• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.63-70
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• 2016

Background: The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale were used to assess balance function in patients with balance problem. These multidimensional clinical balance scales provide information about potential risk factors for falls. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the predictive properties of the PBS and FAB scales relative to fall risk in children with cerebral palsy (CP) using a receiver operating characteristic analysis. Methods: In total, 49 children with CP (boy=21, girl=28) who were diagnosed with level 1 or 2 according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System participated in this study. The PBS and FAB were performed, and verified cut-off score, sensitivity, specificity, and the area of under the curve (AUC). Results: In this study, the PBS scale was as a predictive measure of fall risk, but the FAB was not significant in children with CP. A cut-off score of 45.5 points provided optimal sensitivity of .90 and specificity of .69 on the PBS, and a cut-off score of 21.5 points provided optimal sensitivity of .90 and specificity of .62 on the FAB. Both scales showed moderately accurate of AUC with .79 and .76, respectively. Conclusion: The PBS is a useful screening tool for predicting fall risk in children with cerebral palsy, and those who score 45.5 or lower indicate a high risk for falls and are in need of balance intervention.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.165-173
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• 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of sling exercise on fall risk score, ankle dorsiflexion and balance in community-dwelling elderly women. Method: A 6-week prospective study was conducted to examine the effects of sling exercise. Participants were required to attend their assigned exercise classes three times a week for 6 weeks. Result: After the 6 week study period, PPA fall-risk scores were reduced by 0.90 for the exercise group, which was a significant change (p<.001). Dorsiflexion strength increased significantly (p<.01) by 1.56 kg after the sling exercise. There was a 2.0 cm-increase (p<.05) in FRT and 0.38 second-improvement (p<.01) in TUGT. A 7.88 second-increase in One-leg standing with Eyes Open and a 3.12 second-increase in One-leg standing with Eyes Closed were reported during the 6-week intervention period. Conclusion: The 6-week sling exercise reduced falls risk score significantly (p<=.001) in community-dwelling elderly women by improving fall risk related factors such as reaction time, balance and strength.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.73-84
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• 2007

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors and methods in balance assessment associated with fall in older adults. Methods : This article describes many of the tools that can be used to evaluate the physical parameters associated with fall risk in older adults. Results : Composite ratings of performance(Tinetti balance assessment, Guralnik test battery, Berg balance scale, modified-physical performance test) measures the score compounding the balance measure to determine fall risk. Static balance instruments are composed of FICSIT-4 that measures the ability of maintaining foot positions and CTSIB that measures postural stability. Dynamic balance instrument is composed of functional reach test. To measure walking velocity and mobility, 8-foot up-and-go test and walking around two cones are used. We can use 1-RM and to measure muscular strength, isokinetic dynamometery, and 30-second chair stand to measure lower extremity muscle strength. Conclusion : The described instruments are easy to use and widespread. To select and use these tool kits carefully is considered to be helpful in identifying those who are most likely to fall. The final part of the article includes a brief discussion of the potential role of exercise training interventions to improve these physical parameters and prevent falls.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.39-46
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• 2018

