Effect Of Balance Training On Different Platform In Geriatric Population By Using A Smartphone Application- Triaxial Accelerometer-Based App-Coo-Balance-Test: A Randomized Control Trial

Background: Frequent falls lead to severe injuries due to impaired somatosensory, vestibular and visual input which affects balance during senescence. Training balance on different unstable platforms in geriatric population may improve the balance and prevent frequent falls. Knowledge about which training platform gives better results in same time and with same balance protocol is imperative. Aim: To know the effect of balance training on different platform in geriatrics by using a smartphone application, triaxial accelerometer- based App-coo-test. Methods: The study included 36 participants (12 per group) aged 60-75 years, comprising both males and females, who willingly participated in the balance training program using foam pads, wobble board, or Bosu ball. The participants were randomly divided in to Group A (training on foam platform), Group B (training on wobble board), or Group C (training on Bosu ball). The smart phone application triaxial accelerometer-based App-coo-balance test was used for pre and post evaluation of balance. Results: This study evaluated balance improvements in the geriatric population using statistical methods to compare pre- and post-intervention outcomes. Paired t-test was applied initially to find difference between 2 parameters [wide base (eyes open and eyes close) and feet together (eyes open and eyes close)] of same group. One-way ANOVA was applied to data set to see the difference between pre and post balance of 3 groups. Lastly, Post hoc analysis of the data set revealed that Group B (Wobble Board) showed better results. p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusion: Balance training on unstable platforms significantly improved balance within and between groups, with the wobble board showing better results compared to Bosu balls and foam pads in geriatric populations.