These results suggest that dual task balance training in elderly people improves their dual task performance during standing postural control.

No abstract

This observational study investigated the relationship between balance, mobility and falls in 72 hemiplegic stroke inpatients, with the aim of developing a model for predicting fall risk. Fall history was recorded by interview, balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and activities of daily living were evaluated using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Variables differing between fallers and non-fallers were identified, and a stepwise regression analysis was performed to identify a combination of variables that effectively predicted fall status. Fallers (occasional and repeat; n = 27) had a shorter time from stroke onset, lower FIM scores on admission and discharge, lower BBS and Mini-Mental State Examination scores, a greater age and longer length of hospital stay compared with non-fallers (all differences were significant). A logistic model for predicting falls showed that BBS at admission was significantly related to falls, with fallers having lower BBS scores at admission (cut-off

In this study, we performed 6-minutes walking tests using a portable gas analyzer in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis, and examined the effects of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) application on the walking ability and energy expenditure during walking. The subjects were 18 patients with post-stroke hemiparesis, who were admitted to the rehabilitation care unit of our rehabilitation center, and could walk. We performed 6-min walking tests with and without AFO application in these patients, and examined the walking distance and velocity, oxygen consumption (VO2), and heart rate (HR) during walking. The oxygen consumption per meter (VO2m −1 ) and physiological cost index (PCI) were determined as the efficiency of kinetic energy. The difference in the VO2 during walking was not significant between application and non-application of the AFO, but the differences in the walking distance and velocity and the VO2m −1 and PCI were significant. It was suggested that improvement of the walking ability and reduction of energy expenditure during walking were possible in motion-impaired patients with post-stroke hemiparesis by AFO application.