Proof of Concept of Novel Visuo-Spatial-Motor Fall Prevention Training for Old People
Henk Koppelaar, Parastou Kordestani-Moghadam, Sareh Kouhkani, Farnoosh Irandoust, Gijs Segers, Lonneke de Haas, Thijmen Bantje, Martin van Warmerdam
Abstract
Falls in the geriatric population are one of the most important causes of disabilities in this age group. Its consequences impose a great deal of economic burden on health and insurance systems. This study was conducted by a multidisciplinary team with the aim of evaluating the effect of visuo-spatial-motor training for the prevention of falls in older adults. The subjects consisted of 31 volunteers aged 60 to 92 years who were studied in three groups: (1) A group under standard physical training, (2) a group under visuo-spatial-motor interventions, and (3) a control group (without any intervention). The results of the study showed that visual-spatial motor exercises significantly reduced the risk of falls of the subjects.