The activities of every day life frequently involve moving about in one’s environment and this movement depends upon the successful co-ordination of perceptual, cognitive and motor skills. The increase in postural instability and falls that occurs as a function of ageing can in large part be attributable to the gradual decline in sensorimotor function.
A program that includes an evidence-based protocol to improve stepping performance may enhance existing successful programs and lead to the identification of optimal fall prevention interventions. There is evidence to suggest that successful recovery of balance can be improved in older adults following repetitive training of stepping responses.
One novel technique for engaging older adults in such training involves the use of 'dance mat' style computer games. Stuart Smith, Stephen Lord, Cathie Sherrington and an international collaborator (Stephanie Studenski) will be the first team to formally investigate the health-related benefits of interactive step training system use by older adults.
The first part of the study will involve development and validation of a step training system while the second part of the study will involve an RCT study examining the effects of in-home step training on reducing falls risk. Outcomes from this study will form the basis of a follow-up RCT with falls or fall injuries as the primary outcome measure.
