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 .
The effects of balance training on gait late after stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Objective : To investigate the effects of balance training , using force platform biofeedback , on quantitative gait characteristics of hemiparetic patients late after stroke . Design : R and omized , controlled , assessor-blinded trial . Setting : Rehabilitation ward and gait laboratory of a university hospital . Subjects : Forty-one patients ( mean ( st and ard deviation ; SD ) age of 60.9 ( 11.7 ) years ) with hemiparesis late after stroke ( median time since stroke six months ) were r and omly assigned to an experimental or a control group . Interventions : The control group ( n = 19 ) participated in a conventional stroke inpatient rehabilitation programme , whereas the experimental group ( n = 22 ) received 15 sessions of balance training ( using force platform biofeedback ) in addition to the conventional programme . Main outcome measures : Selected paretic side time-distance , kinematic and kinetic gait parameters in sagittal , frontal and transverse planes were measured using a three-dimensional computerized gait analysis system , one week before and after the experimental treatment programme . Results : The control group did not show any statistically significant difference regarding gait characteristics . Pelvic excursion in frontal plane improved significantly ( P = 0.021 ) in the experimental group . The difference between before-after change scores of the groups was significant for pelvic excursion in frontal plane ( P = 0.039 ) and vertical ground reaction force ( P = 0.030 ) in favour of experimental group . Conclusion : Balance training using force platform biofeedback in addition to a conventional inpatient stroke rehabilitation programme is beneficial in improving postural control and weight-bearing on the paretic side while walking late after stroke
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 .