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 .
Aging and selective sensorimotor strategies in the regulation of upright balance
Background The maintenance of upright equilibrium is essentially a sensorimotor integration task . The central nervous system ( CNS ) has to generate appropriate and complex motor responses based on the selective and rapid integration of sensory information from multiple sources . Since each sensory system has its own coordinate framework , specific time delay and reliability , sensory conflicts may arise and represent situations in which the CNS has to recalibrate the weight attributed to each particular sensory input . The resolution of sensory conflicts may represent a particular challenge for older adults given the age-related decline in the integrity of many postural regulating systems , including musculoskeletal and sensory systems , as well as neural processing and conduction of information . The effects of aging and adaptation ( by repeated exposures ) on the capability of the CNS to select pertinent sensory information and resolve sensory conflicts were thus investigated with virtual reality ( VR ) in the present study . Methods Healthy young and older adults maintained quiet stance while immersed in a virtual environment ( VE ) for 1 hour during which transient visual and /or surface perturbations were r and omly presented . Visual perturbations were induced by sudden pitch or roll plane tilts of the VE viewed through a helmet-mounted display , and combined with or without surface perturbations presented in a direction that was either identical or opposite to the visual perturbations . Results Results showed a profound influence of aging on postural adjustments measured by electromyographic ( EMG ) responses and displacements of the center of pressure ( COP ) and body 's center of mass ( COM ) in the recovery of upright stance , especially in the presence of sensory conflicts . Older adults relied more on vision as compared to young adults . Aging affects the interaction of the somatosensory and visual systems on the control of equilibrium during st and ing and the ability of CNS to resolve sensory conflicts . However , even with a one-hour immersion in VE and exposure to sensory conflicts , it is possible for the CNS to recalibrate and adapt to the changes , while improving balance capability in older adults . Conclusion Preventive and rehabilitation programs targeting postural control in older adults should take into account the possible impairment of sensory organization or sensorimotor integration and include VE training under conditions of sensory conflicts
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 .