older navigators, navigation opportunities can facilitate independence and exploration, while minimizing the danger of becoming lost. We conclude by delineating critical knowledge gaps in how to improve older adults' spatial navigation capacities that the novel LOST framework could guide to address. This article is categorized under: Psychology > Development and Aging Neuroscience > Cognition Neuroscience > Behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. Weisberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
- Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, 1225 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Natalie C. Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
- Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, 1225 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
- Institute on Aging, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
- Department of Physiology and Aging, University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610-0274
| | - Rachael D. Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, University of Florida, 1864 Stadium Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida, 1149 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
- Normal Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, 3009 SW Williston Rd. 1864 Stadium Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
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Lee C, Ahn J, Lee BC. A Systematic Review of the Long-Term Effects of Using Smartphone- and Tablet-Based Rehabilitation Technology for Balance and Gait Training and Exercise Programs. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1142. [PMID: 37892872 PMCID: PMC10604191 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10101142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in wearable motion sensors, mobile devices, the Internet of Things, and telecommunications have created new potential for telerehabilitation. Recognizing that there is no systematic review of smartphone- or tablet-based balance and gait telerehabilitation technology for long-term use (i.e., four weeks or more), this systematic review summarizes the effects of smartphone- or tablet-based rehabilitation technology on balance and gait exercise and training in balance and gait disorders. The review examined studies written in English published from 2013 to 2023 in Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Of the 806 studies identified, 14 were selected, and the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies was applied to evaluate methodological quality. The systematic review concluded that all 14 studies found balance and gait performance improvement after four weeks or more of balance and gait telerehabilitation. Ten of the 14 studies found that carry-over effects (improved functional movements, muscle strength, motor capacity, cognition, and reduced fear of falling and anxiety levels) were maintained for weeks to months. The results of the systematic review have positive technical and clinical implications for the next-generation design of rehabilitation technology in balance and gait training and exercise programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihyeong Lee
- Department of Physical Education, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jooeun Ahn
- Department of Physical Education, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea;
- Institute of Sport Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom-Chan Lee
- Institute of Sport Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
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Cieślik B, Mazurek J, Wrzeciono A, Maistrello L, Szczepańska-Gieracha J, Conte P, Kiper P. Examining technology-assisted rehabilitation for older adults' functional mobility: a network meta-analysis on efficacy and acceptability. NPJ Digit Med 2023; 6:159. [PMID: 37620411 PMCID: PMC10449892 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00907-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Technological advancements facilitate feedback adaptation in rehabilitation through virtual reality (VR) exergaming, serious gaming, wearables, and telerehabilitation for older adults fall prevention. Although studies have evaluated these technologies, no comparisons of their effectiveness have been conducted to date. Thus, this study aims to assess the differences in effectiveness of these interventions on balance and functional mobility in the older adults. A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) were conducted to identify the most effective interventions for improving balance and functional mobility in adults aged 60 and over. The search was conducted in five databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science) up to June 10, 2023. The eligibility criteria were: (1) older adults, (2) functional mobility, balance, or gait as the primary outcome, (3) new technology intervention, and (4) randomized study design. New technology interventions were classified into five categories: exergaming with balance platforms or motion capture technologies, other serious gaming, interventions with wearables, and telerehabilitation. Additionally, two categories of control interventions (conventional exercises and no treatment) were extracted. The NMA was performed for the aggregated results of all outcomes, and separately for clinical functional scales, functional mobility, and gait speed results. Fifty-two RCTs with 3081 participants were included. Exergaming with motion capture was found to be statistically significant in producing a better effect than no treatment in the analysis of the functional mobility with an SMD of -0.70 (P < 0.01). The network meta-analysis revealed that exergaming with motion capture offers greater therapeutic benefits for functional mobility and balance compared to no treatment control. The effectiveness of this approach is similar to that of conventional exercises. Further RCTs are needed to provide a more definitive conclusion, particularly with respect to the effectiveness of serious games, telerehabilitation, and interventions with wearables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Cieślik
- Healthcare Innovation Technology Lab, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venezia, 30126, Italy.
