Multimodal analysis of postural control in adults at risk of falls

Proprioception declines with age, increasing the risk of falls in older adults. Conditions such as osteoporosis, which are highly prevalent in this population, further increase both the risk of falls and the severity of resulting injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate a 3-week NeuroMuscolar Taping treatment to improve postural control in 10 older adults (> 65 y.o.) with mild osteoporosis. Electroencephalography (EEG) and center of pressure (CoP) signals were recorded during a sensory orientation task of the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test before (T0) and after (T1) treatment. Nonlinear analysis using the Higuchi Fractal Dimension (HFD) algorithm was performed on both EEG and CoP signals. Changes in HFD EEG and CoP values between T0 and T1 were analysed using linear mixed-effects regression models and their correlation using a latent change score model. At T1, participants showed decreased HFD EEG values in the central brain region (p < 0.001) and increased HFD CoP values (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was observed between changes in HFD EEG and HFD CoP values between T0 and T1 (p < 0.05). The results suggest that older adults may have improved flexibility and adaptability in postural control, as well as better cognitive load management.Clinical relevance- Falls are a major cause of functional impairment in older adults. In Italy, nearly one in ten older adults are prone to falls, which result in hospitalisation in a fifth of cases. This study provides evidence for a feasible intervention that could improve postural control and reduce the risk of falls.