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 .
Effects of visual feedback rhythmic weight-shift training on hemiplegic stroke patients
Objective : To assess the balance function of hemiplegic stroke patients and to investigate whether visual feedback rhythmic weight-shift training following acute stroke can decrease falls among patients with hemiplegic stroke . Design : A prospect i ve study , using a Balance Master . Setting : Hospital-based rehabilitation units . Subjects : Fifty-two hemiplegic stroke patients ( 28 in the training group and 24 in the control group ) . Interventions : Conventional stroke rehabilitation programme plus visual feedback rhythmic weight-shift training . Training effect was evaluated by assessing the static and dynamic balance performance as well as comparing the occurrence of falls in the training and control groups at six-month follow-up . Main measures : Occurrence of falls ; static balance in different sensory conditions ; and dynamic balance performance , including on-axis velocity and directional control during rhythmic weight-shift . Results : Significant improvement in dynamic balance performance was found in hemiplegic patients in the training group . The improvement was sustained for six months . With regarding to static balance function , no significant improvement was found . At six-month follow-up , 5 of 28 patients ( 17.8 % ) in the training group had fallen , compared with 10 of 24 patients ( 41.7 % ) in the control group . The occurrence of falls decreased , although not statistically significantly ( p = 0.059 ) . Conclusions : Visual feedback rhythmic weight-shift training may improve dynamic balance function for hemiplegic stroke patients . The effects of training may be sustained for six months . The occurrence of falls decreased in the training group , but not statistically significantly
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 .