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Effect of somatosensory and neurofeedback training on balance in older healthy adults: a preliminary investigation

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of balance training with somatosensory and neurofeedback training on dynamic and static balance in healthy, elderly adults. The sample group consisted of 45 healthy adults randomly assigned to one of the three test groups: somatosensory, neurofeedback, and a control. Individualization of the balance program started with pre-tests for static and dynamic balances. Each group had 15- and 30-min training sessions. All groups were tested for static (postural stability) and dynamic balances (Berg Balance Scale) in acquisition and transfer tests (fall risk of stability and timed up and go). Improvements in static and dynamic balances were assessed by somatosensory and neurofeedback groups and then compared with the control group. Results indicated significant improvements in static and dynamic balances in both test groups in the acquisition test. Results revealed a significant improvement in the transfer test in the neurofeedback and somatosensory groups, in static and dynamic conditions, respectively. The findings suggest that these methods of balance training had a significant influence on balance. Both the methods are appropriate to prevent falling in adults. Neurofeedback training helped the participants to learn static balance, while somatosensory training was effective on dynamic balance learning. Further research is needed to assess the effects of longer and discontinuous stimulation with somatosensory and neurofeedback training on balance in elderly adults.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Laboratory of Physical Education and Sport Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box: 9177948979, Mashhad, Iran

    Atefeh Azarpaikan & Hamidreza Taheri Torbati

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  1. Atefeh Azarpaikan
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  2. Hamidreza Taheri Torbati
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Correspondence to Hamidreza Taheri Torbati.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Ethical approval was granted by the local ethics committee.

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Each patient also provided written informed satisfaction approved by the Institutional Review Board for ethical human subject research.

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Azarpaikan, A., Taheri Torbati, H. Effect of somatosensory and neurofeedback training on balance in older healthy adults: a preliminary investigation. Aging Clin Exp Res 30, 745–753 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-017-0835-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-017-0835-3

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