Improving static balance ability with trainings supported by somatosensory-based feedback system

To support trainings for static balance ability improvement, in this study, we developed a somatosensory-based feedback system (SFS) using Kinect technology. Three training tasks such as knees crouch, rotating upper body and rotating upper body with a ball in hands were designed according to the static balance ability training method. Forty-four participants volunteered to participate in the study. The participants completed these tasks by performing three movements during a six-week period. Feedback, either positive or negative, on the participants' static balance performance was provided by the SFS to adjust their posture and static balance. We tested the effectiveness of the SFS on improving the static balance ability in an experiment. The participants were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 22) and an experimental group (n = 22). The participants in the experimental group completed the training tasks with the support of the SFS, whereas the participants in the control group completed the training tasks without any feedback. A static balance ability pretest was administered before the training and a static balance ability posttest after the training. Differences between two groups on tests' results were compared. In addition, the participants in the experimental group completed intermediate tests (the same test as the pre- and post-test) during the training. Three main findings were obtained. First, there was no difference between the two groups in the static balance ability pretest; however, the experimental group outperformed the control group on the static balance ability posttest. Second, the participants' scores for the single barefoot standing using the dominant leg with eyes opened (SFOE) and single barefoot standing using the dominant leg with eyes closed (SFCE) testing tasks were higher than those in the double barefoot standing with eyes opened (DFOE) and double barefoot standing with eyes closed (DFCE) testing tasks. Third, there were improvements in swing path, swing speed, swing amplitude, and area research variables. According to interviews with the participants, the SFS was useful, as it provided feedback to the static balance performance and they used it to adjust their postures and balance. Based on the results, we suggest applying the SFS to trainings for static balance ability as it can improve the static balance ability.