Kinematic Gait Analysis in People with Mild-Disability Multiple Sclerosis Using Statistical Parametric Mapping: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Gait abnormalities, such as altered joint kinematics, are common in people with MS (pwMS). Traditional clinical gait assessments may not detect subtle kinematic alterations, but advances in motion capture technology and analysis methods, such as statistical parametric mapping (SPM), offer more detailed assessments. The aim of this study was to compare the lower-limb joint kinematics during gait between pwMS and healthy controls using SPM analysis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving pwMS and healthy controls. A three-dimensional motion capture system was used to obtain the kinematic parameters of the more affected lower limb (MALL) and less affected lower limb (LALL), which were compared using the SPM analysis. Results: The study included 10 pwMS with mild disability (EDSS ≤ 3) and 10 healthy controls. The results showed no differences in spatiotemporal parameters. However, significant differences were observed in the kinematics of the lower-limb joints using SPM. In pwMS, compared to healthy controls, there was a higher anterior pelvis tilt (MALL, p = 0.047), reduced pelvis elevation (MALL, p = 0.024; LALL, p = 0.044), reduced pelvis descent (MALL, p = 0.033; LALL, p = 0.022), reduced hip extension during pre-swing (MALL, p = 0.049), increased hip flexion during terminal swing (MALL, p = 0.046), reduced knee flexion (MALL, p = 0.04; LALL, p < 0.001), and reduced range of motion in ankle plantarflexion (MALL, p = 0.048). Conclusions: pwMS with mild disability exhibit specific kinematic abnormalities during gait. SPM analysis can detect alterations in the kinematic parameters of gait in pwMS with mild disability.

Effects of spatial working memory in balance during dual tasking in traumatic brain injury and healthy controls.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to assess cognitive-motor interactions though dual tasks of working memory in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and control subjects. Methods: Twenty patients with chronic TBI with good functional level and 19 matched healthy controls performed dual working memory tasks (1-back numeric and 1-back spatial (S)) while sitting, standing, and walking. The center of pressure (COP) displacement amplitude, cadence, and error percentage (PER) were recorded as dependent variables. Results: The results revealed main effects of Group (TBI, controls) (p = .011) and Task factors (Single, Dual Standing 1-back, Dual Standing 1-back (S); p = .0001) for the COP. Patients showed greater displacement than controls (p = .011), and an analysis of the Task factor showed a minor displacement for the dual 1-back (S) task compared with the 1-back and single task (p = .002 and p = .001, respectively). Conclusions: Postural control during both standing and walking improved during performance of the spatial working memory task. In the dual task, both patients and controls showed a postural prioritization as an adaptive response to the increase in cognitive demand.

Reliability of Kinovea® Software and Agreement with a Three-Dimensional Motion System for Gait Analysis in Healthy Subjects.

Gait analysis is necessary to diagnose movement disorders. In order to reduce the costs of three-dimensional motion capture systems, new low-cost methods of motion analysis have been developed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intra-rater reliability of Kinovea® and the agreement with a three-dimensional motion system for detecting the joint angles of the hip, knee and ankle during the initial contact phase of walking. Fifty healthy subjects participated in this study. All participants were examined twice with a one-week interval between the two appointments. The motion data were recorded using the VICON Motion System® and digital video cameras. The intra-rater reliability showed a good correlation for the hip, the knee and the ankle joints (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, ICC > 0.85) for both observers. The ICC for the inter-rater reliability was >0.90 for the hip, the knee and the ankle joints. The Bland-Altman plots showed that the magnitude of disagreement was approximately ±5° for intra-rater reliability, ±2.5° for inter-rater reliability and around ±2.5° to ±5° for Kinovea® versus Vicon®. The ICC was good for the hip, knee and ankle angles registered with Kinovea® during the initial contact of walking for both observers (intra-rater reliability) and higher for the agreement between observers (inter-rater reliability). However, the Bland-Altman plots showed disagreement between observers, measurements and systems (Kinovea® vs. three-dimensional motion system) that should be considered in the interpretation of clinical evaluations.

