J Korean Phys Ther.  2022 Oct;34(5):212-217. 10.18857/jkpt.2022.34.5.212.

Effects of Visual Cue Deprivation Balance Training with Head Control on Balance Function and Fall Index in Older People

• Kim SK
• Lee DY
• Nam SM

• KMID: 2536777
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2022.34.5.212

Abstract

Purpose
This study sought to investigate the effects of visual cue deprivation balance training by applying head control feedback to the balance function and the fall index in older people.
Methods
The study was conducted on 26 older people at the S Hospital in Gyeongsansi. The patients were randomly divided into the experimental groupⅠ (EGⅠ, n = 9), the experimental groupⅡ (EGⅡ, n = 9), and the control group (CG, n = 8). The three groups were trained for 30 minutes three times a week for four weeks. To assess the patients’ static balance function, their limits of stability (LOS) was measured using the BioRescue system, (RM Ingenierie, France), composed of a pressure platform that can measure force in diverse ways, a computer, and a monitor. The dynamic balance function was measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Also, the fall index was measured to evaluate the risk of falling. A paired t-test was performed to compare pre- and post-training performance within the groups. One-way ANOVA was performed for comparing the three groups. A post hoc least significant difference (LSD) test was also performed.
Results
The results of the LOS showed a significant difference after training in the EGⅠ and EGⅡ groups (p < 0.05). As a result of the difference between the three groups, there was a significant difference after training (p < 0.05). The results of the BBS showed a significant difference after training in the EGⅠ group (p < 0.05). As a result of the difference between the three groups, there was a significant difference after training (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Visual cue deprivation balance training applying head control feedback is effective in improving the dynamic balance function in older people. It is also necessary to constantly maintain the head orientation by feedback and to properly control the head movement.

Keyword

Visual cue deprivation balance training; Head control; Balance; Fall index; Older people