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 .
Fall Incidence in Frail Older Women after Individualized Visual Feedback-Based Balance Training
Background : The knowledge concerning balance training actually lowering fall rates among frail older persons is limited . Objective : The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 4-week individualized visual feedback-based balance training on the fall incidence during 1-year follow-up among frail older women living in residential care . Methods : Twenty-seven older women from 2 residential care homes were r and omized into  exercise ( n = 20 ) and  control ( n = 7 ) groups . Balance measurements were carried out before and after a 4-week training period and falls were monitored by monthly diaries for 1 year . An interview about fear of falling and physical activity was completed before and after the intervention and after the 1-year follow-up . Results : A positive effect of  balance training on fall incidence was found . A dynamic Poisson regression model showed that during the follow-up the monthly risk of falling was decreased in the exercise group compared to controls ( risk ratio 0.398 , 95 % CI 0.174–0.911 , p = 0.029 ) . In addition , the exercise group reported a reduced fear of falling and increased physical activity after a training period but these changes declined during the follow-up period . Conclusion : Individualized visual feedback-based balance training was shown to be a promising method for fall prevention among frail older women . High compliance ( 97.5 % ) with the training program showed that carefully targeted training programs can be carried out among older people with health limitations
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 .