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Balance and kinesthetic awareness assessment of subjects with cervicogenic headaches
Title
Balance and kinesthetic awareness assessment of subjects with cervicogenic headaches.
Creator
Lockhart, Jessica, St. Martin, Mary
Abstract / Description
Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this research was to determine the standing balance sway index and cervical kinesthetic awareness in patients experiencing a CEH, and compare these scores to existing normative data. Balance and kinesthetic awareness systems are anatomically linked to the somatosensory system. Due to the close relationship of these systems, it is hypothesized that cervicogenic headaches will be accompanied by a dysfunction in balance and kinesthetic awareness. Subjects: A...
Show morePurpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this research was to determine the standing balance sway index and cervical kinesthetic awareness in patients experiencing a CEH, and compare these scores to existing normative data. Balance and kinesthetic awareness systems are anatomically linked to the somatosensory system. Due to the close relationship of these systems, it is hypothesized that cervicogenic headaches will be accompanied by a dysfunction in balance and kinesthetic awareness. Subjects: A total of 21 subjects were recruited from outpatient physical therapy clinics and Florida Gulf Coast University College of Health Professions and College of Nursing in southwest Florida. There were thirteen females and eight males with an age range of 18-5 7 years old with an average age of thirty-five years old. All subjects were diagnosed by a CEH by a licensed physical therapist using the International Headache Study Group's CEH diagnostic criteria. The average pain for a CEH from the twenty-one participants was 5. 8/10. The last episode of a CEH occurred from one month ago to the day of testing; with five out of the twenty-one participants having a CEH sometime during the day of testing. Materials/Methods: The Biodex Balance System SD was used to assess balance through the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (m-CTSIB). This standardized test involved four conditions, which challenged different aspects of the individuals balance mechanisms. Each condition was held tor thirty seconds as the Biodex Balance System SO calculated the subjects sway index and stability index. A cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility test previously used by Revel, Andre-Deshays, & Minguet (1991) was administered to the subjects. The exam involved assessing the abilities of a blindfolded subject to reproduce a neutral head position after moving the head and neck through three cardinal planes of motion. Results: The averages of each of the assessments were described according to the normative data set for each assessment tool. The average M-CTSIB sway index tor subjects with a CEH was above the highest normal value for three of the four conditions. The largest difference in balance was noted in the fourth testing position, standing on foam with eyes closed. The average kinesthetic awareness score of subjects with CEH were within a normal range. No significant correlations were found between deficits in balance and kinesthetic awareness in patients with CEH. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that patients with CEH have deficits in standing balance, specifically with challenging the vestibular system. This study did not conclude a deficit in kinesthetic awareness in patients with CEH. Clinical Relevance: Balance results may provide a physical therapist an objective measure to monitor throughout the rehabilitation tor a patient with CEH. Balance training in conjunction with the traditional treatment methods for CEH may improve patient outcomes. Kinesthetic awareness should not be excluded from an examination of patients with CEH, even though the results of this study did not conclude a deficit in kinesthetic awareness when comparing patients with CEH to the normal population. Kinesthetic awareness deficits may occur in patients with CEH and neck pain, which might indicate impairments in proprioception.
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Date Issued
2013
Identifier
fgcu_ETD_0432
Format
Document (PDF)
Effect of a two-week ankle strategy training and strengthening program on balance
Title
Effect of a two-week ankle strategy training and strengthening program on balance.
Creator
Fowler, Daniel J.
Abstract / Description
Balance deficits contribute to falls and injuries in the elderly and people with Parkinson's disease (PD). The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a 2 week ankle strengthening and balance exercise intervention on balance assessments. It was hypothesized that participants with PD and those with generalized weakness (GW) would have improved balance testing scores and that those without PD would tend to have a greater degree of improvement. Two of the participants were diagnosed...
Show moreBalance deficits contribute to falls and injuries in the elderly and people with Parkinson's disease (PD). The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a 2 week ankle strengthening and balance exercise intervention on balance assessments. It was hypothesized that participants with PD and those with generalized weakness (GW) would have improved balance testing scores and that those without PD would tend to have a greater degree of improvement. Two of the participants were diagnosed with PD and the other two met the inclusion criteria for GW. They were all over the age of 65. Subjects were sampled using convenience sampling from a local Parkinson's support group. Subjects participated in 3 exercises focused on ankle strategy training, balance, and strength. Interventions were performed 5 times a week for two weeks, each session lasting 15 minutes. Data was collected through pre and post testing using the TUG Test, ABC Scale, Sensory Organization Test, Adaptation Test, and the Limits of Stability. Trends of improvement were found for all assessments for the PD group. The GW group had improvement in all assessments except the ABC scale. There was not a consistent trend of greater improvement found in the GW group when compared to the PD group. Trends of improvement were found in the PD group for the TUG Test. Short term ankle strategy interventions appear to provide improvement in balance measures for both people with PD and GW. Results suggest people with PD may have increased reliance on visual sensory information and decreased vestibular function which was positively affected by the intervention. Long term effects and significance of data would need to be further tested by having a larger sample size and random sampling of participants.
