Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
Effects of sensorimotor adaptation training on functional mobility in older adults
Regina R Buccello-Stout1, Jacob J Bloomberg, Helen S Cohen
1Division for Flight Analogs, Universities Space Research Association, NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Mail Code SK37, Houston, TX 77058, USA. regina.buccello-stout-1@nasa.gov
Abstract:
The goal of this study was to determine if prolonged exposure to perceptual-motor mismatch increased adaptability and retention of balance in older adults. Sixteen adults, aged 66 to 81 years, were randomized to one of two groups: either the control group (n=8) or the experimental group (n=8). Both groups first completed six trials of walking an obstacle course. Participants then trained twice a week for 4 weeks. In the training, the control group walked on a treadmill for 20 minutes while viewing a static visual scene and the experimental group walked on a treadmill for 20 minutes while viewing a rotating visual scene that provided a perceptual-motor mismatch. Following training, both groups were post-tested on the obstacle course. The experimental group moved faster through the obstacle course with fewer penalties. This training effect was retained for 4 weeks. Exposure to perceptual-motor mismatch induced an adaptive training effect that improved balance and locomotor control in older adults.
