Proactive use of Perturbation Training on balance and posture control in geriatric rehabilitation- An Experimental Study

Background: Ageing is a complex process involving a range of variables that interact to cause deterioration of various physiological functions. Objectives: Study attempts to find effect of Perturbation training on postural control upon Centre of Gravity (COG) sway velocity in older individuals using modified-Clinical Test of Sensory Integration on Balance (mCTSIB) component on NeuroCom Balance master® and Timed up and go(TUG) test. Methods: An experimental study, employing a pre-post intervention model, involved 30 individuals aged 65-85 years with mild to moderate fall risk was conducted at Tertiary Hospital, Pune from August 2022 to January 2023. Perturbation Training was given with the use of tilt-board along with conventional exercises for 3 days per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions). Pre-post assessment done using Modified-CTSIB test on Neuro-Com Balance Master® and Timed Up and Go Test were taken. Paired t-test was employed for comparing pre and post-intervention measures, with p-value 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results: Pre and post measures on Timed Up and Go test and M-CTSIB test on NeuroCom Balance Master® shows statistically significant improvement in TUG values (p Conclusion: In order to achieve postural control along with conventional exercises perturbation training can be effective on proprioception thus helps to recruit the muscle recruitment pattern as a result minimizes loss of balance and increases sway velocity thus reduces episodes of fall eventually.