Abstract
Recent studies suggest that real-time auditory feedback is an effective method to facilitate motor learning. The evaluation of the parameter mapping (sound-to-movement mapping) is a crucial, yet frequently neglected step in the development of audio feedback. We therefore conducted two experiments to evaluate audio parameters with target finding exercises designed for balance training. In the first experiment with ten participants, five different audio parameters were evaluated on the X-axis (mediolateral movement). Following that, in a larger experiment with twenty participants in a two-dimensional plane (mediolateral and anterior-posterior movement), a basic and synthetic audio model was compared to a more complex audio model with musical characteristics. Participants were able to orient themselves and find the targets with the audio models. In the one-dimensional condition of experiment one, percussion sounds and synthetic sound wavering were the overall most effective audio parameters. In experiment two, the synthetic model was more effective and better evaluated by the participants. In general, basic sounds were more helpful than complex (musical) sound models. Musical abilities and age were correlated with certain exercise scores. Audio feedback is a promising approach for balance training and should be evaluated with patients. Preliminary evaluation of the respective parameter mapping is highly advisable.
Highlights
Concurrent external feedback has been shown to accelerate the learning of motor skills by providing additional information about the movement process [1,2,3]
We evaluated parameter mappings of novel sonifications for balance training
Basic functional sounds are more efficient for a postural target finding exercise than complex audio models with musical properties, even when the latter are perceived as being more pleasant
Summary
Concurrent external (augmented) feedback has been shown to accelerate the learning of motor skills by providing additional information about the movement process [1,2,3]. Augmented feedback for movement training has been investigated mostly from studies in the haptic and visual field, whereas audio feedback (AFB) remained largely unconsidered [1,4]. A growing body of research suggests that auditory information has a profound effect on the motor system. Findings from recent studies show that during sound-making experiences, strong neurological auditory-motor associations are developed. This provides support for the use of AFB to enhance sensorimotor representations and facilitate movement (re)acquisition [5]. Real-time AFB, often termed sonification [6], has been more widely investigated in upper-limb rehabilitation [5,7], but considerably less in balance training
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