What is the purpose of this research?
The purpose of this study is to identify the potential of subclinical involvement of such parameters as quantitative balance and gait measurement in the care of patients suffering from degenerative disorders. Importantly, such individuals frequently fall, which might result in injuries and death; therefore, the research intends to resolve this problem.
What is the research question (or questions)? This may be implicit or explicit
The research question is whether a differential breakdown of such factors as balance and gait can be handy in determining the preventive approaches to avert falls (Velayutham, Chandra, Bharath, & Shankar, 2017).
Give a complete description of the research design of this study
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia have been selected to inspect their body indicators (Velayutham et al., 2017). In particular balance, stability, and gait have been evaluated. Patients had to manage their equilibrium on a posturography-based force platform. In addition, individuals had to take a test to check their ability to perform cognitive functions while moving.
What is the population (sample) for this study?
24 patients were selected. They were all men, and the age range was from 50 to 70 years. The participants were divided into three equal groups. The first group was patients with FTD, the second – with AD, and the latter – healthful individuals. Importantly, the authors claimed that “subjects with orthopedic, visual deficit, other neurological conditions, and cardiovascular ailments were excluded” (Velayutham et al., 2017, p. 177).
Was the sampling approach adequate for the research design that was selected and explain why?
The sampling approach seems inadequate since 24 individuals are a rather small selection, and it is unclear why the team did not include female patients in the study.
Describe the data collection procedure
The data were gathered for every patient. The key reactions were recorded and compiled with group results.
How were the data analyzed after collection?
The test results of each group were compared to the outcomes of two other samples. It was done to determine whether a particular sample has revealed any identifiable features. Each group was also evaluated individually to specify the alterations in FTD and AD patients compared to the sample with healthy individuals.
Discuss the limitations found in the study
The team has noted that it was essential to carry out a similar study for a larger sample for the results to be more explicit. In addition, it was revealed that almost all patients did not pass the cognitive test while moving, which evidenced that this examination was redundant.
Discuss the authors’ conclusions. Do you feel these conclusions are based on the data that they collected?
The team has stated that balance abilities are directly influenced by the process of thinking. This rule can be applied to patients with any conditions as well as to healthy individuals. Apart from that, FTD patients had the poorest results. These assumptions are proved by the gathered data.
How does this advance knowledge in the field?
FTD patients have been distinguished from other sample groups. It assumes that the earlier diagnosis of such conditions can help in eliminating balance and gait problems before they evolve into severe health complications.
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’s diseases: A pilot study. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 39(2), 176-182.