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Vibrotactile Biofeedback Improves Tandem Gait in Patients with Unilateral Vestibular Loss
Author(s) -
Horak Fay B.,
Dozza Marco,
Peterka Robert,
Chiari Lorenzo,
Wall III Conrad
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03707.x
Subject(s) - biofeedback , vestibular system , trunk , physical medicine and rehabilitation , gait , medicine , crossover study , audiology , ecology , alternative medicine , pathology , biology , placebo
In a crossover design, subjects with unilateral vestibular loss (UVL) practiced tandem gait with eyes closed on two days, two weeks apart, with and without vibrotactile biofeedback (BF) applied to the lateral trunk. Results showed an immediate improvement in postural stability (reduction of lateral center‐of‐mass displacement, trunk tilt, and medial–lateral step width) that was significantly larger than effects of practice alone. However, BF did not increase the rate of improvement or retention of improved stability during gait.