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Posture, Balance, and Gait: Assessment Techniques and Rehabilitation Strategies
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Posture, Balance, and Gait: Assessment Techniques and Rehabilitation Strategies

A special issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142). This special issue belongs to the section "Kinesiology and Biomechanics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 3230

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Vasiliki Sakellari

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Agiou Spidonos 28, Egaleo, 12243 Athens, Greece
Interests: physiotherapy; human balance; gait analysis; neurological rehabilitation; ergonomics; fall prevention; motor control; geriatrics; sensorimotor integration; clinical education in physiotherapy
Prof. Dr. George Gioftsos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Physiotherapy Department, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
Interests: physiotherapy; rehabilitation; gait analysis; biomechanics; musculoskeletal disorders; kinesiology; human movement science; exercise science; motion analysis; injury biomechanics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Posture, balance, and gait are fundamental aspects of human movement and play a vital role in maintaining individuals’ mobility, independence, and quality of life. Disorders affecting these functions can significantly impact older adults, those with neurological conditions, or individuals recovering from injuries. Advances in assessment techniques and rehabilitation strategies offer new opportunities regarding the management and improvement of these critical functions.

This Special Issue, entitled Posture, Balance, and Gait: Assessment Techniques and Rehabilitation Strategies, seeks to compile high-quality research, reviews, and case studies that explore innovative approaches and interdisciplinary perspectives in this field. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • Novel tools and technologies for assessing posture, balance, and gait;
  • Mechanisms underlying postural control and balance;
  • Rehabilitation strategies for neurological and musculoskeletal conditions;
  • Fall prevention strategies and ergonomic designs for postural health;
  • Technological advancements, including wearable devices and virtual reality, in balance and gait rehabilitation.

This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for advancing clinical practices, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering innovation in this vital area of healthcare. We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Vasiliki Sakellari
Prof. Dr. George Gioftsos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • physiotherapy
  • human balance
  • gait analysis
  • neurological rehabilitation
  • ergonomics
  • fall prevention
  • sensorimotor integration
  • motor control
  • geriatrics
  • clinical education

