The Effect of Sensory Stimulation versus Motor Control Cueing of the Foot on Balance in Elderly Females: Single Group Pretest-Posttest Study

Abstract

Study Design: A Quasi Experimental Single Group Pre-Test Post-Test. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sensory stimulation and motor control cueing of the foot on balance in females over the age of 65. Background: Balance deficits in the elderly population have shown to have detrimental consequences. Evidence suggests that sensory stimulation and motor control of the foot improve postural sway, however, studies have yet to compare the effects of both interventions on balance. Method and Measures: A total of 40 participants were contacted to complete the study with 32 participants meeting inclusion criteria for data collection and completing the research study. Two data collection days were utilized to perform pre and post-test outcome measures using the Functional Reach Test and Overall Sway Index (collected using the Biodex Medical System Inc., Biodex Biosway Portable Balance System). The interventions were 2-minute sensory stimulation to the sole of each foot on day one, and the “short foot” motor control cue on day two. Four related sample T-tests were conducted with the interventions as the dependent variable and the time of observation (pre and post) as the independent variable. Results: The results revealed sensory stimulation significantly improved balance as indicated by a decline in postural sway from pretest (5.92 ± 3.05) to posttest (5.00 ± 2.92) (p = 0.045) and a significant increase in Functional Reach from pretest (8.01 ± 2.55) to posttest (8.70 ± 2.66) (p < 0.001). Motor control cueing demonstrated mixed results on balance with an increase in postural sway from pretest (5.52 ± 3.50) to posttest (6.66 ± 4.06) (p = 0.015), and an increase in Functional Reach from pretest (8.47 ± 2.34) to posttest (9.01 ± 2.37) (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Based on the results, researchers concluded that sensory stimulation is a viable intervention to utilize in order to improve balance in the elderly population. Further research to identify the appropriate prescription of sensory stimulation to maximize effects should be completed.