Results and Conclusions Although most available studies did not systematic ally evaluate feasibility aspects , reports of high participation rates , low drop-out rates , absence of adverse events and positive training experiences suggest that biofeedback methods can be applied in older adults .
An indication for effectiveness of visual feedback-based training of balance in ( frail ) older adults was identified for postural sway , weight-shifting and reaction time in st and ing , and for the Berg Balance Scale .
Indications for added effectiveness of applying biofeedback during training of balance , gait , or sit-to-st and transfers in older patients post-stroke were identified for training-specific aspects .
The same applies for auditory feedback-based training of gait in older patients with lower-limb surgery .
Implication sFurther appropriate studies are needed in different population s of older adults to be able to make definitive statements regarding the ( long-term ) added effectiveness , particularly on measures of functioning
Context An effective application of biofeedback for interventions in older adults with balance and mobility disorders may be compromised due to co-morbidity .
Objective To evaluate the feasibility and the effectiveness of biofeedback-based training of balance and /or mobility in older adults .
Improving balance by improving motor
skills
Summary .The effectiveness of a computer-assisted balance training was compared with a homebased exercise program in healthy elderly subjects . Twenty-four physically active community dwelling elderly ( median age 71 years ) participated in the study . Balance was assessed by a summary performance score , measuring postural stability while st and ing , reaching , stepping and walking . Subjects of the  computer-assisted balance training group  could considerably improve their performance on the training device ( p = 0.0078 ) as well as in the summary balance score ( p = 0.0176 ) . No improvement of balance was documented in the home-based exercise group . A superiority of the computer-assisted balance training exercise protocol over the home-based exercise group could not be documented ( p = 0.3934 ) . The study indicates that a computer-assisted balance training , focussing on one motor skill , can improve balance . It is suggested that a home-based exercise program is ineffective to improve balance in elderly persons , if there is no direct supervision . Zusammenfassung . Es wurde das Balancetraining mit gesunden Älteren an einem  computer-gesteuerten Trainingsgerät mit einem zu Hause durchgeführten Trainingsprogramm verglichen . Es nahmen 24 gesunde , aktive Senioren ( Median 71 Jahre ) an der Studie teil . Untersuchungen der Balance i m ruhigen St and , beim Setzen eines großen Schrittes , beim Gehen und die funktionelle Reichweite wurden mit Hilfe eines Summen-Scores beurteilt . Die Teilnehmer , die auf dem computer-gesteuerten Trainingsgerät trainierten , konnten sich sowohl auf dem Gerät ( p = 0,0078 ) , als auch i m Balance-Summen-Score ( p = 0,0176 ) erheblich verbessern . In der Gruppe der zu Hause trainierenden wurden keine Veränderungen i m Balance-Summen-Score gemessen . Eine Überlegenheit des computer-gesteuerten Trainings konnte allerdings statistisch nicht belegt werden ( p = 0,3934 ) . Die Studie zeigt , dass das Training einer motorischen Fertigkeit auf einem computer-gesteuerten Trainingsgerät zu Verbesserungen der Balance führen kann . Es wird vermutet , dass ein Heimtraining ohne direkte Anleitung bei älterenMenschen nicht zur Verbesserung der Balance führt
Results and Conclusions Although most available studies did not systematic ally evaluate feasibility aspects , reports of high participation rates , low drop-out rates , absence of adverse events and positive training experiences suggest that biofeedback methods can be applied in older adults .
An indication for effectiveness of visual feedback-based training of balance in ( frail ) older adults was identified for postural sway , weight-shifting and reaction time in st and ing , and for the Berg Balance Scale .
Indications for added effectiveness of applying biofeedback during training of balance , gait , or sit-to-st and transfers in older patients post-stroke were identified for training-specific aspects .
The same applies for auditory feedback-based training of gait in older patients with lower-limb surgery .
Implication sFurther appropriate studies are needed in different population s of older adults to be able to make definitive statements regarding the ( long-term ) added effectiveness , particularly on measures of functioning
Context An effective application of biofeedback for interventions in older adults with balance and mobility disorders may be compromised due to co-morbidity .
Objective To evaluate the feasibility and the effectiveness of biofeedback-based training of balance and /or mobility in older adults .