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 .
Vertical ground reaction force feedback to enhance stroke patients' symmetrical body-weight distribution while rising/sitting down.
A force platform with an auditory output consisting of two electronic balances was used to reinforce symmetrical body-weight distribution in stroke patients . Forty patients r and omly assigned to an experimental group or a control group practised rising and sitting down for 15 min , thrice daily , 5 days a week for 6 weeks . The experimental group but not the control group received ground reaction force feedback through the auditory output .  Vertical ground reaction forces under each foot were measured with two force plates . Mean difference in improvement of body weight distribution on the paretic leg was 13.2 + /- 10.7 ( M , SD ) per cent total body weight in the experimental group and 5.1 + /- 6.7 per cent in the control group in rising ( p < 0.01 ) and 12.7 + /- 7.5 per cent total body weight and 4.6 + /- 6.6 per cent in sitting down tests ( p < 0.001 ) . The patients in the experimental group achieved in average close to a symmetrical body-weight distribution while rising and sitting down . Improvements in physical performance and sit-st and tests were greater in the experimental group ( p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 , respectively ) . No differences were seen in improvement in performance of activities of daily living . Symmetry in body-weight distribution in rising and sitting down correlated with high scores in physical performance , motor function in rising , and with functional ability
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 .