Article

This study investigated whether real-time biofeedback of angular trunk
displacement could alter balance performance among healthy older and young
adults. Healthy community-dwelling older adults (n=32)
and healthy young adults
(n=32) were included in the randomized control trial study. The intervention
group received combined vibrotactile, auditory and visual biofeedback of angular
trunk displacement in real-time during training on a battery of static and
dynamic balance tasks and during the subsequent post-training balance
re-assessment. The control group received balance training and were re-assessed
in the absence of real-time biofeedback of their trunk displacement. The 90%
range of angular trunk displacement was calculated for each balance task pre- and
post-training. Significant age-related differences were observed independent of
the intervention. Biofeedback intervention significantly changed the angular
displacement of the trunk for both young and older participants on a number of
balance tasks compared to control treatment (40-60% reduction in angular
displacement). In some cases, biofeedback influenced balance in older adults, but not younger adults.
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Langue : ANGLAIS