Section 5.1 describes ergonomic approaches aimed at preventing falls and improving balance ability. Conventionally, center of pressure (COP) analysis using a force platform has long been used to evaluate postural control ability. However, it has been shown that COP parameters during static standing balance are not strongly associated with fall risk. Therefore, dynamic elements such as COP during perturbed standing or sensory disturbances have been incorporated to assess fall risk. Additionally, new insights have been gained by analyzing postural sway using frequency analysis. Furthermore, this section will introduce fall-related research using small accelerometers, insights into mHealth, and the benefits of balance training utilizing video games and external disturbances. The authors have primarily conducted research on evaluating dynamic postural control for fall prevention and assessing the effectiveness of related training. Their work has mainly involved comparing younger and older individuals to investigate age-related changes in postural control, with a particular focus on the impact of aging on responses to visual and plantar somatosensory perturbations. They have also built extensive evidence regarding postural control in response to external disturbances, as well as foot trajectory and stepping velocity during stepping movements. In their research on training effectiveness, they have developed a simple and safe stepping exercise method that community-dwelling older adults can perform at home, with future practical application anticipated. Section 5.3 provides a comprehensive review of studies investigating the use of sensory stimulation interventions to improve balance in the elderly. Several experiments measured foot tactile thresholds, dynamic postural sway, and limits of stability to evaluate the effects of vibratory stimulation to the feet and trunk. The findings demonstrated that short-term and long-term sensory interventions significantly enhanced sensory feedback and balance performance. Additionally, the chapter discusses studies that used virtual reality to provide moving auditory and tactile inputs. These studies highlight the potential of virtual reality to support posture control and gait training in daily life. The results suggest that combining vibratory stimulation with VR-based multisensory feedback is an innovative approach to fall prevention and rehabilitation. Future research should focus on optimizing stimulation parameters, enabling home-based training, and conducting large-scale randomized controlled trials to validate the efficacy of these interventions and develop personalized programs for elderly individuals.

Supporting Physical Activity in the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities

章节
发表日期：

2026年

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Yusuke Maeda,
Toshiaki Tanaka

摘要

Section 5.1 describes ergonomic approaches aimed at preventing falls and improving balance ability. Conventionally, center of pressure (COP) analysis using a force platform has long been used to evaluate postural control ability. However, it has been shown that COP parameters during static standing balance are not strongly associated with fall risk. Therefore, dynamic elements such as COP during perturbed standing or sensory disturbances have been incorporated to assess fall risk. Additionally, new insights have been gained by analyzing postural sway using frequency analysis. Furthermore, this section will introduce fall-related research using small accelerometers, insights into mHealth, and the benefits of balance training utilizing video games and external disturbances. The authors have primarily conducted research on evaluating dynamic postural control for fall prevention and assessing the effectiveness of related training. Their work has mainly involved comparing younger and older individuals to investigate age-related changes in postural control, with a particular focus on the impact of aging on responses to visual and plantar somatosensory perturbations. They have also built extensive evidence regarding postural control in response to external disturbances, as well as foot trajectory and stepping velocity during stepping movements. In their research on training effectiveness, they have developed a simple and safe stepping exercise method that community-dwelling older adults can perform at home, with future practical application anticipated. Section 5.3 provides a comprehensive review of studies investigating the use of sensory stimulation interventions to improve balance in the elderly. Several experiments measured foot tactile thresholds, dynamic postural sway, and limits of stability to evaluate the effects of vibratory stimulation to the feet and trunk. The findings demonstrated that short-term and long-term sensory interventions significantly enhanced sensory feedback and balance performance. Additionally, the chapter discusses studies that used virtual reality to provide moving auditory and tactile inputs. These studies highlight the potential of virtual reality to support posture control and gait training in daily life. The results suggest that combining vibratory stimulation with VR-based multisensory feedback is an innovative approach to fall prevention and rehabilitation. Future research should focus on optimizing stimulation parameters, enabling home-based training, and conducting large-scale randomized controlled trials to validate the efficacy of these interventions and develop personalized programs for elderly individuals.