Article

Real-time balance-relevant biofeedback from a wearable sensor can improve balance
in many patient populations, however, it is unknown if balance training with
biofeedback has lasting benefits for healthy older adults once training is
completed and biofeedback removed. This study was designed to determine if
multi-session balance training with and without biofeedback leads to changes in
balance performance in healthy older adults; and if changes persist after
training. 36 participants (age 60-88) were randomly divided into two groups. Both
groups trained on seven stance and gait tasks for 2 consecutive weeks (3x/week)
while trunk angular sway and task duration were monitored. One group received
real-time multi-modal biofeedback of trunk sway and a control group trained
without biofeedback. Training effects were assessed at the last training session,
with biofeedback available to the feedback group. Post-training effects (without
biofeedback) were assessed immediately after, 1-week, and 1-month post-training.
Both groups demonstrated training effects; participants swayed less when standing
on foam with eyes closed (EC), maintained tandem-stance EC longer, and completed
8 tandem-steps EC faster and with less sway at the last training session. Changes
in sway and duration, indicative of faster walking, were also observed after
training for other gait tasks. While changes in walking speed persisted
post-training, few other post-training effects were observed. These data suggest
there is little added benefit to balance training with biofeedback, beyond
training without, in healthy older adults. However, transient use of wearable
balance biofeedback systems as balance aides remains beneficial for challenging
balance situations and some clinical populations.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS