The effect of biofeedback-based balance training while performing cognitive tasks on temporal and spatial parameters and gait stability of the elderly

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of biofeedback-based balance training while performing cognitive tasks on gait of the elderly. [Subjects] Forty-one participants were selected from a fall prevention class and were randomly allocated to two groups: 20 to the experimental group (81.12 ± 7.24 years), and 21 to the control group (81.29 ± 6.19 years). [Methods] The experimental group received biofeedback-based balance training while performing cognitive tasks for 50 minutes a day, 3 days a week, for 8 weeks. Temporal and spatial parameters and stability were measured pre- and post-training. [Results] The experimental group showed significant improvements in all measures. [Conclusion] This study confirms that biofeedback-based balance training while performing cognitive tasks effectively improves the mobility of elderly people at risk of falling.