[IS-02-1] Assessment and Physical Therapy for Balance Disorders
Balance problems are one of the most common reasons patients are referred to physical therapy and the most common reason for falls and decreased quality of life in the elderly and in people with neurological disorders. However, balance control is based on many underlying neurological systems that can be affected by disease and injury. It is important for physical therapists to evaluate the specific balance systems affected in each patient in order to focus on the most effective treatment. Most balance assessments do not differentiate different types of balance problems. The purpose of this presentation is to understand how to use a systems approach to differentiate types of balance impairments and to be exposed to new technology that enables objective measures of balance and gait for physical therapy.
Dr. Horak developed the Balance Evaluation Systems Test（BESTest）and a short version（the MiniBESTest）for physical therapists to differentiate systems that constrain balance：Biomechanical, Stability Limits, Postural Responses, Anticipatory Postural Adjustments, Sensory Orientation, and Dynamic Balance during Gait and Cognitive Effects（Horak, et al., 2009；Franchignoni, et al., 2010；King, et al., 2012）. The MiniBESTest now one of the most popular balance assessment tools in physical therapy and has been translated into over 10 languages（www. BESTest.us）The BESTest and miniBESTests are unique evaluation tools appropriate for any age of ambulatory patients with Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebellar Ataxia, Vestibular Disorders, Neuropathy, Head Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Cognitive Deficits, and others.
Dr. Horak also developed a novel technology called the ‘Mobility Lab’ system using body-worn, inertial sensors（Opals）to provide objective measures of balance and gait impairments（Horak, et al., 2015；Mancini, et al., 2013）. Dr. Horak is on the Board of Directors of the company that commercialized Mobility Lab, APDM, Inc. She will summarize her research showing that body-worn sensor provide accurate, valid balance and gait measures sensitive to subtle deficits and changes with therapy（King, et al., 2013）. She is currently using Opals to characterize the quality of walking and turning all day in the home and community and will show how continuous monitoring of mobility may be more sensitive than prescribed balance or gait tasks in the clinic.
Participants will：
1. Learn about research that shows how impairments in different balance systems result in a variety of balance and gait problems.
2. Discover the newest types of technology that allow therapists to measure balance and gait impairments with objective measures.
3. Consider how to customize exercise programs for balance and gait disorders based on a system approach to balance and gait impairments.
Dr. Horak developed the Balance Evaluation Systems Test（BESTest）and a short version（the MiniBESTest）for physical therapists to differentiate systems that constrain balance：Biomechanical, Stability Limits, Postural Responses, Anticipatory Postural Adjustments, Sensory Orientation, and Dynamic Balance during Gait and Cognitive Effects（Horak, et al., 2009；Franchignoni, et al., 2010；King, et al., 2012）. The MiniBESTest now one of the most popular balance assessment tools in physical therapy and has been translated into over 10 languages（www. BESTest.us）The BESTest and miniBESTests are unique evaluation tools appropriate for any age of ambulatory patients with Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebellar Ataxia, Vestibular Disorders, Neuropathy, Head Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Cognitive Deficits, and others.
Dr. Horak also developed a novel technology called the ‘Mobility Lab’ system using body-worn, inertial sensors（Opals）to provide objective measures of balance and gait impairments（Horak, et al., 2015；Mancini, et al., 2013）. Dr. Horak is on the Board of Directors of the company that commercialized Mobility Lab, APDM, Inc. She will summarize her research showing that body-worn sensor provide accurate, valid balance and gait measures sensitive to subtle deficits and changes with therapy（King, et al., 2013）. She is currently using Opals to characterize the quality of walking and turning all day in the home and community and will show how continuous monitoring of mobility may be more sensitive than prescribed balance or gait tasks in the clinic.
Participants will：
1. Learn about research that shows how impairments in different balance systems result in a variety of balance and gait problems.
2. Discover the newest types of technology that allow therapists to measure balance and gait impairments with objective measures.
3. Consider how to customize exercise programs for balance and gait disorders based on a system approach to balance and gait impairments.