Abstract
Introduction
Keeping our standing balance is a crucial capability in preventing falls. Nevertheless, older adults may focus attention internally to their movement mechanisms during stance, through conscious movement processing (CMP), when facing balance difficulties. However, this may interfere with movement automaticity that could cause balance problems. The primary aim of this pilot study is to examine the effects of attention focus balance training on CMP propensity in older adults at risk of falling.
Method
Twenty-four older adults (mean age = 79.92 ± 7.61) with moderate to high risk of falling were included in this preliminary analysis. Participants were randomly assigned to either the No Specific Attention Focus Balance Training Group (NBTG; n=8), External Attention Focus Balance Training Group (EBTG; n=8), or the Internal Attention Focus Balance Training Group (IBTG; n=8). Participants in different groups participated in twelve tailor-made 45-minute training sessions with different attention focus instructions during standing balance training. The primary outcome measure of the real-time (state) CMP propensity (T3-Fz Electroencephalogram (EEG) coherence) at the baseline (T0) and after completion of all balance training sessions (T1) was evaluated. A 3x2 Group (NBTG, EBTG, IBTG) x Time (T0, T1) mixed Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was conducted.
Results
We discover a decreasing trend of the real-time (state) CMP propensity (T3-Fz EEG coherence) in the EBTG but an increasing trend of the T3-Fz EEG coherence in the IBTG from T0 to T1. The T3-Fz EEG coherence for the NBTG remains similar from T0 to T1.
Conclusion
This preliminary result suggests that the external attention focus balance training has a potential to mitigate the real-time (state) CMP propensity in older adults at risk of falling. Consequently, it could further benefit the standing balance of the at-risk older adults after their rehabilitation.
Comments
As a Consultant working with Falls this is something I found interesting.