Trunk Range of Motion Is Related to Axial Rigidity, Functional Mobility and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease: An Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: People with Parkinson's disease (PD) present deficits of the active range of motion (ROM), prominently in their trunk. However, if these deficits are associated with axial rigidity, the functional mobility or health related quality of life (HRQoL), remains unknown. The aim of this paper is to study the relationship between axial ROM and axial rigidity, the functional mobility and HRQoL in patients with mild to moderate PD. METHODS: An exploratory study was conducted. Non-probabilistic sampling of consecutive cases was used. Active trunk ROM was assessed by a universal goniometer. A Biodex System isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the rigidity of the trunk. Functional mobility was determined by the Get Up and Go (GUG) test, and HRQoL was assessed with the PDQ-39 and EuroQol-5D questionnaires. RESULTS: Thirty-six mild to moderate patients with PD were evaluated. Significant correlations were observed between trunk extensors rigidity and trunk flexion and extension ROM. Significant correlations were observed between trunk flexion, extension and rotation ROM and GUG. Moreover, significant correlations were observed between trunk ROM for flexion, extension and rotations (both sides) and PDQ-39 total score. However, these correlations were considered poor. CONCLUSIONS: Trunk ROM for flexion and extension movements, measured by a universal goniometer, were correlated with axial extensors rigidity, evaluated by a technological device at 30°/s and 45°/s, and functional mobility. Moreover, trunk ROM for trunk flexion, extension and rotations were correlated with HRQoL in patients with mild to moderate PD.

Leap motion controlled video game-based therapy for upper limb rehabilitation in patients with Parkinson's disease: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Non-immersive video games are currently being used as technological rehabilitation tools for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this feasibility study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Leap Motion Controller® (LMC) system used with serious games designed for the upper limb (UL), as well as the levels of satisfaction and compliance among patients in mild-to-moderate stages of the disease. METHODS: A non-probabilistic sampling of non-consecutive cases was performed. 23 PD patients, in stages II-IV of the Hoehn & Yahr scale, were randomized into two groups: an experimental group (n = 12) who received treatment based on serious games designed by the research team using the LMC system for the UL, and a control group (n = 11) who received a specific intervention for the UL. Grip muscle strength, coordination, speed of movements, fine and gross UL dexterity, as well as satisfaction and compliance, were assessed in both groups pre-treatment and post-treatment. RESULTS: Within the experimental group, significant improvements were observed in all post-treatment assessments, except for Box and Blocks test for the less affected side. Clinical improvements were observed for all assessments in the control group. Statistical intergroup analysis showed significant improvements in coordination, speed of movements and fine motor dexterity scores on the more affected side of patients in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: The LMC system and the serious games designed may be a feasible rehabilitation tool for the improvement of coordination, speed of movements and fine UL dexterity in PD patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Altered fine motor control and manual dexterity in people with cocaine dependence: An observational study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cocaine consumption may result in irreversible structural changes in the brain. The long-term effects of cocaine are related to a wide range of deteriorated cognitive functions. This study aimed to examine the fine motor control and hand-function in cocaine users compared to healthy controls. METHODS: An observational study was conducted. Sociodemographic variables, substance consumption, the Purdue Pegboard and the Jebsen-Taylor Hand-function Test were evaluated bilaterally in 35 participants who were cocaine users and in 35 healthy participants. Differences between sides (dominant and non-dominant hands) and groups were analysed with analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: The ANOVA revealed significant differences between groups (P < 0.001) and between sides (dominant and non-dominant hands) (P = 0.005) for the one-hand pin placement subtest of the Purdue Pegboard Test. Also, ANOVA tests showed significant differences between sides, but not groups, for the simulated feeding (P < 0.001) and stacking checkers (P < 0.001) Jebsen-Taylor subtests. Cocaine user participants exhibited significantly lower scores in bilateral pin placement and required more time for the Jebsen-Taylor subtests compared to healthy participants. CONCLUSIONS: Cocaine user participants display deficits of fine motor control and some aspects of manual dexterity when compared to healthy controls. These findings show the convenience of incorporating functional rehabilitation by occupational therapists as a key component within the treatment of cocaine users. This study therefore opens a new field of practice for occupational therapy based on the assessment and treatment of motor deficits in the hand and the upper limb of people who consume cocaine.

Detecting intention to walk in stroke patients from pre-movement EEG correlates.

BACKGROUND: Most studies in the field of brain-computer interfacing (BCI) for lower limbs rehabilitation are carried out with healthy subjects, even though insights gained from healthy populations may not generalize to patients in need of a BCI. METHODS: We investigate the ability of a BCI to detect the intention to walk in stroke patients from pre-movement EEG correlates. Moreover, we also investigated how the motivation of the patients to execute a task related to the rehabilitation therapy affects the BCI accuracy. Nine chronic stroke patients performed a self-initiated walking task during three sessions, with an intersession interval of one week. RESULTS: Using a decoder that combines temporal and spectral sparse classifiers we detected pre-movement state with an accuracy of 64 % in a range between 18 % and 85.2 %, with the chance level at 4 %. Furthermore, we found a significantly strong positive correlation (r = 0.561, p = 0.048) between the motivation of the patients to perform the rehabilitation related task and the accuracy of the BCI detector of their intention to walk. CONCLUSIONS: We show that a detector based on temporal and spectral features can be used to classify pre-movement state in stroke patients. Additionally, we found that patients' motivation to perform the task showed a strong correlation to the attained detection rate of their walking intention.

Scales to assess gross motor function in stroke patients: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical and psychometric properties of stroke motor assessment scales. DATA SOURCES: The databases consulted for the literature research were MEDLINE, PEDro, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL). The search was carried out between March 2011 and January 2014. STUDY SELECTION: Studies that describe and validate a measurement scale designed to assess gross motor function in stroke. The articles were classified according to the levels of evidence and grades of recommendation for diagnosis studies of the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine. DATA EXTRACTION: General characteristics of the studies, including number of patients, motor function assessment scales analyzed, and their psychometric properties, were collected. DATA SYNTHESIS: After the literature search, 19 articles were included in this review; 32 articles were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria. Four of the 19 articles studied the Motor Assessment Scale, 5 the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, 3 investigated the Sodring Motor Evaluation for Stroke Patients, 4 the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement, 2 were about the Motricity Index, and 2 about the Rivermead Motor Assessment. All of them were classified as level 2b according to the levels of evidence and grades of recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: All the scales compiled in this review have been shown to be useful both in clinical practice and in terms of research. The most suitable scales to be used in the clinical field would be the short versions of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement. A real consensus about the measurement of gross motor function in patients with stroke is not available in the recent literature.

Influence of Age, Gender and Education Level on Executive Functions and Functioning in People with Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in mental functions are among the most frequent manifestations of stroke that have a direct impact on the patient's functionality. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship of sociodemographic variables with the executive functions (EFs) of participants with right middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational case-control study was conducted at the State Center for Brain Damage in Madrid, Spain. Fifty-eight subjects were recruited and divided into two groups. Each participant was administered the following: the FIM+FAM Functional Assessment Measure, the Lawton and Brody scale, The Trail-Making Test, the Zoo Map Test and the Hanoi Tower. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were identified between participants with ischemic stroke and control in functional and EF functions, as well as between participants with hemorrhagic stroke and control. No statistically significant differences were found in the experimental group between subjects who had sustained ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. No significant associations were identified between the variables age, gender and education level in relation to functionality and executive functions (p > 0.05) in people with stroke. CONCLUSION: People who have suffered a right cerebral artery stroke have deficiencies in the EFS, resulting in poorer performance of the activity of daily living, compared to healthy subjects of the same age, gender and education level. In the correlational analysis of the stroke participants, no significant associations were identified between the variables gender, age and education level in relation to functionality and EF.

[Robotics in neuro-rehabilitation]. / Robótica en neuro-rehabilitación.

Currently the base of the neuro-rehabilitation is the combination of neuroplasticity and functional task-based therapies. The stimulation of the brain and changes in the effective application of joint in the therapeutic use of robots. These devices are applicable for the purpose of functional replacement assistance or treatment. We present a review of the current state of technology and clinical evidence, as well as ongoing projects and future research in the area.

The Timing of Kinematic and Kinetic Parameters during Gait Cycle as a Marker of Early Gait Deterioration in Multiple Sclerosis Subjects with Mild Disability.