Background: The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale have been used to assess balance function in patients with chronic stroke. These clinical balance scales provide information about potential risk factors for falls. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors of falls and compare the predictive values of the BBS and FAB scale relative to fall risk in patients with stroke through receiver operating characteristic analysis. Methods: Sixty-three patients with stroke (faller=34, non-faller=29) who could walk independently for 10 meters participated in this study. The BBS and FAB scale were administered. Then, we verified the cut-off score, sensitivity, specificity, and the area of under the curve. Results: In this study, the BBS and FAB scale did not predict fall risk in patients with stroke in the receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. A cut-off score of 37.5 points provided sensitivity of .47 and specificity of .35 on the BBS, and a cut-off score of 20.5 points provided sensitivity of .44 and specificity of .45 on the FAB scale. Conclusion: The BBS and FAB scale were not useful screening tools for predicting fall risk in patients with stroke in this study, but those who scored 37.5 or lower on the BBS and 20.5 or lower on the FAB scale had a high risk for falls.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.61-68
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• 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of noninvasive electrical stimulation combined with trunk stabilization exercise on balance and fall risk in patients with stroke. Methods: Twenty-two patients with stroke were enrolled in the study and randomly divided into experimental and control groups, each with 11 patients. noninvasive electrical stimulation combined with trunk stabilization training was applied to the experimental group, and sham noninvasive electrical stimulation combined with trunk stabilization training, to the control group. Both groups were treated for 6 weeks, five times a week for 30 min each time; the balance and fall risk of patients with stroke were measured before and after treatment, and the changes in the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results: The experimental group's left and right weight-bearing indices (affect and non-affect sides) and the front and rear weight-bearing indices, were significantly improved (p<.05, p<.001). when the changes in balance ability between groups were compared before and after treatment. The total fall efficacy score in the experimental group was substantially lower than that in the control group when the changes in fall efficacy score were compared between groups following treatment (p<.001). Conclusion: The improvement in balance and fall risk in patients with stroke can be attributed to using noninvasive electrical stimulation in combination with trunk stabilization training. This clinically helpful treatment method for patients with stroke warrants further promotion and implementation in the clinic.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.46-52
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting falls in 107 elderly living in the city aged 65 or older by evaluating general characteristics, chronic disease status, medical variables related to falls, balance-related confidence, physical ability and depression. Also, the correlations between the significant differences in variables were identified, and the prediction power was determined by deriving the variables with high influence to induce the fall. In the faller group, urinary incontinence, foot pain, lower extremity weakness, number of chronic disease and medication use were significantly higher than those of the nonfaller group. Also, statistically significant differences were evaluated in ABC (Activities-specific Balance Confidence) score, BBS (Berg Balance Scale) score, SGDS (Short Geriatric Depression Scale), FRT (Functional Reach Test) value. The main correlated factor for fall was ABC score, the lower the ABC score, fall risk is increased which is a significant negative impact. When the evaluation is performed by combining those scales, the hit ratio to classify whether faller or nonfaller is increased to 70.01% which is quite higher value.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.48-57
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• 2004

Introduction : The purposes of this study was to examine physical function and psychological status in the elderly caused by a fall. Method : The study was designed as a descriptive survey. Its subjects consisted of the 299 elderly over 65 years. Collected data were analyzed by the SPSS 10.0 program package. Results : The result of this study are as follows : 1) The score for ADL was significantly lower in the fall group. 2) Grip strength was significantly lower in the fall group. 3) Lapse of the motion sitting and standing was significantly longer in the fall group. 4) One-leg-standing time with the eyes open and closed was significantly shorter in the fall group. 5) Return time of 3m walk was significantly longer in the fall group. 6) The score for dizziness was significantly higher in the fall group. 7) The score for fear for a fall and depression were significantly higher in the fall group. 8) The score for falls efficacy was significantly lower in the fall group. Conclusion: ADL, muscle strength, balance, dizziness, fear for a fall, falls efficacy and depression turned out to be closely related to the fall of the elderly. Therefore, it would be required to develop and applicate the fall prevention program regarding these above risk factors.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.179-188
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• 2024

