Can the control of bodily orientation be significantly improved in a group of older adults with a history of falls?
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.


METHODS
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).


METHODS
A 2 x 2 (Group x Time) mixed factorial design with repeated measures on the second factor.


METHODS
A motor control research laboratory in a university setting.


METHODS
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.


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.
Rose
D J
DJ
Center for Successful Aging, California State University, Fullerton, 92834-6800, USA.
Clark
S
S
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology*