title: Unique approach to sensorimotor training with a new device combining air cushion with stochastic translations-A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.
abstract: Sensorimotor training with a wide variety of available devices represents an important component in rehabilitation and prevention of different sports injuries and chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a sensorimotor training with a newly developed device, which consists of an instable platform moving on an air cushion, providing dynamic balance training by tilting and unanticipated stochastic translations on postural control. Seventy-two healthy young subjects were included in this prospective, randomized, controlled, and observer-blinded study. Balance was objectively assessed by posturography and Functional Reach Test (FRT). Additionally we evaluated the subjective rating of balance. After randomization the sensorimotor training group performed a training program on the new device over a 5-6 week study period. After this time improvement in objective and subjective measurements as a result of training became evident. A significant difference in challenging posturographic parameters (Sensory Organization Test 5: training group 5.32±5.25 vs. control group 1.78±5.05, p=0.006 and Head Shake Sensory Organization Test 5: training group 11.94±8.97 vs. control group 5.41±10.17, p=0.01) as well as a significant difference in the FRT (training group 3.34±3.35cm vs. control group 0.01±2.97cm, p=0.0001) was found. Subjective assessment revealed a significant improvement in the participants' rating of balance and alteration of balance. Subjects showed a high satisfaction with the new training device. Our findings suggest that the newly developed device could be a promising option for sensorimotor training to improve postural control.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mittermaier
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Maximilian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schindler
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Loader
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, Center of Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Waldhoer
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Clemens
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ambrozy
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Crevenna
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. Electronic address: karin.pieber@meduniwien.ac.at.
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pieber
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D056228:Feedback, Sensory; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance; D011434:Proprioception; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Instable platform; Postural stability; Posturography; Sensorimotor training; Stochastic translations