Effect of training using the Biodex system on dynamic balance and physical performance: a randomized controlled balance--training trial in hemodialysis patients with osteopenia

Abstract

Background. The Biodex Balance Training System (BBTS) has been utilized as an imbalance assessment/treatment tool in various populations and diseases. Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BBTS on dynamic balance and physical performance in hemodialysis (HD) patients with osteopenia. Material and methods. 58 women with HD and osteopenia were randomly assigned to a 12-week Biodex-training group (BTG, n = 29) or a non-trained group (n = 29). The training, 3 times per week, was conducted using BBTS and lasted for 10 minutes, with the two types of training – weight shift and postural stability – each lasting 5 minutes, allowing the HD patients to relax for 2 minutes between each type of exercise. HD patients’ femoral bone mineral density (T-score) was assessed in both groups. Dynamic balance was assessed in both groups via the HD participants’ BBTS-extracted overall stability index (OASI), BBTS-extracted anteroposterior stability index (APSI), and BBTS-extracted mediolateral stability index (MLSI). The HD patients’ physical performance was also evaluated using a 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) test and total scored points of a 3-component Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test. Results. After using BBTS in a balance-training program, significant improvements in HD participants’ OASI, APSI, T-score, MLSI, SPPB, and 6MWT were recorded in the BTG, while all outcomes of the NTG did not show the same results. Conclusions. It can be concluded that utilizing BBTS in a 12-week balance-training program improves participants’ OASI, APSI, T-score, MLSI, SPPB, and 6MWT in HD patients with osteopenia.