| | - Justyna Mazurek
- University Rehabilitation Centre, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, 50-367, Poland
| | - Adam Wrzeciono
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wroclaw, 51-612, Poland
| | - Lorenza Maistrello
- Healthcare Innovation Technology Lab, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venezia, 30126, Italy
| | | | | | - Pawel Kiper
- Healthcare Innovation Technology Lab, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venezia, 30126, Italy
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Oddsson LIE, Bisson T, Cohen HS, Iloputaife I, Jacobs L, Kung D, Lipsitz LA, Manor B, McCracken P, Rumsey Y, Wrisley DM, Koehler-McNicholas SR. Extended effects of a wearable sensory prosthesis on gait, balance function and falls after 26 weeks of use in persons with peripheral neuropathy and high fall risk—The walk2Wellness trial. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:931048. [PMID: 36204554 PMCID: PMC9531134 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.931048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We recently reported that individuals with impaired plantar sensation and high fall risk due to sensory peripheral neuropathy (PN) improved gait and balance function following 10 weeks of use of Walkasins®, a wearable lower limb sensory prosthesis that provides directional specific mechanical tactile stimuli related to plantar pressure measurements during standing and walking (RxFunction Inc., Eden Prairie, MN, United States). Here, we report 26-week outcomes and compare pre- and in-study fall rates. We expected improvements in outcomes and reduced fall rates reported after 10 weeks of use to be sustained. Materials and methods Participants had clinically diagnosed PN with impaired plantar sensation, high fall risk (Functional Gait Assessment, FGA score < 23) and ability to sense tactile stimuli above the ankle at the location of the device. Additional outcomes included 10 m Gait Speed, Timed Up and Go (TUG), Four-Stage Balance Test, and self-reported outcomes, including Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale and Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale. Participants tracked falls using a calendar. Results We assessed falls and self-reported outcomes from 44 individuals after 26 weeks of device use; 30 of them conducted in-person testing of clinical outcomes. Overall, improvements in clinical outcomes seen at 10 weeks of use remained sustained at 26 weeks with statistically significant increases compared to baseline seen in FGA scores (from 15.0 to 19.2), self-selected gait speed (from 0.89 to 0.97 m/s), and 4-Stage Balance Test (from 25.6 to 28.4 s), indicating a decrease in fall risk. Non-significant improvements were observed in TUG and fast gait speed. Overall, 39 falls were reported; 31 of them did not require medical treatment and four caused severe injury. Participants who reported falls over 6 months prior to the study had a 43% decrease in fall rate during the study as compared to self-report 6-month pre-study (11.8 vs. 6.7 falls/1000 patient days, respectively, p < 0.004), similar to the 46% decrease reported after 10 weeks of use. Conclusion A wearable sensory prosthesis can improve outcomes of gait and balance function and substantially decreases incidence of falls during long-term use. The sustained long-term benefits in clinical outcomes reported here lessen the likelihood that improvements are placebo effects. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier #NCT03538756.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars I. E. Oddsson
- RxFunction Inc., Eden Prairie, MN, United States
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Recanati School for Community Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
- *Correspondence: Lars I. E. Oddsson,
| | - Teresa Bisson
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- M Health Fairview, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Ikechukwu Iloputaife
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Roslindale, MA, United States
| | - Laura Jacobs
- RxFunction Inc., Eden Prairie, MN, United States
| | - Doris Kung
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lewis A. Lipsitz
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Roslindale, MA, United States
- Division of Gerontology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Brad Manor
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Roslindale, MA, United States
- Division of Gerontology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Patricia McCracken
- Minneapolis Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | | | - Sara R. Koehler-McNicholas
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Minneapolis Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Jabri S, Bushart DD, Kinnaird C, Bao T, Bu A, Shakkottai VG, Sienko KH. Preliminary Study of Vibrotactile Feedback during Home-Based Balance and Coordination Training in Individuals with Cerebellar Ataxia. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22093512. [PMID: 35591203 PMCID: PMC9103288 DOI: 10.3390/s22093512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Intensive balance and coordination training is the mainstay of treatment for symptoms of impaired balance and mobility in individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia. In this study, we compared the effects of home-based balance and coordination training with and without vibrotactile SA for individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia. Ten participants (five males, five females; 47 ± 12 years) with inherited forms of cerebellar ataxia were recruited to participate in a 12-week crossover study during which they completed two six-week blocks of balance and coordination training with and without vibrotactile SA. Participants were instructed to perform balance and coordination exercises five times per week using smartphone balance trainers that provided written, graphic, and video guidance and measured trunk sway. The pre-, per-, and post-training performance were assessed using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), SARAposture&gait sub-scores, Dynamic Gait Index, modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance, Timed Up and Go performed with and without a cup of water, and multiple kinematic measures of postural sway measured with a single inertial measurement unit placed on the participants’ trunks. To explore the effects of training with and without vibrotactile SA, we compared the changes in performance achieved after participants completed each six-week block of training. Among the seven participants who completed both blocks of training, the change in the SARA scores and SARAposture&gait sub-scores following training with vibrotactile SA was not significantly different from the change achieved following training without SA (p>0.05). However, a trend toward improved SARA scores and SARAposture&gait sub-scores was observed following training with vibrotactile SA; compared to their pre-vibrotacile SA training scores, participants significantly improved their SARA scores (mean=−1.21, p=0.02) and SARAposture&gait sub-scores (mean=−1.00, p=0.01). In contrast, no significant changes in SARA scores and SARAposture&gait sub-scores were observed following the six weeks of training without SA compared to their pre-training scores immediately preceding the training block without vibrotactile SA (p>0.05). No significant changes in trunk kinematic sway parameters were observed as a result of training (p>0.05). Based on the findings from this preliminary study, balance and coordination training improved the participants’ motor performance, as captured through the SARA. Vibrotactile SA may be a beneficial addition to training regimens for individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia, but additional research with larger sample sizes is needed to assess the significance and generalizability of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Jabri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.); (C.K.); (T.B.); (A.B.)
| | - David D. Bushart
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Catherine Kinnaird
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.); (C.K.); (T.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Tian Bao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.); (C.K.); (T.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Angel Bu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.); (C.K.); (T.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Vikram G. Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Correspondence: (V.G.S.); (K.H.S.)
| | - Kathleen H. Sienko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.); (C.K.); (T.B.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: (V.G.S.); (K.H.S.)
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