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Date Issued
2010
Identifier
fgcu_ETD_0492
Format
Document (PDF)
Effects of Underwater Treadmill Training with Real-Time Visual Feedback on Ambulation of a Person Who Has Experienced a Stroke
Title
Effects of Underwater Treadmill Training with Real-Time Visual Feedback on Ambulation of a Person Who Has Experienced a Stroke.
Creator
Pagkanlungan, Emmanuel
Abstract / Description
Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States and it occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Around 50-80% of people who have experienced a stroke typically recover their ability to walk, but still have many difficulties associated with their gait. This can negatively impact their body composition, physical fitness, and ability to interact in the community. Prior research has...
Show moreIntroduction: Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States and it occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Around 50-80% of people who have experienced a stroke typically recover their ability to walk, but still have many difficulties associated with their gait. This can negatively impact their body composition, physical fitness, and ability to interact in the community. Prior research has shown that using partial body weight support training, as well as visual biofeedback, has been helpful in improving gait and balance for people who have experienced a stroke. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to examine the use of underwater treadmill training with use of real-time visual feedback for improving ambulation in people who have experienced a stroke. Research Design: This research was a single subject design study examining outcomes of underwater treadmill training of a 58 year-old male who sustained a right cerebellar stroke 12 months ago. The participant underwent pre- and post intervention measures for balance and gait: GAITRite© system walking, Timed-Up-and-Go, and Dynamic Gait Index. The intervention of underwater treadmill training using real-time visual feedback was applied for 8 sessions of about 45 minutes each session, which included warm-up exercises and a cool-down period. Outcomes: The participant showed slight trends towards improved balance in his gait analysis and functional outcome measures. Specifically, his average time spent on each leg was closer to equal, average step length of each foot increased, the length of stride increased, and his overall step width decreased from pre-intervention to post-intervention. For the functional tests of balance, his Timed-Up-and-Go score improved (9.0 sec to 8.2 sec). Furthermore, the participant was able to improve his DGI score by 4 points from pre-test to post-test, which indicates a clinically important difference was made for his overall dynamic standing balance. Conclusion: The changes in outcome measures, in conjunction with subjective statements made by the participant, suggest that underwater treadmill training with real-time visual feedback may be beneficial for patients who have experienced a stroke up to a year ago. Further research should be conducted performing a longer randomized controlled study with more participants to determine if these results may be generalized. Furthermore, the participants of the study should demonstrate higher levels of impairments, as the participant in this study had minimal impairments. This would allow for potentially larger gains in outcomes.
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Date Issued
2017
Identifier
Pagkanlungan_fgcu_1743_10221
Format
Document (PDF)
The Effect of Whole Body Vibration Training on Balance and Strength of the Lower Extremity Muscles in Older Individuals
Title
The Effect of Whole Body Vibration Training on Balance and Strength of the Lower Extremity Muscles in Older Individuals.
Creator
McClain, Shallen K.
Abstract / Description
The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of whole body vibration training (WBVT) on lower extremity strength and balance in older adults. WBVT involves performance of an exercise on a vibrating platform. The current literature shows that WBVT can increase strength more than exercising on a static surface; however few studies have investigated WBVT and balance together. A total of 22 participants (mean age of 71) were randomly assigned to a WBVT group or a control group. Both...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of whole body vibration training (WBVT) on lower extremity strength and balance in older adults. WBVT involves performance of an exercise on a vibrating platform. The current literature shows that WBVT can increase strength more than exercising on a static surface; however few studies have investigated WBVT and balance together. A total of 22 participants (mean age of 71) were randomly assigned to a WBVT group or a control group. Both groups performed the same exercise: a double leg squat to 30 degrees of knee flexion, 2 sets of 10 repetitions holding each squat for 10 seconds, 2 days per week on non-consecutive days for 8 weeks. The vibrating group performed the exercise a vibrating platform and the control group performed the exercise on a static surface. A baseline and final measurement of strength was assessed by the 10 RM on the leg press and balance was tested using the STAR Excursion Balance test (SEBT). The results did not show a statistically significant difference between the two interventions (F=0.905, df=9.0,p>0.05). There was a mean increase in strength for both the vibrating group and the control group, and the control group showed an increase in all eight directions of the SEBT. WBVT does not appear to be an efficient way to improve strength and balance when compared to a static surface in community dwelling older adults.
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Date Issued
2014
Identifier
McClain_fgcu_1743_10064
Format
Document (PDF)