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    J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2008 Sep;63(5):P295-300.

    Effects of sensorimotor adaptation training on functional mobility in older adults.

    Buccello-Stout RR, Bloomberg JJ, Cohen HS, Whorton EB, Weaver GD, Cromwell RL.

    Division for Flight Analogs, Universities Space Research Association, NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Mail Code SK37, Houston, TX 77058, USA. regina.buccello-stout-1@nasa.gov

    The goal of this study was to determine if prolonged exposure to perceptual-motor mismatch increased adaptability and retention of balance in older adults. Sixteen adults, aged 66 to 81 years, were randomized to one of two groups: either the control group (n=8) or the experimental group (n=8). Both groups first completed six trials of walking an obstacle course. Participants then trained twice a week for 4 weeks. In the training, the control group walked on a treadmill for 20 minutes while viewing a static visual scene and the experimental group walked on a treadmill for 20 minutes while viewing a rotating visual scene that provided a perceptual-motor mismatch. Following training, both groups were post-tested on the obstacle course. The experimental group moved faster through the obstacle course with fewer penalties. This training effect was retained for 4 weeks. Exposure to perceptual-motor mismatch induced an adaptive training effect that improved balance and locomotor control in older adults.

    PMID: 18818444 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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