title: Evaluation of a specific balance and coordination programme for individuals with a traumatic brain injury.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an aerobic dancing training, designed to reduce postural imbalance and coordination deficits for individuals who had sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A two group experimental design was conducted. A control group participated in a traditional muscular training (TMT) programme while participants in the experimental group were assigned to an aerobic dancing, Slide and Step training programme (specific training group (ST)). Participants were evaluated pre- and post-training. Balance was quantified using a force platform and coordination using a Peak Performance system to compare the velocity profiles of a modified Jumping jack test. Results showed that temporal variables were significantly different pre- and post-training for the ST group, but no changes were found in the TMT group. The results of the balance test indicated a significant reduction of postural sway area in the ST group but not in the TMT group. Overall, the combination workout with Step and Slide is more effective in reducing balance and coordination deficits when compared to muscular based training.
authors.affiliation: School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 8M5 Canada. mdault@uottawa.ca
authors.forename: Mylène Claude
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Dault
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dugas
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D003614:Dance Therapy; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D013663:Teaching