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 .
Gait rehabilitation: a new biofeedback device for monitoring and enhancing weight-bearing over the affected lower limb.
AIM Gait rehabilitation programs often require either partial weight-bearing ( PWB ) or encourage full weight-bearing ( FWB ) on the affected limb . Until recently , there was no objective and practical way to measure correct weight-bearing during ambulation . The present study evaluates a new in-shoe device ( SmartStep , And ante Medical Devices Ltd. ) for measuring the amount of weight on the affected limb and for biofeedback gait training . METHODS The first part of the study aim ed to establish the validity of the SmartStep by comparing the results obtained from this device with the results obtained from a force plate . The second part aim ed to evaluate the effectiveness of the SmartStep  as a biofeedback method in patients who have been referred for FWB gait rehabilitation . Analysis was based on independent sample s t-test and chi squared test for evaluating statistically significant differences between the 2 gait rehabilitation modes . RESULTS The SmartStep could repeat the same results with 0.53 kg error of mean . Statistically significant correlation was found between results obtained from the SmartStep and from the force plate ( R2=0.9067 and P=0.004 ) . The use of the SmartStep auditory biofeedback , significantly ( P=0.00031 ) improved patients ' weight-bearing over the affected limb in the experimental group ( 7.9 kg + /-5.28 ) as compared to the control group ( 0.7+/-2.41 kg ) . CONCLUSIONS The SmartStep proved to be very reliable since it generated significant repeatable results which correlated significantly with those obtained from a force plate . Patients recommended for FWB gait can significantly improve body weight loading over the affected limb by the use of the SmartStep auditory biofeedback
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 .