Effects of traditional physical training and visual computer feedback training in frail elderly patients. A randomized intervention study.
BACKGROUND
Physical training to increase muscle strength and balance is considered useful for prevention of falls in older people.


OBJECTIVE
This study compares conventional balance training with visual computer feedback training.


METHODS
This was a randomized controlled 12-week intervention trial with pre- and post-training evaluations.


METHODS
Out-patients referred to a geriatric falls and balance clinic.


METHODS
Thirty-five patients were randomized into two training groups.


METHODS
Both groups received progressive resistance muscle strength training and physical fitness training. Additionally, one group received traditional balance training and the other group received computer feedback balance training. Strength, physical endurance, balance and falls efficacy scale scoring were assessed before and after end of training.


RESULTS
Twenty-seven patients (77%) were available for the evaluation; mean compliance was 71%. In the combined group, significant mean improvement was observed in knee extension (19%), ankle dorsiflexion (16%), sitting to standing (16%), and in the six-minute walk test (8%). In the traditional balance training group, the static balance in the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance standing on a foam mat with closed eyes showed a significant increase (80%). No increase occurred in the computer balance training group. However, the computer feed-back training group showed a marked improvement that was up to 400% in the training specific performance.


CONCLUSIONS
Elderly frail patients were able to increase muscle strength and physical endurance. A limited improvement was seen in the static balance tests. The computer feedback group showed a remarkable increase in training specific performance. Clinical Rehabilitation Impact.
Hagedorn
D K
DK
Rehabilitation Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA. dagm@regionsjaelland.dk
Holm
E
E
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D056228:Feedback, Sensory; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D004856:Postural Balance; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome