Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Aging
Date Submitted: Jul 9, 2025
Open Peer Review Period: Jul 9, 2025 - Sep 3, 2025
Date Accepted: Apr 9, 2026
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Effects of Multisensory Integration Training on Postural Stability Characteristics and Fall Risk in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
Older adults' fall risk rises with age, linked to multi-system decline, sensory processing changes and postural control deficits. Multisensory integration (MSI) training enhances the brain's multisensory processing, but existing studies lack comparability due to varied intervention duration and type. Thus, this study intends to quantify MSI training's effects on older adults' postural stability and fall risk via systematic review and meta-analysis, and identify heterogeneity sources.
Objective:
This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of multisensory integration (MSI) training on postural stability and fall risk in healthy older adults and provide an evidence-based basis for clinical practice.
Methods:
Databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched per PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analyses using R packages quantified effects via standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), with fixed/random effects models selected based on heterogeneity (I²). Subgroup analyses explored age, intervention duration, and type.
Results:
Fifteen randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Results showed that MSI training significantly reduced center of pressure displacement in the anterior–posterior displacement (SMD = 2.66, 95% CI [1.13, 4.20]) and center of pressure displacement in the medio–lateral displacement (SMD = 2.70, 95% CI [0.50, 4.90]). In terms of postural stability, MSI training significantly improved Berg balance scale scores (SMD = −3.42, 95% CI [−4.44, −2.41]), and Sensory Organization Test scores were significantly affected by age (SMD = −6.60, 95% CI [−13.06, −0.13]). 13.06, -0.13], P<0.001). In terms of fall risk, MSI training significantly improved Falls Efficacy Scale scores (SMD = 4.13, 95% CI [2.35, 5.91]); Timed up and go test completion time was significantly affected by intervention type (SMD = 1.14, 95% CI [0.46, 1.82], P < 0.001). Activity-specific balance confidence core was significantly affected by intervention time (SMD = −3.32, 95% CI [−8.80, 2.16], P = 0.03).
Conclusions:
MSI training can significantly improve static and dynamic postural control and reduce fear of falling scores, which implies that MSI training can improve postural stability and fall risk of older adults. Clinical Trial: CRD420251023158
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