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 .
A randomised controlled trial investigating motor skill training as a function of attentional focus in old age
Background Motor learning research has had little impact on clinical applications and rarely extended to research about how older adults learn motor skills . There is consistent evidence that motor skill performance and learning can be enhanced by giving learners instructions that direct their attention . The aim of this study was to test whether elderly individuals that receive an external focus instruction during training of dynamic balance skills would learn in a different manner compared to individuals that received an internal focus instruction . Methods This r and omised trial included 26 older persons ( 81 ± 6 years ) that were training functional balance twice a week for the duration of 5 weeks .  Learning outcomes were recorded after every training session . Weight shifting score and dynamic balance parameters ( Biodex Balance System ) , components of the Extended Timed-Get-Up- and -Go test , five chair rises , and falls efficacy ( FES-I )  was assessed at baseline and post-intervention . Results Participation for training sessions was 94 % . No differences between groups were found following 5 weeks of training for weight shifting score , dynamic balance index and dynamic balance time ( p < 0.95 , p = 0.16 , p < 0.50 ) , implying no learning differences between training groups . Extended Timed-Get-Up- and -Go components Sit-to-st and , p = .036 ; Gait initiation , p = .039 ; Slow down , stop , turnaround , and sit down , p = 0.011 and the Fes-I ( p = 0.014 ) showed improvements for the total group , indicating that function improved compared to baseline . Conclusion A 5-week balance training improved weight shifting scores and dynamic balance parameters as well as functional abilities . The observed improvements were independent from the type of attentional focus instructions . The findings provide support for the proposition of different motor learning principles in older adults compared to younger adults . Trial Registration IS RCT
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 .