Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Behavioral Assessment of the Aging Mouse Vestibular System
Published on: July 11, 2014
Can older adults' balance and mobility improve with visual attention training?
Mohammed M Althomali1, Lori Ann Vallis2, Susan J Leat3
1School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada. Mohammed.althomali@uwaterloo.ca.
Purpose:
We hypothesize that training older adults with a structured visual attention task will result in improved balance and mobility, potentially reducing their risk for falls.
Methods:
Healthy older adults aged 70 + took part in the study (mean age 80.3 ± 6 years). In this randomised control trial (NCT02030743), 15 participants were randomly assigned to a visual attention training group and 15 to a control group. Visual attention training was undertaken twice a week (45 min sessions) for 3 weeks (= six sessions) using versions of a selective attention useful field of view test and attended field of view test. The outcome measures were postural sway using a force plate, the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, the One-Legged Stance test, the 5 Meter Walking test, the Sit to Stand test, the Timed Up and Go test without and with a concurrent cognitive task.
Results:
There was a greater improvement in visual attention after training in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). However, a mixed ANOVA (2× groups, 2× visit) showed no main effect of visit or group or any interaction for any of the force plate parameters. T tests of the changes over time between the intervention group and the control groups for the other balance and mobility assessment tools showed no improvement after the visual attention training.
Conclusion:
It was found that there was no improvement in either mobility or balance after the visual attention training and no difference between the intervention and the control groups.
