Investigating three methods of non-invasive intervention: somatosensory training, neurofeedback training and  foot massage, on the balance of the elderly over 65 years old

Azarpaikan, Atefeh; Taheri, Hamidreza; Ghalkhani, Manochehr

doi:10.22089/mbj.2023.14302.2080

Investigating three methods of non-invasive intervention: somatosensory training, neurofeedback training and foot massage, on the balance of the elderly over 65 years old

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

¹ Sport science faculty Ferdowsi University of mashhad Iran

² Dr_Taheri Prof. Hamid Reza Taheri Vice Presidents of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

³ sport science faculty Ferdowsi University of mashhad Iran

https://doi.org/10.22089/mbj.2023.14302.2080

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of combined non-invasive somatosensory (active and passive) and neurofeedback training on dynamic and static balance factors in the elderly. The participants were 60 healthy adults who were randomly assigned to one of the four active somatosensory, passive somatosensory (foot massage), neurofeedback and control groups. First, the subjects completed static and dynamic comparison pre-tests, then participated in 15, 30-minute training sessions and then completed post and transfer test at the end of the test. The tests of the acquisition stage were considered in the static comparison of Fall risk and the dynamic comparison of Timed up and go, and the test of the transfer stage in the static comparison of Limit stability and dynamic comparison tests of Berg scale. Independent t-test and one-way mixed ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests were used for data analyzes. The results indicated an improvement in static and dynamic balance performance in all three experimental groups in the acquisition stage. It can also be observed in the transfer test in the neurofeedback and somatosensory groups in static and dynamic conditions, respectively. The foot message group improved in static and dynamic balance, but its score was lower than the other 2 groups. In general, the findings indicate that neurofeedback exercise interventions are better combined with sensory-body exercise interventions to have the greatest impact on preventing falls and improving overall balance in adults.

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