The official journal of the Korean Society for Neurorehabilitation (KSNR), and Asia-Oceanian Soceity for Neurorehabilitation (AOSNR)
pISSN 1976-8753 eISSN 2383-9910
Open Access, Peer-reviewed
Indexed in PubMed, PubMed Central, DOAJ and Korea Citation Index (KCI)
    Brain Neurorehabil. 2013 Sep;6(2):58-63. Korean.
    Published online Sep 30, 2013.
    https://doi.org/10.12786/bn.2013.6.2.58
    Copyright © 2013 Korea Society for Neurorehabilitation
    Original Article

    Assessment of Balance and Posture in Brain Disorders

    Eun Joo Kim, M.D.
      • Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Korea.
    • Corresponding author (Email: silverzookim@gmail.com )

    Abstract

    Balance, the ability to maintain the center of gravity over the base of support within a given sensory environment, is composed of several subcomponents and influenced by several systems (sensory, musculoskeletal, and central and peripheral nervous systems). The assessment and management of balance and posture in brain disorders are complex. To make a reasonable choice about balance scales to use, it is important to understand the balance system, to have a careful understanding about measurement tools in brain disorders and have a comprehensive way to assess balance function and dysfunction. This is a challenge for balance activity measurement tools as the most balance scales needs underlying theoretical approach behind the clinical assessment. Further research is needed to develop the theoretical construct with ecological validity, the 'hierarchy' conceptual scale and combine the individual test to the patients' level of balance ability. And assessment of the minimum detectable change in each test should be included and paid attention that is vital for clinical interpretation of scores. In conclusion, a thorough assessment into the cause of balance dysfunction in brain disorders is essential to the implementation of appropriate treatment, usually a multidisciplinary approach.

    Keywords
    assessment; brain injuries; postural balance; stroke

    Tables

    Table 1
    Summary of the Measures of Balance Activity according to the Each Scales

    Table 2
    Summary of Psychometric Balance Properties in Stroke

    Table 3
    Summary of Psychometric Balance Properties in Parkinson's Disease or TBI

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    MeSH Terms
    Brain
    Brain Diseases
    Brain Injuries
    Gravitation
    Postural Balance
    Posture
    Stroke
    Weights and Measures
    Metrics
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