Purpose : The home-visiting exercise guidance service is a component of the community-based integrated care policy in District J of Busan Metropolitan City. This study aims to investigate the effects of the service provided by physical therapists on depression, pain, and balance among the elderly. Methods : Three elderly individuals were selected as study participants. Depression was assessed using the beck depression inventory (BDI) and the short geriatric depression scale-Korea (SGDS-K). Pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Balance was assessed using the berg balance scale (BBS), functional reach test (FRT), and timed up and go test (TUGT). The evaluation data were compared by averaging the values from the first and eighth sessions. Additionally, the overall satisfaction with the home-visiting exercise guidance service was surveyed. Results : In the depression assessment, the beck depression inventory score decreased (by 16.67±5.69 points), and the short geriatric depression scale score decreased (by 4.67±2.52 points). The visual analog scale score for pain decreased (by 2.67±0.58 points). In the balance assessment, the berg balance scale score increased (by 7.67±2.52 points), the functional reach test distance extended (by 4.67±0.58 cm), and the timed up and go test time decreased (by 5.33±0.58 s). Overall satisfaction with the home-visiting exercise guidance service was high (4.26±0.14 points). Conclusion : The home-visiting exercise guidance service received high satisfaction ratings from the participants. It was effective in reducing depression and pain while improving balance, potentially reducing fall risk factors among the elderly. These findings suggest that the home-visiting exercise guidance service, delivered by physical therapists, could significantly enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals by addressing issues related to depression, pain, and fall prevention within the community. Consequently, it is recommended that this service be continued and expanded as part of government policy.

• Journal of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.1-15
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• 2005

Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the fall risk factors. Method: The subjects were 87 persons who were older than 65 years living at 28 nursing home in Seoul and Gyunggi province. Subjects were interviewed using RAFS II for intrinsic factor and the environmental factor were assessed using a structured questionnaire from Oct. to Dec. in 2004. The data were analyzed by SPSS(ver. 12.0) programs, using descriptive statistics, $x^2$-test, and t-test. Result: The 37.9% of the subjects experienced the fall, and its average number is $1.94\pm1.75$. The Women's experience of the fall was higher than that of the men, but it was no significant difference with gender. There was no significant difference with the age and duration of living. The mean of the intrinsic risk factor was 13.38 in total score 39 points marks on the RAFS II scales. The intrinsic risk factor score of the fallen group 15.71 was significantly higher than the non-fallen group 12.10. The variables of recent fall experience(t=4.72, p=0.000) and urinary dysfunction(t=2.64, p=0.010) was significantly higher than the non-fallen group. The highest variable of the intrinsic factor was the age and the variables of drug intake, balance, chronic disease, recent fall experience, urinary dysfunction were followed in order. The mean of the environmental risk factor was 0.24 points. No significant differences were shown in environmental risk factor between the fallen and the non-fallen groups. To the fallen group, the place of entrance was the highest risky environmental factor. To see in area dimension, the floor surfaces was the highest risky environmental factor and equipment and illumination factor was the following risky elements in order. In the total score of environmental risk factors based on the ares, the fallen group was 0.26 and the non-fallen group was 0.24, but there were no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: This results suggested that visual protection strategy, set up the safety device in the place of entrance and inner stairway, bathroom and nonskid mat in the nursing home would be contribute to the prevention of the fall for the elderly.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.47-65
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• 2002

This study examined the correlations among the Berg Balance Scale, which is a clinical tool used to evaluate balance ability, spatiotemporal parameters of gait, and falling; determined the parameters most closely related to falling; and identified a discriminatory parameter and its predictability. Thirty-four subjects aged 72 to 92 years participated in this study. Following a questionnaire survey about falling, the Berg Balance Scale and spatiotemporal parameters of gait were measured. The results revealed that the incidence of falls increased with aging and an accompanying reduction in the flexion range of motion of the hip joint. The gait characteristics of elderly people who fell easily included a slower walking speed, shorter stride, and longer stance time than other elderly. When the cutoff score was set at 45, the Berg Balance Scale was able to identify correctly those individuals who truly have experience of falling than when the cutoff score was set at 39. But when the cutoff score was set at 39, the scale's specificity identifying correctly those individuals who truly have not experience of falling was higher than at the cutoff score of 45. Therefore, the Berg Balance Scale is an appropriate screening method in a clinical setting for the early detection of elderly people at risk of falling. In conclusion, elderly people with a Berg Balance Scale score. below 45 are the most likely to fall owing to their decreased balance ability.