Publication Date:
2019-07-19
Description:
Research indicates a main contributor of injury in older adults is from falling. The decline in sensory systems limits information needed to successfully maneuver through the environment. The objective of this study was to determine if prolonged exposure to the realignment of perceptual-motor systems increases adaptability of balance, and if balance confidence improves after training. A total of 16 older adults between ages 65-85 were randomized to a control group (walking on a treadmill while viewing a static visual scene) and an experimental group (walking on a treadmill while viewing a rotating visual scene). Prior to visual exposure, participants completed six trials of walking through a soft foamed obstacle course. Participants came in twice a week for 4 weeks to complete training of walking on a treadmill and viewing the visual scene for 20 minutes each session. Participants completed the obstacle course after training and four weeks later. Average time, penalty, and Activity Balance Confidence Scale scores were computed for both groups across testing times. The older adults who trained, significantly improved their time through the obstacle course F (2, 28) = 9.41, p 〈 0.05, as well as reduced their penalty scores F (2, 28) = 21.03, p 〈 0.05, compared to those who did not train. There was no difference in balance confidence scores between groups across testing times F (2, 28) = 0.503, p 〉 0.05. Although the training group improved mobility through the obstacle course, there were no differences between the groups in balance confidence.
Keywords:
Life Sciences (General)
Type:
JSC-CN-20148
,
Gerontological Society of America 63rd Annual Meeting; Nov 19, 2010 - Nov 23, 2010; New Orleans, LA; United States
Format:
text
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