Exploring static balance metrics and feedback conflicts in elderly fallers and stroke survivors: A comparative study

Falls can have serious consequences for elderly and stroke patients, and understanding the factors that contribute to falls is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. Visual conflict is one such factor that may cause disruptions in static balance. The analysis of the center of pressure (COP) trajectory can help evaluate this factor. This study aimed to examine the differences in static balance metrics concerning visual conflict among fall-prone older adults residing in the community and chronic stroke survivors. The study included a total sample of 16 elderly fallers and 16 chronic stroke survivors. All subjects performed a static balance test which involved maintaining stability for 30 seconds while wearing a helmet in the shape of a dome. The dome-shaped helmet provided conflicting feedback to the brain as the eyes detected a constant distance from the surface of the dome, indicating a stable head position in relation to the environment, while the vestibular system accurately perceived any head movements. Data on Ground Reaction Force (GRF) were collected from both groups, and an open-access code was used to compute the Center of Pressure (COP) features. The COP trajectory was analyzed during quiet stance with feedback conflict, utilizing over 50 different equations. Independent t-tests were performed, revealing that six parameters exhibited significant differences between the elderly fallers and the stroke survivors. The findings of this research are consistent with prior studies that emphasized the significance of identifying criteria for categorizing people who are vulnerable and tracking their development over time. With the latest progress in data analysis, the integration of COP trajectory examination into standard medical examinations is becoming increasingly viable, presenting the opportunity for customized treatment plans and better rehabilitation consequences.

M. Karageorgopoulou, D. Menychtas, A. Grekidis, P. Manaveli, E. Kouli, A. Kanavaki, E. Douda, C. Kokkotis, M. Michalopoulou, V. Gourgoulis, I. Smilios, G. Sirakoulis, N. Aggelousis