EFFECTS OF BIODEX BALANCE SYSTEM TRAINING ON NEUROLOGICAL DISABILITY: ENHANCING BALANCE AND FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/rf0ae112Keywords:
Biodex Balance System, Disability Evaluation, Neurological Rehabilitation, Postural Balance, Psychomotor Performance, Recovery of Function, Rehabilitation TherapyAbstract
Background: Neurological disorders commonly impair balance, mobility, and functional independence, contributing to elevated fall risk and long-term disability. Conventional physiotherapy offers therapeutic benefit but often lacks the precision of objective assessment and real-time biofeedback needed for targeted motor relearning. The Biodex Balance System (BBS) is a computerized training platform that provides dynamic balance challenges with integrated sensory feedback. Its use may enhance postural control and functional outcomes among individuals with neurological impairment.
Objective: To evaluate the effects of Biodex Balance System training on balance, mobility, and functional independence in patients with neurological disability.
Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted at tertiary care hospital over a period of six months. Fifty-five patients aged 18–70 years with neurological disability underwent six weeks of BBS-assisted balance training (three supervised sessions per week), alongside routine physiotherapy. Pre- and post-intervention measures included postural stability indices, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, while multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of functional improvement.
Results: The mean age of participants was 54.2 ± 9.6 years, with stroke being the most prevalent condition (38.2%). Postural stability improved significantly, with the overall stability index decreasing from 3.92 ± 1.21 to 2.46 ± 0.98 (p<0.001). Berg Balance Scale scores increased from 37.4 ± 6.8 to 46.2 ± 5.9 (p<0.001), and the proportion scoring ≥45 rose from 25.5% to 69.1%. TUG times improved from 21.8 ± 5.6 seconds to 15.3 ± 4.7 seconds (p<0.001). Total FIM scores increased from 83.1 ± 13.5 to 96.9 ± 12.8 (p<0.001). Significant predictors of improvement included younger age (aOR 2.42), shorter illness duration (aOR 2.85), stroke diagnosis (aOR 1.98), and baseline BBS <40 (aOR 2.11).
Conclusion: Biodex Balance System training effectively enhances balance, mobility, and functional independence in individuals with neurological disability. Its integration into rehabilitation programs may reduce fall risk, promote greater independence, and improve recovery, particularly when initiated early in the course of disability.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Danish Ali Mir, Muhammad Ammar Khan, Muhammad Tawab Khalil, Muhammad Zeeshan Nawaz, Ahsan Ali Amjad, Shoaib Tahir (Author)
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