Neuroadaptive Balance Training to Reduce Fall Risk in the Elderly

Abstract

Falls among older adults are often associated with age-related decline in sensorimotor integration and postural control. Perturbation-based balance training (PBT) is increasingly recognised for its role in enhancing stability through targeted motor adaptations. This study examines the functional effects of a two-week PBT intervention on balance and fall risk in elderly individuals (aged 75–92), using Tinetti, TUG, and Romberg assessments. Significant post-intervention improvements in the experimental group suggest that PBT may facilitate sensorimotor recalibration and promote neuroadaptive balance strategies. While neurophysiological mechanisms were not directly assessed, the observed functional gains point to enhanced central integration of proprioceptive feedback and motor planning. These findings underscore the potential of task-specific, reactive balance training as a neurorehabilitation strategy for fall prevention in geriatric cohorts. Despite the absence of neurophysiological instrumentation, the improvements suggest underlying cortical and subcortical adaptations that warrant further investigation. Future studies should incorporate wearable sensors, electromyography, or neuroimaging modalities to characterise neuroplastic modifications and assess the retention of motor learning. These additions could help optimise intervention design and better personalise fall prevention strategies for older adults.