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Can augmented feedback facilitate learning a reactive balance task among older adults?
Avril Mansfield1,2,3,4, Anthony Aqui5, Julia E Fraser5,6
1Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Room 11-117, 550 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2, Canada. avril.mansfield@uhn.ca.
Experimental Brain Research
|October 7, 2016
Summary
Augmented visual feedback of center of pressure (COP) or center of gravity (COG) did not improve reactive balance control in older adults. However, practice alone led to better balance, and feedback may reduce anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
- Gerontology
Background:
- Augmented visual feedback (AVF) enhances quiet standing balance.
- Its effect on reactive balance control and the superiority of COP vs. COG feedback remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if AVF improves reactive balance control in older adults.
- To compare the effectiveness of COP versus COG feedback for balance control.
Main Methods:
- Forty-eight healthy older adults (60-75 years) were randomized into COP feedback, COG feedback, or no-feedback groups.
- Participants performed a reactive balance task with platform perturbations, including acquisition and transfer phases (immediate and delayed).
- Outcome measures included COP-COG root mean square error (RMSE), electrodermal level, and co-contraction index.
Main Results:
- All groups improved balance (reduced RMSE and co-contraction index) with practice, showing no significant between-group differences in transfer tests.
- This indicates task learning and improved balance control strategies through practice alone.
- Feedback groups showed reduced electrodermal level, suggesting a potential anxiety-reducing effect of feedback.
Conclusions:
- Concurrent augmented visual feedback of COP or COG does not enhance reactive balance control in healthy older adults.
- Balance improvements are achieved through practice, leading to more efficient motor control strategies.
- Augmented feedback may play a role in reducing task-related anxiety during balance training.
