Research Reports (Original Article)
Effects of Vibrotactile Feedback on Gait Function during Walking Practice for People Certified for Long-term Care/Support Need
A Pilot Study
2026 Volume 53 Issue 2 Pages 89-94
Details
2026 Volume 53 Issue 2 Pages 89-94
Objective: This pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of vibrotactile feedback during walking practice on gait function in older adults certified as requiring long-term care or support.
Methods: Participants were 10 older adults certified as requiring support or care. Walking practice using a Vibrotactile Feedback system was conducted twice weekly for 4 weeks. Outcome measures included walking speed, cadence, stride length, the Japanese version of the revised Gait Efficacy Scale, and the proportion of each phase within a single gait cycle. All measures were assessed before and after the intervention.
Results: Walking speed and stride length improved significantly following the intervention. Scores on the Japanese version of the revised Gait Efficacy Scale also increased significantly.
Conclusion: Walking practice incorporating vibrotactile feedback improved gait function and self-efficacy in older adults certified as requiring long-term care or support. Future studies should confirm these findings through a randomized controlled trial.
