Visual Feedback to Improve Balance During Walking

Sensory Treadmill to Improve of Balance During Walking

The goal of this research is to determine if real time visual feedback of body movements improves balance control more than walking on a treadmill alone. Individuals participating in this research study will be tested using a battery of clinical strength and balance assessments twice before a 4 week training period and once after the training period. The 4 week training period will consist of 12 sessions walking on a treadmill. The experimental group will see real time visual feedback regarding their body movements, and the control group will not receive this visual feedback. Following the 4 week training each participant will again be tested using the battery of clinical strength and balance assessments.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Fall Prone Older Adults (history of falls or loss of balance)
• ability to walk on the treadmill hands-free without assistance
• Mini-Mental Status Exam > 23

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current enrollment in physical rehabilitation of any kind
• Medically unstable