This study aimed to evaluate walking in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with mild disability. A case control study with 8 mild disability MS patients and 10 controls was conducted. This study analyzed spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters. We also analyzed the timing of these parameters, as a percentage of the gait cycle. The MS patients and controls walked with a similar gait pattern. However, there were differences in the timing of the biomechanical parameters. The timing of toe-off was at 62-63% of gait cycle in MS subjects while in controls it was at 59.94% (p = 0.009 to 0.027 vs. to controls). The peak of knee flexion during swing was at 74-76% of gait cycle in MS subjects while in controls was at 72% (p = 0.027 to 0.034). While the peak of ankle dorsiflexion during stance occurred at 48-50% in MS subjects, while in controls it was at 46% (p = 0.001 to 0.009), and the peak of plantar flexion during pre-swing was at 66% in MS subjects vs. 64% in controls (p = 0.001). At the kinetic pattern, the first peak of the vertical ground reaction force occurred at 14% of gait cycle in controls while in MS patients it was at 17-20% (p = 0.012 to 0.021). MS subjects with mild disability walked with similar spatiotemporal parameters, joint angles and moments compared to controls. However, our results suggest that those changed the temporal occurrences, expressed as percentage of the gait cycle, of the kinematic and kinetic parameters.

Reflex Locomotion Therapy for Balance, Gait, and Fatigue Rehabilitation in Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis.

This study evaluates the effects of a rehabilitation program based on reflex locomotion therapy (RLT) on balance, gait, and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Twenty-three patients diagnosed with MS participated in this study. Reversal design was carried out. The assessment tools included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the instrumental analysis of the gait recorded by Vicon Motion System®. We analyzed spatio-temporal parameters and kinematic variables of the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Additionally, the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) was administrated. We did find a significant improvement in balance and gait tools after the RLT period. Regarding instrumental analysis, the statistical analysis of spatio-temporal parameters showed a significant improvement in stride length, double support, and velocity after the RLT period. Concerning kinematic parameters, the analysis showed improvements in hip and knee range of motion (ROM) after RLT period. RLT could improve gait and balance in patients with MS. The patients reported a high level of satisfaction with the therapy received.

Axial rigidity and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: Rigidity is a cardinal symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD) and is often clinically assessed by passively flexing and extending a patient's limb. Objective measurements had been employed to examine rigidity in PD subjects, including wrist, elbow, knee and trunk. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between an objective measurement of trunk rigidity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional status in patients with mild to moderate PD. METHODS: An isokinetic dynamometer Biodex System 3 was employed to assess trunk rigidity in 36 PD patients. HRQoL was assessed with the EuroQol-5D and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 items (PDQ-39). Functional status was measured with the Schwab and England scale. RESULTS: Trunk rigidity was correlated with the HRQoL assessed with the mobility, cognition and stigma PDQ-39 domains and the total PDQ-39 scores. No correlations were found among trunk muscle tone assessed with the isokinetic dynamometer and the EuroQoL-5D. Functional status was correlated with the trunk extensors rigidity at all angular velocities. CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggest that the axial motor impairments impact on QoL and functional status in patients with PD. Further studies are needed with quantitative devices for axial rigidity assessment to determine the relationship between trunk rigidity in PD patients with higher disease severity and HRQoL scales.

Test-Retest Reliability of a Conventional Gait Model for Registering Joint Angles during Initial Contact and Toe-Off in Healthy Subjects.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of a conventional gait model (CGM), the Plug-in Gait model, to calculate the angles of the hip, knee, and ankle during initial contact (IC) and toe-off (TO). Gait analysis was performed using the Vicon Motion System® (Oxford Metrics, Oxford, UK). The study group consisted of 50 healthy subjects. To evaluate the test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the standard error of measurement (SEM), the minimal detectable change (MDC), and the Bland-Altman analysis with 95% limits of agreement were calculated. The ICC for the joint angles of the hip, knee, and ankle was higher than 0.80. However, the ankle angle at IC had an ICC lower than 0.80. The SEM was <5° for all parameters. The MDC was large (>5°) for the hip angle at IC. The Bland-Altman analysis indicated that the magnitude of divergence was between ±5° and ±9° at IC and around ±7° at TO. In conclusion, the ICC for the plug-in gait model was good for the hip, knee, and ankle angles during IC and TO. The plots revealed a disagreement between measurements that should be considered in patients' clinical assessments.

[Effectiveness of physical exercise programs in patients with diabetes mellitus]. / Efectividad de los programas de ejercicio físico en los pacientes con diabetes mellitus.

Clinical studies with methodological rigor have shown that the strategies for lifestyle modification and drug therapies can prevent or at least delay the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in individuals at high risk. Combination of regular physical exercise and diet is more effective than each one separately to achieve modest weight loss and improve metabolic control in patients with DM. Our objective is to describe the role of exercise in patients with DM and the exercise programs in relation to the previous considerations, taking into account the intensity of the exercise, components of the program, duration, frequency and precautions.

Functional electrical stimulation improves reaching movement in the shoulder and elbow muscles of stroke patients: A three-dimensional motion analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recovery of motor function following stroke is essential to restore adequate functionality. The use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) technology as a neuroprosthesis to enhance the motor function of the UL, and thus facilitate the performance of ADL, could lead to a stroke patient's greater activity and participation in daily life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to establish whether the application of FES in patients who have suffered a stroke with UL motor impairment is able to modify and facilitate their reaching patterns, measured by a three-dimensional motion capture system. METHODS: 20 patients with chronic stroke participated in this study. For muscle stimulation, the electrical stimulator Compex® was used. Motion analysis was performed using the VICON Motion System®. Joint movements of the thorax, shoulder and elbow were analyzed in the sagittal plane, during the reaching movement under two different conditions of stimulation: FES condition and placebo condition. RESULTS: Differences between FES condition and placebo condition were observed. In the FES condition it was recorded: an increased shoulder flexion and elbow extension in the reaching movement. CONCLUSIONS: Functional electrical stimulation improved reaching movement in stroke patients with upper limb impairment.

Motor imagery as a complementary technique for functional recovery after stroke: a systematic review.

Background: Stroke is the leading cause of disability in adults, producing a major personal and economic impact on those affected. The scientific evidence regarding the use of Motor Imagery (MI) as a preparatory process for motor control reinforces the need to explore this method as a complement to physical therapy.Objectives: The objectives of this systematic review were to determine the effectiveness of MI for functional recovery after stroke and to identify a possible intervention protocol, according to the level of existing scientific evidence.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using Medline, Cochrane Library and PEDro databases. Studies were limited to those published between 2007 and 2017, and restricted to English and/or Spanish language publications.Results: Thirteen randomized clinical trials that met the inclusion criteria were included. The methodological quality of studies was determined using the Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies, obtaining scores of 9-13 points out of 15. The level of evidence and strength of recommendations were assessed using the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) assessment, obtaining levels IA and II-B1. Significant improvements were found in outcome measures evaluating upper limb functionality, balance and kinematic gait parameters.Conclusions: The use of MI combined with conventional rehabilitation is an effective method for the recovery of functionality after stroke. Due to the great heterogeneity in the scientific literature available, new lines of research are necessary, in order to include well-designed studies of good methodological quality and to establish a consensus regarding the most appropriate protocols.

Systematic review of cross-cultural adaptations of hip-specific patient-reported outcome measures in Spanish. / Revisión sistemática de los cuestionarios autocumplimentados adaptados al español para la valoración funcional de pacientes con patología de cadera.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the quality of the transcultural adaptation procedure and the clinimetric properties of the self-administered hip-disability functional assessment questionnaires adapted for the Spanish population. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science databases (from inception until June 2016) to locate all the scales adapted to Spanish and to analyze the different phases of the adaptation process and its psychometric properties. RESULTS: Eight scales were identified, and were grouped into three sections, according to the type of diseases in which they can be used: a) lower limb: Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and Arthrosis of Membres Inférieurs et Qualité de vie (AMICAL); b) knee and/or hip: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life (OAKHQOL) and Hip and Knee Questionnaire (HKQ); and c) specific for hip: Hip Outcome Score (HOS) and International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33). The transcultural adaptation procedure was satisfactory in all cases, albeit somewhat less rigorous for the HKQ and LLFI than for the remaining questionnaires. No study evaluated all the psychometric properties. CONCLUSION: We currently have 8 hip-disability functional assessment questionnaires adapted to Spanish with satisfactory psychometric properties. We can measure the patient's perceived impact of his or her hip disease by selecting, among the different options, those alternatives that best fit our clinical or research objectives.

