Functional Sensorimotor-Based Training for Balance and Gait Enhancement in Sedentary Older Women: A Randomized...

Sensorimotor training has emerged as a promising intervention to enhance gait and balance and potentially reduce fall risk. However, evidence on its effectiveness and the short-term durability of these effects is limited, especially in sedentary older women. This study therefore aimed to investigate the impact of functional sensorimotor-based training on balance, gait performance, and fall risk in this population.

This randomized controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of sensorimotor training on balance and gait in sedentary older women. Thirty participants aged 60-75 years residing in nursing homes in Guilan province were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). Assessments were conducted at pre-test, post-test (after 8 weeks), and follow-up, measuring balance, gait parameters, joint position sense, and lower-limb function. The experimental group completed a 50-min functional sensorimotor-based training program, three times per week for 8 weeks, while the control group engaged only in general physical education activities. Data were analyzed using RMANOVA, followed by Bonferroni post hoc tests, with significance set at p < 0.01. Analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.

The results showed that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in variables of the Fear of falling (F = 9.066; p = 0.001; η² = 0.40), Time Up & Go (F = 23.495; p = 0.01; η² = 0.45), Time of Walking (F = 89.42; p = 0.001; η² = 0.85), and 5Sit& up (F = 22.118; p = 0.001; η² = 0.62). In the experimental group, improvements in balance, gait, joint position sense, and lower-limb function were partially retained at follow-up. Compared with pre-test values, changes in FOF (p = 0.012, d = 0.28), TUG (p = 0.001, d = 1.22), 10MWT speed (p = 0.772, d = 0.17), and 5Sit& Up (p = 0.001, d = 1.02) indicated the preliminary durability of the sensorimotor training effects over the short-term follow-up.

The findings provide preliminary evidence that sensorimotor training may improve lower-limb function, balance, gait, and joint proprioception in sedentary older women. Several motor and sensory outcomes showed notable gains, suggesting that this intervention could support postural control, walk efficiency, and potentially reduce fall risk in geriatric rehabilitation settings.

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) No. IRCT20160815029373N8, Date: 04/07/2025.