Prevention of slip-related backward balance loss: the effect of session intensity and frequency on long-term retention.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of session intensity (number of slip exposures) and frequency on the retention of acquired adaptation for prevention of backward balance loss after repeated-slip training.


METHODS
A 4-group, randomized, and controlled study.


METHODS
Biomechanics research laboratory.


METHODS
Healthy young subjects (N=46; 21 men).


METHODS
Twenty-four subjects experienced a high-intensity session of 24 repeated right-side slips; 12 received additional single-slip sessions at a frequency of 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month, whereas the rest got no ancillary training. Another 24 subjects received a low-intensity initial session of a single slip; 12 received the same high-frequency ancillary training, whereas the rest got none. All groups were retested with a single slip 4 months after the first session.


METHODS
The incidence of backward balance loss, gait stability, and limb support.


RESULTS
The high-intensity groups, irrespective of ancillary training, displayed similar improvements in all 3 outcome measures. Remarkably, the low-intensity group receiving ancillary training also significantly improved in all measures, with retention comparable to that observed in the other 2 groups. A single-slip exposure without ancillary sessions was insufficient to yield a longer-term effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Frequent ancillary sessions may be unnecessary for slip-related fall prevention up to 4 months if the initial session intensity is sufficient. Furthermore, the minimum of a single slip may be as effective if the subject is exposed to frequent ancillary sessions.
Bhatt
Tanvi
T
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Pai
Yi-Chung
YC
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance