Improving impaired balance function: real-time versus carry-over effects of prosthetic feedback

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2011:2011:1314-8. doi: 10.1109/IEMBS.2011.6090309.

Abstract

This study investigated whether training with realtime prosthetic biofeedback (BF) of trunk sway induces a carry-over improvement in balance control once BF is removed. 12 healthy older adults and 7 uncompensated unilateral vestibular loss patients were tested. All participants performed a battery of 14 balance and gait tasks (pre-test) upon their initial lab visit during which trunk angular sway was measured at L1-3. They then received balance BF training on a subset of 7 tasks, three times per week, for two consecutive weeks. BF was provided using a multi-modal biofeedback system with graded vibrotactile, auditory, and visual cues in relation to subject-specific angular displacement thresholds. Performance on the battery of the 14 balance and gait tasks (without BF) was re-assessed immediately after the 2 week training period, as well as 1 week later to examine BF carry-over effects. Significant reductions in trunk angular displacement were observed with the real-time BF, compared to the pre-test trials. The effects of BF persisted when BF was removed immediately after the final training session. BF carry-over effects were less evident at one week post-training. This evidence supports the potential short-term effects of BF training in a limited number of tasks after the BF is removed in healthy elderly subjects and those with vestibular loss. However, the prospect for longer term (>1 week) effects of prosthetic training on balance control remains currently unknown.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging*
  • Biofeedback, Psychology / methods*
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postural Balance*
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vestibular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Vestibular Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Vestibular Diseases / rehabilitation*