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Effects of Multisensory Integration Training on Postural Stability Characteristics and Fall Risk in Older Adults:
Chaoyu Guo1, Lulu Yin1, Peng Chen1
1School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
JMIR Aging
|May 7, 2026
Summary
Multisensory integration (MSI) training significantly improves postural stability and reduces fall risk in older adults. This evidence supports MSI training as an effective intervention for enhancing balance and preventing falls in the aging population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Falls are a significant risk in older adults due to physiological decline and reduced postural control.
- Multisensory integration (MSI) training enhances the brain's processing of sensory information.
- Variability in current MSI training studies limits comparability and consistent findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of MSI training on postural stability and fall risk in healthy older adults.
- To provide an evidence base for clinical application of MSI training.
- To address inconsistencies in existing research on MSI training duration and modalities.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Assessment of methodological quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and publication bias via funnel plots.
- Meta-analysis using R packages with standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs, employing fixed or random effects models based on heterogeneity (I²). Subgroup analyses explored age, intervention duration, and type.
Main Results:
- MSI training significantly reduced center of pressure displacement in both anterior-to-posterior (SMD -1.64) and medio-lateral (SMD -1.37) directions.
- Significant improvements were observed in Berg Balance Scale scores (SMD 3.42), indicating enhanced postural stability.
- MSI training reduced Timed Up and Go test times (SMD -1.43) and overall fall risk (SMD -1.27), with intervention type moderating effects.
Conclusions:
- MSI training is a highly effective intervention for improving static and dynamic postural control in older adults.
- The findings strongly support MSI training for reducing fall risk and enhancing overall postural stability in this demographic.
- This study provides a robust evidence base for implementing MSI training in clinical practice to mitigate fall-related outcomes in older adults.
