Ann Rehabil Med.  2020 Aug;44(4):284-291. 10.5535/arm.19165.

Preliminary Clinical Trial of Balance Compensation System for Improvement of Balance in Patients With Spinocerebellar Ataxia

• Hong JS
• Kim JH
• Yong SY
• Lee YH
• Kim SH
• Park JY
• Lee JK
• Jang JY

• KMID: 2505388
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.19165

Abstract

Objective
To determine the immediate and short-term impact of the application of wearable balance compensation system (BCS) on balance impairment in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA).
Methods
The study enrolled 6 participants with SCA with varying degrees of balance impairment. After adjustment for individual fitting, wearable BCS with up to 3% body weight was placed in a garment on the trunk. Sway direction and magnitude were measured with sensors placed posteriorly at the lumbosacral junction, immediately before and after, and at day 1, day 2, and day 7 after wearing the BCS. Timed Up & Go test (TUG) and 25-foot timed walk test were performed, and static foot pressure was measured.
Results
A significant improvement in static and dynamic balance was found during the 25-foot timed walk and in static foot pressure measurement results after wearing the BCS, when compared with that at baseline (p=0.044 vs. p=0.011). Anterior and posterior sway showed improvements from baseline after wearing the BCS. Improvement in the lateral swaying movement control was also seen.
Conclusion
Application of the BCS might be beneficial in the improvement ofthe static and dynamic balance in patients with SCA. Further research on long-term effects and with a larger sample size is indicated.

Keyword

Balance impairment; Spinocerebellar ataxia; Rehabilitation

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. (A) The schematic appearance of weighted BCS vest. It was made of polyester material on the outside and Velcro loop in the inside, and the weights, which can be attached and detached to and from the vest. Wireless motion-sensors areequipped with a gyrosensor and an accelerometer, connected with controller. (B) Patients are performing 25-foot walk test and static foot scan test to evaluate static and dynamic balance. BCS, balance compensation system.

• 

  Fig. 2. Box-plot of mean difference in total ellipse area of COP trajectory results from baseline to day 7. Mean ellipse area showed substantial decrease day 1 after application of BCS vest. Mean difference showed statistically significant decrease across time (p=0.011). COP, center of pressure; BCS, balance compensation system. *p<0.05.

• 

  Fig. 3. Box-plot of mean difference in TUG results from baseline to day 7. Mean difference of TUG results had no statistically significant correlation (p=0.065). However, there were negative correlation between TUG and time (β=-1.667). TUG, Time Up & Go test.

• 

  Fig. 4. Box-plot of mean difference in 25-foot timed walk test trial results from baseline to day 7. Mean difference showed statistically significant decrease in performance time from baseline to day 7 after BCS application (p=0.044). BCS, balance compensation system. *p<0.05.

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