Abstract
Background: Falls and fall-related injuries are symptomatic of an aging population. This study aimed to design, develop, and deliver a novel method of balance training, using an interactive game-based system to promote engagement, with the inclusion of older adults at both high and low risk of experiencing a fall.Study Design: Eighty-two older adults (65 years of age and older) were recruited from sheltered accommodation and local activity groups. Forty volunteers were randomly selected and received 5 weeks of balance game training (5 males, 35 females; mean, 77.18 ± 6.59 years), whereas the remaining control participants recorded levels of physical activity (20 males, 22 females; mean, 76.62 ± 7.28 years). The effect of balance game training was measured on levels of functional balance and balance confidence in individuals with and without quantifiable balance impairments.Results: Balance game training had a significant effect on levels of functional balance and balance confidence (P < 0.05). This was further demonstrated in participants who were deemed at high risk of falls. The overall pattern of results suggests the training program is effective and suitable for individuals at all levels of ability and may therefore play a role in reducing the risk of falls.Conclusions: Commercial hardware can be modified to deliver engaging methods of effective balance assessment and training for the older population.
Highlights
Maintaining balance is a complex process that requires the integration of convergent information from the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive sensory systems to regulate the oscillation of the body’s center of pressure (COP), around the center of mass.[1]
This study demonstrates the potential of gaming technology to provide an immersive, effective balance training tool for the older population by designing games that encourage users to control COP in a range of tasks
The positive effect of structured balance game training was demonstrated across levels of both functional balance and balance confidence, which was consistent for groups at both high and low risk of falls
Summary
Maintaining balance is a complex process that requires the integration of convergent information from the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive sensory systems to regulate the oscillation of the body’s center of pressure (COP), around the center of mass.[1] With aging, the central nervous system does not appear to integrate sensory information as efficiently.[2] Combined with reduced muscle mass, and strength, this underlying disintegration leads to the gradual degeneration of the balance control system in the elderly.[3] observed age-related increases of COP sway,[4] COP velocity,[5] and reduced limits of stability[6] indicate compromised levels of balance control This deterioration in balance control can have detrimental effects on the lives of older adults, leading to an increased likelihood of falling and reported ‘‘fear’’ of falling.[6,7,8]. Conclusions: Commercial hardware can be modified to deliver engaging methods of effective balance assessment and training for the older population
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