Postural Control in Older Adults During and Following a 12-Week Balance Training Intervention With Attentional Focus Instructions

Adults ( N = 54, 80.78 ± 6.08 years) who reported falling during the previous 12 months participated in a 12-week wobble board training program with internal focus or external (EF) instructions. Verbal manipulation checks were performed after sessions as self-report of attentional foci used. The percentage which participants using an EF (EF SR ) was subsequently calculated. Mean velocity and mean power frequency anterior–posterior (MVELO AP MPF medial–lateral ML direction assessed 35-s task at Weeks 0, 6, 12, 13, 16, 20, latter three retention tests. Piecewise linear growth models estimated treatment effects on individual trajectories MVELO intervention periods. Regardless condition, significantly decreased (π −.0019, p .005) increased .025, < .02) period. In analyses including interaction terms, group greater had superior progression .0013, .025). suggest preference for advantage facilitating postural control performance automaticity.