Abstract
BackgroundPublished reports suggest a disparity between perceived and actual balance abilities, a trait associated with increased fall-risk in older adults. We investigate whether it is possible to ‘recalibrate’ these disparities using a novel gaming intervention.MethodsWe recruited 26 older adults for a 4-week intervention in which they participated in 8-sessions using a novel gaming intervention designed to provide explicit, augmented feedback related to postural control. Measures of perceived balance abilities (Falls Efficacy Scale-International) and actual postural control (limits of stability) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. We used focus groups to elicit the opinions of participants about how the game may have influenced balance abilities and confidence.ResultsA stronger alignment was observed between postural control and perceived balance capabilities post-intervention (i.e., significant correlations between Falls Efficacy Scale-International scores and limits of stability which were not present pre-intervention). Also, significant improvements in measures of postural control were observed, with these improvements confined to the aspects of postural control for which the exergame provided explicit, augmented feedback. Qualitative data revealed that the intervention made participants more “aware” of their balance abilities.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that it is possible to recalibrate the perceptions of older adults relating to their balance abilities through a targeted, short-term intervention. We propose that the post-intervention improvements in postural control may have been, in part, the result of this recalibration; with altered perceptions leading to changes in balance performance. Findings support the application of novel interventions aimed at addressing the psychological factors associated with elderly falls.
Highlights
Published reports suggest a disparity between perceived and actual balance abilities, a trait associated with increased fall-risk in older adults
In contrast to the lack of significant changes in Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) scores, a significant correlation was observed between pre-FES-I scores and the change in FES-I scores between pre- and post-intervention
While we suggested that these improvements may, in part, be mediated by altered appraisals of balance capabilities resulting from augmented feedback received during the intervention, further research is needed to confirm this speculation
Summary
Published reports suggest a disparity between perceived and actual balance abilities, a trait associated with increased fall-risk in older adults. Approximately one-third of older adults misjudge their balance abilities, either over- or under-estimating their physical capabilities [2]. Disparities between perceived and actual balance abilities A discrepancy between perceived and actual capabilities will likely lead to these individuals engaging in either. A cautious approach will likely lead to activity avoidance, which in turn is associated with a reduction in physical activity and increased risk of falls [3], while an overly risky approach may increase the likelihood that an individual will attempt a task which they are unable to safely complete. While physical training is a commonplace method to target falls in the elderly, modifying inappropriate levels of confidence relative to physical ability is both novel and theoretically achievable through employing principles of motor learning, such as augmented feedback
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