Abstract: Objective To observe the impact of feed-forward control training on the risk of falls in the elderly. Methods Sixty elderly people who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group by a random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The control group received 8 weeks of routine fall prevention training, while the observation group received 8 weeks of feed-forward control training. Before and after 8 weeks of exercise, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Tinetti Gait Assessment Scale (Tinetti) and Falls Efficacy Scale-International(FES-I) were assessed, and central motor conduction time (CMCT) was detected. The parameters were compared between the two groups. Results There were no statistically significant differences in the scores of BBS, Tinetti and FES-I, and CMCT between the two groups before training (P>0.05). After 8 weeks of training, the scores of BBS and Tinetti in the two groups were significantly higher than those before training (P<0.05). But the scores of BBS and Tinetti showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). After 8 weeks of training, the level of CMCT was lower and the FES-I score was higher in the observation group than that before training and that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Both 8-week feed-forward control training and routine fall prevention training can reduce the risk of falls in the elderly, and feed-forward control training may have an effect in improving confidence in preventing falls and central nervous system conduction velocity in the elderly.

Key words: feed-forward control training, aged, balance, falls