The effect of neurofeedback training on balance and fear of falling in elderly men with Parkinson's disease

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Ker.C., Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract

Objective
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of neurofeedback training on balance and fear of falling in elderly men with Parkinson's disease.
Method
The present study is of an applied type in terms of purpose and a semi-experimental and descriptive-survey type in terms of methodology. The statistical population was all elderly men with Parkinson's disease aged between 60 to 70 years. From the statistical population, 30 people (15 people for each group) were selected conveniently and randomly assigned to two control and experimental groups.Ten days before training program, a pre-test (static and dynamic balance index and fear of falling) was performed. The excremental group was performed neurofeedback training for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical test was used to determine the normality of the data distribution, and the analysis of covariance test at a significance level of 0.05 and using SPSS software was used to examine the differences between the groups.
Resalts
The results showed that there was a significant difference between static and dynamic balance in the experimental and control groups. Also, the dependent t-test results in the experimental group showed a significant improvement from pre-test to post-test. Therefore, it can be said that performing neurofeedback training has been able to significantly improve static balance, dynamic balance, and fear of falling in elderly people with Parkinson's disease.
Conclusion
Therefore, it can be said that considering that neurofeedback training are of a mental nature, it can increase strength and ultimately balance by facilitating the activation of large and fast-twitch muscle units, increasing muscle coordination, and stimulating neuromuscular systems. Therefore, the training used can improve motor maintenance programs and better balance, which results in reducing the fear of falling in elderly groups.

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Volume 2, Issue 2
May 2025
Pages 34-46
  • Receive Date: 15 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 10 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 20 June 2025
  • Publish Date: 28 June 2025