title: Effects of sensorimotor adaptation training on functional mobility in older adults.
abstract: The goal of this study was to determine if prolonged exposure to perceptual-motor mismatch increased adaptability and retention of balance in older adults. Sixteen adults, aged 66 to 81 years, were randomized to one of two groups: either the control group (n=8) or the experimental group (n=8). Both groups first completed six trials of walking an obstacle course. Participants then trained twice a week for 4 weeks. In the training, the control group walked on a treadmill for 20 minutes while viewing a static visual scene and the experimental group walked on a treadmill for 20 minutes while viewing a rotating visual scene that provided a perceptual-motor mismatch. Following training, both groups were post-tested on the obstacle course. The experimental group moved faster through the obstacle course with fewer penalties. This training effect was retained for 4 weeks. Exposure to perceptual-motor mismatch induced an adaptive training effect that improved balance and locomotor control in older adults.
authors.affiliation: Division for Flight Analogs, Universities Space Research Association, NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Mail Code SK37, Houston, TX 77058, USA. regina.buccello-stout-1@nasa.gov
authors.forename: Regina R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Buccello-Stout
authors.forename: Jacob J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Bloomberg
authors.forename: Helen S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Elbert B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Whorton
authors.forename: Gayle D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Weaver
authors.forename: Ronita L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Cromwell
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014796:Visual Perception; D016138:Walking