Effectiveness of a new combined system, using a force plate and vibratory stimulation device for balance training in the elderly

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of the vibratory feedback system between the force plate and vibratory stimulation device for maintaining good standing balance as a training technique. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty elderly subjects (mean age of 74.6 years) participated in the study. METHODS: The vibratory feedback system has three units, a vibratory device unit, a force plate unit, and a feedback control unit. Eight vibrators in each foot mat were activated if the trajectory of the center of pressure (COP) reaches a position, which has been determined by the examiner. The prospective target position was defined as 50% of the maximal displacement of the COP in each subject, which was obtained from the modified Cross-test. The subjects stood on the force plate. They tried to reach the target position in each direction for 6 seconds. Moreover, sixty elderly subjects performed a new balance training program using this feedback system RESULT: The accuracy of the COP movement to the vibratory presentation distance was 83.8% in the elderly. The result showed that the maximal displacement of 4 directions (forward, backward, rightward, and leftward) of the second test was significantly greater than those of the first test. DISCUSSION: The accuracy of the COP movement to the vibratory presentation distance showed a high accuracy that exceeded 80%. The result showed that it might be the improvement of the balance ability of the elderly because of the new balance training program.