What is the purpose of this research?
The purpose of the research is to measure balance and gait in patients with frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases.
What is the research question (or questions)? This may be implicit or explicit
The research questions are:
- Are there differences in balance and gait abnormalities among patients with FTD and AD?
- How are measurements of balance and gait of patients with FTD and AD compared to healthy aging participants?
Give a complete description of the research design of this study
The research follows a quantitative design. Quantitative measurements were taken with the use of necessary devices and were analyzed afterward.
What is the population (sample) for this study?
The sample of the study included twenty-four men aged 50-70. They were diagnosed with FTD and AD. the participants were recruited from the Outpatient Department of Neurology and Geriatric Clinic. The control group consisted of healthy volunteers which were recruited from the community (Velayutham, Chandra, Bharath, & Shankar, 2017).
Was the sampling approach adequate for the research design that was selected and explain why?
The sample selection approach was adequate. Patients with orthopedic, visual deficit, other neurological conditions, and cardiovascular ailments were excluded from the research. It was done to avoid the influence of co-morbid conditions on the measurements and the following results. Moreover, demographic factors such as age, gender, and height, weight were recorded to be used in case of necessity.
Describe the data collection procedure
The data collection procedure included measurements of balance and gait. The balance was measured by Biodex Balance Master Incorp. With the application of dynamic posturography. Gait was measured with Biodex Gait Trainer.
How were the data analyzed after collection?
First of all, the Shapiro-Wilkins test was used to check the normality of the obtained data. Descriptive analysis was used to present data on age, body mass index, and duration of education. Within a group, a single task was analyzed in comparison to a dual-task. It included the analysis of dynamic balance, limits of stability, and gait analysis. Another aspect of data analysis was a comparison between groups (Velayutham et al., 2017).
Discuss the limitations found in the study
The limitations of the study include a small sample and the fact that the participants were taken from the same community. Thus, the results cannot be generalized because another sample in similar conditions can demonstrate different results.
Discuss the authors’ conclusions. Do you feel these conclusions are based on the data that they collected?
The conclusions of the authors are based on the data they collected. They share the research results which revealed that there were some balance and gait problems even among participants observing normal aging. However, patients with AD and FTD had more abnormalities of these parameters.
How does this advance knowledge in the field?
The research presents the idea that not only people with diseases such as FTD or AD observe age alterations in balance and gait. Even healthy aging does not avoid the changes in these parameters.
References
Velayutham, S. G., Chandra, S. R., Bharath, S., & Shankar, R. G. (2017). Quantitative balance and gait measurement in patients with frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer diseases: A pilot study. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 39(2), 176-182. Web.