Influence of a Plantar Perceptual Learning Task on Brain Activity: a fNIRS Study

The effects of plantar perception training on balance and falls efficacy of the elderly with a history of falls: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of plantar perception training using a hardness discrimination task on balance and falls efficacy of the elderly who have experienced a fall.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-two elderly persons 65 years of age or older were randomly allocated to the experimental group (n = 31) or the control group (n = 31). The experimental group performed a hardness discrimination task using five different levels of hardness of sponge mats, while the control group performed the same task except that they were not asked to discriminate hardness levels of sponge mats. All subjects performed 10 sessions for two weeks. Outcome measures were conducted using center of pressure (CoP) sway in the standing position, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and falls efficacy scale (FES) to measure balance and falls efficacy.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in general characteristics between both groups (p > .05). After 10 sessions, plantar perception was significantly improved in the experimental group (F = 101.18, p < .001). Additionally, changes in CoP sway with eye closed and TUG test were significantly different (p < .05) between the experimental group (CoP sway with eye closed, -208.32 ± 74.89; TUG test, -1.91 ± 0.72) and the control group (CoP sway with eye closed, -14.55 ± 35.44; TUG test, -1.31 ± 0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that plantar perception training might be beneficial to improve falls efficacy as well as balance of the elderly.

Effect of a plantar perceptual learning task on walking stability in the elderly: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the plantar perceptual learning task, using a hardness discrimination training, efficiently improves walking stability in the elderly.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Elder day-care center.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty-six elderly people (73.84 SD 5.98 years) who went to an elder day-care center were randomly assigned evenly to either an intervention or a control group.

INTERVENTION

The intervention group performed a task to discriminate hardness differences while standing on sponge mats of different levels of hardness. The control group underwent the same task except that they were not instructed to discriminate hardness levels of the mats. The tasks were carried out over a four-week period for 10 days for both groups.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcome was assessed by determining root mean squares of trunk acceleration during walking.

RESULTS

Plantar perception was significantly improved in the intervention group after training (F = 26.24, p < 0.01). In addition, changes in root mean square values of acceleration were significantly greater after training in the intervention group (medial-lateral, 0.36 SD 0.26; vertical, 0.32 SD 0.24; anterio-posterior, 0.26 SD 0.24) than in the control group (medial-lateral, 0.14 SD 0.28, vertical, 0.16 SD 0.35, anterio-posterior, 0.12 SD 0.29) (p < 0.05). Changes in walking speed were not significantly different (p = 0.13) between the intervention (0.06 SD 0.13) and control groups (0.02 SD 0.14).

CONCLUSION

The plantar perceptual learning task might efficiently stabilize postural control during walking in the elderly.