THE EFFECTS OF A PROPRIOCEPTION-ENHANCING ASSISTIVE ORTHOSIS ON BALANCE AND JOINT SENSE IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS

Berg Balance Scale

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a 14-item objective measure used to assess static balance and fall risk in adults. Each item is scored on a scale from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating the lowest level of function and 4 indicating the highest level. The total score ranges from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance performance. Assessments will be conducted under the following three conditions: 1. without the orthosis, 2. with the orthosis worn but vibration inactive, and 3. with the orthosis worn and vibration active.

Time frame: up to 2 weeks

Romberg Test

The Romberg Test is a neurological test used to assess balance and proprioceptive control. Participants are asked to stand with their feet together, arms at their sides, and eyes closed, while the examiner observes for excessive sway or loss of balance. The duration for which the participant can maintain the position without stepping or falling is recorded, up to a maximum of 60 seconds. Longer durations indicate better balance. Assessments will be conducted under the following three conditions: 1. without the orthosis, 2. with the orthosis worn but vibration inactive, and 3. with the orthosis worn and vibration active.

Time frame: up to 2 weeks

Passive Joint Position Reproduction Test (Passive JPR)

Assesses proprioceptive accuracy by passively moving a joint (e.g., the knee) to a target angle, then asking the participant to indicate when the position is reached again. The difference between target and reproduced angles reflects proprioceptive acuity. Assessments will be conducted under the following three conditions: 1. without the orthosis, 2. with the orthosis worn but vibration inactive, and 3. with the orthosis worn and vibration active.

Time frame: up to 4 weeks

Active Joint Position Reproduction Test (Active JPR)

Participants actively move their joint to a memorized target angle without visual or auditory cues. The accuracy of the reproduced angle is used to evaluate active proprioceptive control. Assessments will be conducted under the following three conditions: 1. without the orthosis, 2. with the orthosis worn but vibration inactive, and 3. with the orthosis worn and vibration active.

Time frame: up to 4 weeks

Threshold to Detection of Passive Motion (TTDPM)

Measures the smallest joint movement that a participant can detect while the joint is passively moved at a very slow, constant speed. This tests the sensitivity of proprioceptive input. Assessments will be conducted under the following three conditions: 1. without the orthosis, 2. with the orthosis worn but vibration inactive, and 3. with the orthosis worn and vibration active.

Time frame: up to 4 weeks