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Effect of Continuous Audio Biofeedback During Postoperative Partial Weight Bearing in Older Patients-An Exploratory
Léa Staub1, Arlene Vivienne von Aesch1, Johannes Dominik Bastian2
1School of Health Professions, Department of Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, 3008 Bern, Switzerland.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Audio biofeedback (AB) shows potential for improving adherence to partial weight-bearing prescriptions (PWBP). However, a single training session was insufficient for optimal PWBP management in older patients, suggesting multiple sessions are needed.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- Adherence to partial weight-bearing prescriptions (PWBP) is a significant clinical challenge post-surgery.
- Audio biofeedback (AB) offers a potential technological solution to enhance patient compliance with PWBP.
- Investigating the efficacy of continuous AB via sensor insoles is crucial for optimizing rehabilitation outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of continuous audio biofeedback (AB) from sensor insoles on the adherence to prescribed limb load during functional tasks.
- To assess the effectiveness of AB in managing partial weight-bearing prescriptions (PWBP) in older patients postoperatively.
- To analyze the influence of age and cognitive function on PWBP adherence with and without AB.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 20 older patients undergoing rehabilitation for PWBP.
- Participants were allocated to either a continuous AB group (n=10) or a control group (n=10).
- Limb load adherence was measured using force-sensor insoles during walking, loaded walking, sit-stand-sit, and standing tasks.
Main Results:
- The continuous AB group demonstrated better adherence in three of four functional tasks compared to the control group.
- Relative deviations from prescribed load were lower in the AB group for loaded walking, sit-stand-sit, and standing.
- No statistically significant differences in adherence were found between groups across all tested activities, indicating insufficient effectiveness after a single session.
Conclusions:
- A single training session with continuous audio biofeedback (AB) is insufficient to achieve adequate adherence to partial weight-bearing prescriptions (PWBP).
- Further research involving multiple training sessions is warranted to fully explore the therapeutic potential of continuous AB for PWBP management.
- Optimizing rehabilitation protocols for PWBP may require more intensive AB interventions.
