Can treadmill-slip perturbation training reduce immediate risk of over-ground-slip induced fall among community-dwelling older adults?

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine any potential falls-resistance benefits that might arise from treadmill-slip-perturbation training. One hundred sixty-six healthy community-dwelling older adults were randomly assigned to either the treadmill-slip-training group (Tt) or the treadmill-control group (Tc). Tt received 40 slip-like perturbations during treadmill walking. Tc received unperturbed treadmill walking for 30?min. Following their treadmill session, both groups were exposed to a novel slip during over-ground walking. Their responses to this novel slip were also compared to previously collected data from participants who received either over-ground-slip training (Ot) with 24 slips or over-ground walking (Oc) with no training before experiencing their novel over-ground slip. Fall rates and both proactive (pre-slip) and reactive (post-slip) stability were assessed and compared for the novel over-ground slip in groups Tt, Tc, and Oc, as well as for the 24th slip in Ot. Results showed Tt had fewer falls than Tc (9.6% versus 43.8%, p??Tc, p?

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6361674 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature