D J Rose1, S Clark. 1. Center for Successful Aging, California State University, Fullerton, 92834-6800, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the short-term effectiveness of a biofeedback-based, computerized intervention that applied the principles of the ecological theory of perception and control of bodily orientation to the rehabilitation of older adults with a history of falling. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-five older adults (X = 78.5 years) with a history of falls were assigned to either a control (n = 21) or intervention group (n = 24). DESIGN: A 2 x 2 (Group x Time) mixed factorial design with repeated measures on the second factor. SETTING: A motor control research laboratory in a university setting. MEASUREMENT: Impairments in multiple dimensions of balance (i.e., dynamic postural control and sensory organization) were measured before and after an 8-week balance intervention using the 100% Limits of Stability Test and Sensory Organization Test. More functional limitations in balance and/or mobility were measured using two clinical tests: Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test. MAIN RESULTS: Repeated measures multivariate analyses and follow-up testing indicated significant improvements in the dynamic balance and sensory integration capabilities in the case of the intervention group only (P < .03). Significant improvements were also observed in the two clinical measures of balance and mobility evaluated before and after the intervention for the intervention group only. CONCLUSIONS: Theory-driven rehabilitation programs that focus on manipulating individual, task, and environmental constraints concurrently can significantly improve the control of bodily orientation of older adults with a previous history of falls in both static and dynamic action environments. Moreover, the significant improvements in functional performance observed for the intervention group suggest that interventions emphasizing task-specific practice are not the only means by which an older adult's ability to perform daily activities requiring postural control can be improved.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To determine the short-term effectiveness of a biofeedback-based, computerized intervention that applied the principles of the ecological theory of perception and control of bodily orientation to the rehabilitation of older adults with a history of falling. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-five older adults (X = 78.5 years) with a history of falls were assigned to either a control (n = 21) or intervention group (n = 24). DESIGN: A 2 x 2 (Group x Time) mixed factorial design with repeated measures on the second factor. SETTING: A motor control research laboratory in a university setting. MEASUREMENT: Impairments in multiple dimensions of balance (i.e., dynamic postural control and sensory organization) were measured before and after an 8-week balance intervention using the 100% Limits of Stability Test and Sensory Organization Test. More functional limitations in balance and/or mobility were measured using two clinical tests: Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test. MAIN RESULTS: Repeated measures multivariate analyses and follow-up testing indicated significant improvements in the dynamic balance and sensory integration capabilities in the case of the intervention group only (P < .03). Significant improvements were also observed in the two clinical measures of balance and mobility evaluated before and after the intervention for the intervention group only. CONCLUSIONS: Theory-driven rehabilitation programs that focus on manipulating individual, task, and environmental constraints concurrently can significantly improve the control of bodily orientation of older adults with a previous history of falls in both static and dynamic action environments. Moreover, the significant improvements in functional performance observed for the intervention group suggest that interventions emphasizing task-specific practice are not the only means by which an older adult's ability to perform daily activities requiring postural control can be improved.
Authors: Avril Mansfield; Anthony Aqui; Julia E Fraser; Roshanth Rajachandrakumar; Bimal Lakhani; Kara K Patterson Journal: Exp Brain Res Date: 2016-10-05 Impact factor: 1.972
Authors: Chris Plakiotis; Fay Barson; Bharathi Vengadasalam; Terry P Haines; Daniel W O'Connor Journal: Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat Date: 2013-06-05 Impact factor: 2.570