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Effects of Sensorimotor Adaptation Training on Functional Mobility in Older Adults

¹ Division for Flight Analogs, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, Texas.
² Neuroscience Laboratories, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas.
³ Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
⁴ Department of Biostatistics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
⁵ Division of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.

Address correspondence to Regina Buccello-Stout, Universities Space Research Association, NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Mail Code SK37, Houston, TX, 77058. E-mail: regina.buccello-stout-1{at}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.

Key Words: Functional mobility • Perceptual-motor mismatch • Sensorimotor adaptation