A randomized controlled study of the effect of balance disorder therapy using audiovisual feedback on senior citizens

Aim: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of therapy based on the use of a force platform and audiovisual feedback on the balance of senior citizens and to compare it to the effect of conventional therapy in control group. Patients and methods: A research group of 15 senior citizens (12 women) underwent 9 therapeutic units with an audiovisual feedback. A control group of 15 senior citizens (14 women) completed 9 therapeutic units of conventional physiotherapy. Both groups underwent an initial examination, the same number of therapeutic units and a final examination. The Mini-BESTest, Timed Up and Go test and the time limit needed to complete the reference scene in the Homebalance system were chosen to evaluate the effect of the therapy. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in the Mini-BESTest (P = 0.05), Timed Up and Go test (P = 0.01) and in the reference scene completion time (median 68 s) in the research group. The control group had only a statistically significant improvement in the reference scene completion time (median 11 s). The improvement in reference scene completion time was statistically significantly higher in the research group than in the control group (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Audiovisual feedback is a safe and useful tool in the treatment of balance disorders in senior citizens. The therapy with force platform and audiovisual feedback was more effective than conventional physiotherapy which does not employ technical aids.