Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026
A Vibrotactile Feedback Device for Seated Balance Assessment and Training
Published on: January 20, 2019
Effects of the visual-feedback-based force platform training with functional electric stimulation on the balance and
Zhen Li1,2, Xiu-Xia Wang3, Yan-Yi Liang1
1Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Background:
Force platform training with functional electric stimulation aimed at improving balance may be effective in fall prevention for older adults. Aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of the visual-feedback-based force platform balance training with functional electric stimulation on balance and fall prevention in older adults.
Methods:
A single-centre, unblinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted. One hundred and twenty older adults were randomly allocated to two groups: the control group (n = 60, one-leg standing balance exercise, 12 min/d) or the intervention group (n = 60, force platform training with functional electric stimulation, 12 min/d). The training was provided 15 days a month for 3 months by physical therapists. Medial-lateral and anterior-posterior maximal range of sway with eyes open and closed, the Berg Balance Scale, the Barthel Index, the Falls Efficacy scale-International were assessed at baseline and after the 3-month intervention. A fall diary was kept by each participant during the 6-month follow-up.
Results:
On comparing the two groups, the intervention group showed significantly decreased (p < 0.01) medial-lateral and anterior-posterior maximal range of sway with eyes open and closed. There was significantly higher improvement in the Berg Balance Scale (p < 0.05), the Barthel Index (p < 0.05) and the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (p < 0.05), along with significantly lesser number of injurious fallers (p < 0.05), number of fallers (p < 0.05), and fall rates (p < 0.05) during the 6-month follow-up in the intervention group.
Conclusion:
This study showed that the visual feedback-based force platform training with functional electric stimulation improved balance and prevented falls in older adults.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Effects of feedback
Feedback significantly modifies the gain of a control system. The gain of a system without feedback is altered by a factor of one plus GH, where G represents...
01:26Feedback control systems
Linear feedback systems are theoretical models that simplify analysis and design. These systems operate under the principle that their output is directly proportional to their input within certain ranges. For instance, an amplifier in a control system behaves linearly as long as the input signal remains within a specific range. However, most physical systems exhibit inherent nonlinearity...
00:46Feedback Inhibition
01:25Acid-Base Balance
When the pH of arterial blood rises above 7.45, it results in a condition called alkalosis. Conversely, a drop below 7.35 leads to...
01:18Respiratory Regulation of Acid-Base Balance
When carbon dioxide levels increase in the blood, more H+ and HCO3⁻ are...
01:24Comparison Between Electrical And Gravitational Forces
Since both are inverse square law forces, the distance gets canceled when the ratio of the two forces is considered. Instead, the ratio of the electrical and gravitational forces depends on...