Comparative Effects of Sensory Integration Therapy and Balance Board Training in Community Dwelling Older Adults

Comparative Effects of Sensory Integration Therapy and Balance Board Training on Balance, Postural Stability, Functional Mobility and Risk of Fall in Community Dwelling Older Adults

Balance plays a significant role in stability and walking and it's essential for improving the quality of life and functional autonomy while reducing the risk of falling. This research intends to shed light on the advantages of sensory integration therapy and balance board training because it is important to addressing the issues related to ageing and their possible effects.

Previously the study was conducted to determine how sensory integration training affected older persons (aged 50 to 80) in terms of their ability to balance. Twelve healthy volunteers and eight people who had suffered a chronic stroke were included in this study. The participants were trained for six weeks. During standing and dynamic base-of-support exercises, repeated sensory training targeted visual and somatosensory inputs. The balance error scoring system, was used to evaluate standing balance both before and after training. With the exception of the most difficult condition (the single leg stand on a foam surface), there were no appreciable declines (improvements in balance) between pre and post-test for the healthy individuals. It was noted that the stroke participants' ability for balance had increased.

The study conducted in 2021 aimed at the comparison between the effects of virtual reality training (VRT) and conventional balance training (CBT) on the balance of the elderly. 36 elderly who are living in nursing homes were randomly divided into three groups: virtual reality training, conventional balance training and control group. Each group participated in a 60 min session, 3 times per week for 9 weeks. To assess the balance, the balance tests were used on single-leg stance (STS) with open and closed eyes, functional reach test (FRT), timed up and go test (TUG) and Fullerton advance balance scale (FABS). After the intervention the results showed that neither VRT nor CBT training method superior to other.

In 2020, a study was conducted to determine how combined strength and balance training affected the measurements of muscular strength and balance in older women who had previously had falls. Twenty-seven senior ladies were divided into two groups at random: the intervention group (IG, n = 12) and the control group (CG, n = 15). The IG underwent eight weeks of combined strength and balance training, consisting of three sessions per week with force plate visual biofeedback. .. At a rehabilitation facility, the CG got physical treatment and gait training. balance, and muscle strength (assessed by the sit-to-stand test, weight-bearing squat, which calculates the proportion of body mass supported by each leg at various knee flexions [0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°). The modified clinical test of sensory interaction was utilized for balance assessments. This study shows that combined strength and balance training reduced sway oscillation in the IG and enhanced the percentage distribution of body weight between the legs.

Previously a study aimed to assess the efficacy of long term balance training with and without sensory augmentation among community dwelling healthy older adults. Twelve participants were randomly assigned into two groups. The experimental group received vibrotactile sensory augmentation through the smart phone balance trainers. While the control group performed exercises without sensory augmentation. Balance performance was assessed by using (activity balance confidence scale, sensory organization test, mini balance evaluation, Functional reach test, gait speed test, time up and go). After training the experimental group had significantly greater impairments in sensory organization test and mini balance evaluation systems test score than control group.

The study was conducted aimed to investigate the feasibility of a home based Wi balance training with mobile older stroke survivors. 14 persons participated in the study and were randomized to the training group (n=6) and the conventional balance training group (n=8). To get information about individual balance deficits that berg balance scale and dynamic gait index, ABC scale, timed up and go test (TUG) and a posturographic measurement were conducted. The results showed that unsupervised use of Wii balance board in the home environment seems possible and adequate for older stroke survivors with low functional limitation.

The study was to assess to which extent two similar skiing games challenge balance, as reflected in center of mass (COM) movements relative to their functional limits of stability (FLOS). Thirty young and elderly participants performed two skiing games, one on the Wii balance board (wiiski), which uses a force plate and one with the Kinect sensor (kinski), which performs motion tracking. During gameplay, kinematics were captured using seven opto electronical cameras. Subjects showed significantly larger maximal %FLOS displacement during the kinski game than during the Wiiski game. Furthermore, maximal COM displacement and COM speed in kinski remained similar or increased over trials, whereas for Wiiski it decreased.

Though, exercise is considered significant for older adults, most of the available literature and publications focuses on individual exercise interventions rather than directly comparing them. Thus, up to the author's knowledge, no studies have been found to compare how balance board training and sensory integration treatment affects functional mobility, postural stability, balance, and fall risk. Moreover, the literature on the relationship between improving balance and sensory integration is quite thin. Among latest researches, only fewer provide thorough procedures for sensory integration treatment and balance board training. Therefore, Present study aims to bridge this gap by optimizing exercise strategies and providing the evidence-based recommendations tailored to the unique needs of older adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Should be living independently (FIM 108-126).
• No history of lower limb injury in the 1 year prior to the study.
• Individuals with MMSE score greater than or equal to 24.
• Individuals with BBS score 41-56.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with recent cardiac or neurological changes in medical status.
• Individuals with recent surgical procedures within the last 6 months will not include in the study.
• Individuals with the presence of inner ear problems, dizziness, long-term medication.
• A history of injury within 1 year before the study.