Design and Initial Validity Study of Perception-Empathy Biofeedback System for Gait Training in Older Adults

摘要

Maintaining gait performance is important as a strategy for health promotion and fall prevention in older adults. In the present study, we introduced a haptic-based biofeedback (BF) system designed to augment foot pressure information with a wearable vibrotactile BF device attached to the pelvis. This device provided information regarding an older adult's foot pressure pattern to the person (trainee) and coach (trainer) to refine the interpersonal feedback. In this project, a feasibility laboratory study was first conducted to clarify the validity of the BF system (i.e., kinematic changes and cognitive burden of the device). Our preliminary study showed that the system had potential to modify the kinematic pattern in some older adults, but not walking speed (comprehensive evaluation of walking). Moreover, it is likely that the device required, to some extent, a cognitive burden for specific older people; thus, this aspect may have interfered with the usability of the BF in the initial practice phase. These results provided essential preliminary knowledge for designing a successful BF system and future trial with BF devices.