Effects of short-term slant board standing training on step-over obstacle in older adults

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of slant-board standing training (SST) on the ability of older adults to step over low obstacles and to explore its potential use in community activities.

Methods: Ten healthy older adults were included. We compared the effect of one minute of SST with regular standing on flat ground training. Participants performed a step-over-obstacle task before and after each training condition. During the task, we measured heel-obstacle distance (HD), step length, and clearance, and calculated the standard deviation (SD) of clearance to assess variability. We also evaluated the center of pressure (COP) displacement in the forward-backward and left-right directions.

Results: After SST, HD, step length, and clearance increased, while SD decreased. COP shifted forward.

Conclusions: SST increased HD, step length, and clearance, suggesting that it could be used in community settings as a tool for fall prevention.