Sensory-specific balance training in older adults: effect on proprioceptive reintegration and cognitive demands.
OBJECTIVE
Age-related changes in the ability to adjust to alterations in sensory information contribute to impaired postural stability. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of sensory-specific balance training on proprioceptive reintegration.


METHODS
The subjects of this study were 36 older participants who were healthy.


METHODS
Participants were randomly assigned to a balance exercise group (n=17) or a falls prevention education group (n=19). The primary outcome measure was the center-of-pressure (COP) velocity change score. This score represented the difference between COP velocity over 45 seconds of quiet standing and each of six 5-second intervals following proprioceptive perturbation through vibration with or without a secondary cognitive task. Clinical outcome measures included the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) Scale and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Assessments were conducted at baseline, postintervention, and at an 8-week follow-up.


RESULTS
Following the exercise intervention, there was less destabilization within the first 5 seconds following vibration with or without a secondary task than there was at baseline or in the falls prevention education group. These training effects were not maintained at the 8-week follow-up. Postintervention improvements also were seen on the FAB Scale and were maintained at follow-up. No changes in ABC Scale scores were identified in the balance exercise group, but ABC Scale scores indicated reduced balance confidence in the falls prevention education group postintervention.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study support short-term enhanced postural responses to proprioceptive reintegration following a sensory-specific balance exercise program.
Westlake
Kelly P
KP
Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, VA Palo Alto HCC, 3801 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA. westlake@rrd.stanford.edu
Culham
Elsie G
EG
D000368:Aged; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014732:Vibration