Effect of elastic bandage on postural control in subjects with chronic ankle instability: a randomised clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To report the immediate and prolonged (one week) effects of elastic bandage (EB) on balance control in subjects with chronic ankle instability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight individuals successfully completed the study protocol, of whom 14 were randomly assigned to the EB group (7 men, 7 women) and 14 were assigned to the non-standardised tape (NST) group (9 men, 5 women). To objectively measure postural sway we used computerised dynamic posturography (CDP) with sensory organisation test (SOT) and unilateral stance (US) test. We analysed the following SOT parameters: the composite SOT score, the composite SOT strategy and the SOT condition 2 and its strategy. In addition, we studied the centre of gravity (COG) sway velocity with open eyes and close eyes during the US test. RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant effect for time in composite SOT score (F= 34.98; p= <0.01), composite SOT strategy (F= 12.082; p= 0.02), and COG sway with open eyes (F= 3.382; p= 0.039) in EB group and NST group. Therefore, there were improvements in balance control after bandage applications (defined as better scores in SOT parameters and decreased COG sway in US test). However, no differences between groups were observed in the most relevant parameters. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not observe differences between EB and NST during the follow-up in the majority of measurements. Several outcome measures for SOT and US tests improved in both groups immediately after bandage applications and after one week of use. EB of the ankle joint has no advantage as compared to the non-standardised tape. Implications for rehabilitation Elastic bandage (EB) of the ankle joint has no advantage as compared to the non-standardised tape. The effects of the bandages could be due to a greater subjective sense of security. It is important to be prudent with the use of bandage, since a greater sense of safety could also bring with it a greater risk of injury. The application of the bandage on subjects with chronic ankle instability (CAI) should be prolonged and used alongside other physiotherapy treatments.

[Relationship of physical activity level and body composition on postural control in male adults]. / Relación del nivel de actividad física y de la composición corporal en el control postural en adultos varones.

INTRODUCTION: balance is very important in order to perform daily physical activities as standing or walking. Both physical activity and body composition are some of the most important adjustable intrinsic factors influencing balance. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the influence of physical activity level and different body variables on the postural control of male adults. METHODS: observational, cross-sectional study with 63 men between 25 and 60 years of age, with body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 35 kg/ m2. Anthropometric variables (e.g., weight, BMI, waist circumference), body composition and its distribution (e.g., percentage of total fat mass: TFM%, of the legs: LFM%, and android: AFM%), physical activity (PAL) and postural control (e.g., SOM ratio) were measured. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship of all variables with the SOM ratio. RESULTS: the results of this study show a correlation between TFM% (r = -0.384, p = 0.002), AFM% (r = -0.421, p = 0.001) and PAL (r = 0.291, p = 0.021) with the SOM ratio. In addition, individuals classified as obese (TFM% ≥ 28) scored worse on SOM ratio than non-obese individuals (97.33 ± 2.52 vs 96.37 ± 1.54, p = 0.013), and individuals classified as active (PAL ≥ 1.4) scored higher on SOM ratio than sedentary individuals (97.13 ± 2.33 vs 96.18 ± 1.38; p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: the fat mass and PAL seem to influence proprioceptively on postural control, being the waist circumference the variable that predicts SOM ratio the most.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el equilibrio es crucial para el desempeño de actividades de la vida diaria como la bipedestación o la marcha. La actividad física y la composición corporal son algunos de los factores intrínsecos modificables más importantes que influyen en el equilibrio. OBJETIVO: analizar la influencia del nivel de actividad física (PAL) y de diferentes variables corporales sobre el control postural de adultos varones. MÉTODOS: estudio observacional, transversal, con 63 varones de entre 25 y 60 años, con índice de masa corporal (IMC) entre 18 y 35 kg/m2. Se midieron variables antropométricas (i.e., peso, IMC, perímetro de cintura), de composición corporal y de su distribución (i.e., porcentaje de masa grasa de piernas: %MGP, androide: %MGA y total: %MGT), de actividad física (PAL) y de control postural (i.e., ratio somatosensorial: SOT-SOM). Se utilizó una regresión lineal múltiple para evaluar la relación de todas las variables con la SOT-SOM. RESULTADOS: los resultados de este estudio muestran una correlación entre %MGT (r = -0,384, p = 0,002), %MGA (r = -0,421, p = 0,001) y PAL (r = 0,291, p = 0,021) con la SOT-SOM. Además, los individuos clasificados como obesos (%MGT ≥ 28) obtuvieron peores puntuaciones en la SOT-SOM que los individuos no obesos (97,33 ± 2,52 vs. 96,37 ± 1,54; p = 0,013) y los individuos clasificados como activos (PAL ≥ 1,4) obtuvieron mejores puntuaciones en la SOT-SOM que los individuos sedentarios (97,13 ± 2,33 vs. 96,18 ± 1,38; p = 0,035). CONCLUSIONES: la masa grasa y el PAL parecen influir a nivel propioceptivo en el control postural, siendo el perímetro de cintura la variable que más predice la SOT-SOM.