Effects of sensorimotor adaptation training on functional mobility in older adults.
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.
Buccello-Stout
Regina R
RR
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
Bloomberg
Jacob J
JJ
Cohen
Helen S
HS
Whorton
Elbert B
EB
Weaver
Gayle D
GD
Cromwell
Ronita L
RL
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