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 840 KiB  
Article
May Patients with Chronic Stroke Benefit from Robotic Gait Training with an End-Effector? A Case-Control Study
by Mirjam Bonanno, Paolo De Pasquale, Antonino Lombardo Facciale, Biagio Dauccio, Rosaria De Luca, Angelo Quartarone and Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020161 - 6 May 2025
Viewed by 471
Abstract
Background: Gait and balance alterations in post-stroke patients are one of the most disabling symptoms that can persist in chronic stages of the disease. In this context, rehabilitation has the fundamental role of promoting functional recovery, mitigating gait and balance deficits, and [...] Read more.
Background: Gait and balance alterations in post-stroke patients are one of the most disabling symptoms that can persist in chronic stages of the disease. In this context, rehabilitation has the fundamental role of promoting functional recovery, mitigating gait and balance deficits, and preventing falling risk. Robotic end-effector devices, like the G-EO system (e.g., G-EO system, Reha Technology, Olten, Switzerland), can be a useful device to promote gait recovery in patients with chronic stroke. Materials and Methods: Twelve chronic stroke patients were enrolled and evaluated at baseline (T0) and at post-treatment (T1). These patients received forty sessions of robotic gait training (RGT) with the G-EO system (experimental group, EG), for eight weeks consecutively, in addition to standard rehabilitation therapy. The data of these subjects were compared with those coming from a sample of twelve individuals (control group, CG) matched for clinical and demographic features who underwent the same amount of conventional gait training (CGT), in addition to standard rehabilitation therapy. Results: All patients completed the trial, and none reported any side effects either during or following the training. The EG showed significant improvements in balance (p = 0.012) and gait (p = 0.004) functions measured with the Tinetti Scale (TS) after RGT. Both groups (EG and CG) showed significant improvement in functional independence (FIM, p < 0.001). The Fugl-Meyer Assessment—Lower Extremity (FMA-LE) showed significant improvements in motor function (p = 0.001, p = 0.031) and passive range of motion (p = 0.031) in EG. In EG, gait and balance improvements were influenced by session, age, gender, time since injury (TSI), cadence, and velocity (p < 0.05), while CG showed fewer significant effects, mainly for age, TSI, and session. EG showed significantly greater improvements than CG in balance (p = 0.003) and gait (p = 0.05) based on the TS. Conclusions: RGT with end-effectors, like the G-EO system, can be a valuable complementary treatment in neurorehabilitation, even for chronic stroke patients. Our findings suggest that RGT may improve gait, balance, and lower limb motor functions, enhancing motor control and coordination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Posture, Balance, and Gait: Assessment Techniques and Rehabilitation Strategies)
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13 pages, 343 KiB  
Article
The Predictive Capacity of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test for Falls in Older Adults: A Case–Control Analysis
by Luis Polo-Ferrero, Javier Torres-Alonso, María Carmen Sánchez-Sánchez, Ana Silvia Puente-González, Fausto J. Barbero-Iglesias and Roberto Méndez-Sánchez
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020154 - 30 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Background: The early detection of fall risk in older adults is crucial for prevention. This study assessed the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test (3m-BWT) as a predictor of falls. Methods: A retrospective observational case–control study was conducted with 483 community-dwelling participants (mean [...] Read more.
Background: The early detection of fall risk in older adults is crucial for prevention. This study assessed the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test (3m-BWT) as a predictor of falls. Methods: A retrospective observational case–control study was conducted with 483 community-dwelling participants (mean age 76.3 ± 6.5 years), including 101 individuals with a history of falls in the previous 12 months. A standardized battery of functional assessments was applied. Results: Significant differences were observed between fallers and non-fallers across all functional variables (p < 0.001), with fallers demonstrating slower performance on the 3m-BWT (6.8 ± 3.4 s vs. 5.1 ± 1.3 s). The 3m-BWT showed moderate correlations with Short Physical Performance Battery, 5-repetition Sit-to-Stand, gait speed, and 4-Square Step Test, and a moderate-to-strong correlation with Timed Up-and-Go (r = 0.632), even after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI. Although the 3m-BWT exhibited superior discriminative ability compared to other tests (AUC = 0.655), its predictive power in isolation remains limited. The optimal cut-off point was identified at 5.5 s (sensitivity: 59.5%; specificity: 68.6%), while a threshold of <3.5 s yielded high sensitivity (98%) but low specificity, supporting its use in fall risk screening. Conclusions: These findings support the integration of the 3m-BWT as a complementary tool within comprehensive geriatric assessments, particularly in contexts requiring high sensitivity. Given the multifactorial nature of falls, combining the 3m-BWT with other clinical evaluations and fall history is recommended to enhance risk stratification and inform preventive strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Posture, Balance, and Gait: Assessment Techniques and Rehabilitation Strategies)
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19 pages, 2534 KiB  
Article
Effects of Functional Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training on Mobility in Children with Ataxia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Alexandra Lepoura, Sofia Lampropoulou, Antonis Galanos, Marianna Papadopoulou, Georgios Gkrimas, Magda Tziomaki and Vasiliki Sakellari
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020123 - 6 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1032
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Ataxia is quite common in pediatric neuromotor disorders and has a highly heterogeneous etiology. Mobility difficulties and functional limitations reflect the lack of coordination in this population. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an intensive program of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Ataxia is quite common in pediatric neuromotor disorders and has a highly heterogeneous etiology. Mobility difficulties and functional limitations reflect the lack of coordination in this population. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an intensive program of Functional Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training (FPBWSTT) on the mobility and functionality of children with ataxia. Methods: Through a stratified randomized control trial, a sample of 18 children with progressive and non-progressive ataxia and GMFCS II-IV (mean age: 14 years; standard deviation: 2.5) was assessed prior to the intervention, post-intervention, and 2 months after its end. Motor and functional skills were assessed with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM, items D-E), the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), a 10 m walk test (10 MWT), a 6 min walk test (6 MWT), the Scale for Assessment and Rating Ataxia (SARA), the TimedUp and Go (TUG) test, spatiotemporal gait parameters, and kinetic and kinematic variables of the pelvis and lower limb. Results: Statistically significant interactions and changes in favor of the FPBWSTT were found in all functional assessments and spatiotemporal gait parameters (p < 0.05), the majority of which were maintained for two months. There was no statistical interaction or change in kinematic parameters (p > 0.05), while kinetic variables were insufficiently collected and were not statistically analyzed. Conclusions: The FPBWSTT is more effective on the mobility and functionality of children with ataxia who are 8–18 years old, compared to typical physiotherapy. Kinematic variables may not be sensitive indicators of change over a short period of time and/or in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Posture, Balance, and Gait: Assessment Techniques and Rehabilitation Strategies)
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21 pages, 7009 KiB  
Article
Effects of Tactile Sensory Stimulation Training of the Trunk and Sole on Standing Balance Ability in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Toshiaki Tanaka, Yusuke Maeda and Takahiro Miura
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(1), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10010096 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 663
Abstract
Background: Aging is associated with a decline in both motor and sensory functions that destabilizes posture, increasing the risk of falls. Dynamic standing balance is strongly linked to fall risk in older adults. Sensory information from the soles and trunk is essential for [...] Read more.
Background: Aging is associated with a decline in both motor and sensory functions that destabilizes posture, increasing the risk of falls. Dynamic standing balance is strongly linked to fall risk in older adults. Sensory information from the soles and trunk is essential for balance control. Few studies have demonstrated the efficacy of targeted sensory training on balance improvement. Objectives: To assess vibratory sensation function in the trunk and sole using a vibration device and evaluate the effects of trunk and sole tactile sensation training on dynamic standing balance performance in older adults. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, eighteen older adults were randomly assigned to three groups: control (n = 8, mean age 66.6 ± 3.4), trunk training (n = 5, mean age 71.0 ± 1.9), and sole training (n = 5, mean age 66.4 ± 3.6). The training lasted for 10 weeks, utilizing vibratory stimulation at 128 Hz through tuning forks for 15 min during each session, conducted three times a week. The primary outcomes were vibratory sensitivity, assessed with a belt-fitted device on the trunk and a plate equipped with vibrators on the soles, and dynamic balance, evaluated through force plate testing that measured limits of stability (LoS) in multiple directions. Results: Correct response rates for trunk vibratory stimulation significantly improved in the trunk training group (p < 0.05). The rate of two-stimuli discrimination improved in both training groups. Significant advancements in balance metrics were observed in the trunk and sole training groups when compared to the control group, especially regarding anterior–posterior tilts (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was identified between two-point vibratory discrimination and LoS test performance. Conclusions: Sensory training of the trunk and sole enhances balance performance in older adults, suggesting potential benefits for fall prevention. Future studies should assess long-term effects and explore optimal training duration with larger sample sizes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Posture, Balance, and Gait: Assessment Techniques and Rehabilitation Strategies)
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