Transfer effects of fall training on balance performance and spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy community-dwelling older adults: a pilot study

J Aging Phys Act. 2014 Jul;22(3):324-33. doi: 10.1123/japa.2013-0010. Epub 2013 Jul 22.

Abstract

This study examined transfer effects of fall training on fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale-International [FES-I]), balance performance, and spatiotemporal gait characteristics in older adults. Eighteen community-dwelling older adults (ages 65-85) were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. The intervention group completed 12 training sessions (60 min, 6 weeks). During pre- and posttesting, we measured FES-I, balance performance (double limb, closed eyes; single limb, open eyes; double limb, open eyes with motor-interfered task), and gait parameters (e.g., velocity; cadence; stride time, stride width, and stride length; variability of stride time and stride length) under single- and motor-interfered tasks. Dual tasks were applied to appraise improvements of cognitive processing during balance and gait. FES-I (p = .33) and postural sway did not significantly change (0.36 < p < .79). Trends toward significant interaction effects were found for step width during normal walking and stride length variability during the motor dual task (p = .05, ηp 2 = .22). Fall training did not sufficiently improve fear of falling, balance, or gait performance under single- or dual-task conditions in healthy older adults.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Female
  • Gait / physiology*
  • Housing for the Elderly
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Martial Arts / physiology
  • Martial Arts / psychology
  • Pilot Projects
  • Postural Balance / physiology*
  • Reference Values
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Transfer, Psychology / physiology*
  • Walking