Effect of neurofeedback training on dual balance tasks of motor and cognitive in older men

Increasing age increased the risk of acute and chronic diseases, but decreased functional capabilities of individuals and the power of the senses and perception. The changes in the areas of ​​biological, psychological and social threatened quality of life for older persons, as far as keeping them from performing daily activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of neurofeedback training on the quality of balance control under dual tasks conditions motor- balance and cognitive-balance in elderly men. The research method is quasi-experimental that is conducted by Pre-test/ post-test method. subjects were 60 years and older in Tabriz, Iran and were selected on a voluntary basis. Thirty elderly volunteers were randomly divided into two groups: experimental and control groups. The TUG was measured under conditions of dual-task motor-balance (Run the test with a full cup of water transport) and Dual Task balance-cognitive (Countdown test with random numbers); before and after the neurofeedback training (Up to 15 sessions in 30-minute 3 times a week for 5 weeks). The results showed that neurofeedback training was significantly increased performance in elderly motor dual-task (p =0.001). But in dual-task cognitive performance, although the improvement had taken place, not statistical significant differences were observed (p =0.051). The results suggest that the balance neurofeedback protocol improves balance performance under dual-task conditions, especially dual-motor task.