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 effect of balance training on motor recovery and ambulation after stroke: a randomized controlled trial.
AIM To investigate the effects of balance training , using force platform biofeedback , on motor recovery , mobility and activity level of hemiparetic patients with stroke . METHODS In this r and omized , controlled , assessor-blinded trial 41 in patients [ mean ( + /-SD ) age of 60.9 ( + /-11.7 ) years ] with hemiparesis after stroke ( median time since stroke 6 months ) were r and omly assigned to an experimental or a control group . The control group ( n=19 ) participated in a conventional stroke inpatient rehabilitation program , whereas the experimental group ( n=22 ) received 15 sessions of balance training ( using force platform biofeedback ) in addition to the conventional program . Main outcome measures were motor recovery of the lower extremity ( Brunnstrom staging ) , mobility ( Rivermead Mobility Index , RMI ) and activity level ( Functional Independence Measure , FIM ) that performed one week before and after the experimental treatment program . RESULTS Both groups were similar in terms of baseline clinical characteristics . Motor recovery , mobility and activity level improved significantly in both groups ( P<0.05 ) . Between-group difference of mean change score was not significant for the Brunnstrom stages ( 0.23 vs 0.26 ) , RMI ( 2.9 vs 2.2 ) and FIM score ( 10.7 vs 11.5 ) . CONCLUSION In our group of stroke patients , balance training combined with a conventional rehabilitation program does not provide additional benefit in terms of lower extremity motor recovery , mobility and activity level
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 .