Visual cue training for balance, gait and cognition in post-menopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

Post-menopausal women frequently exhibit balance and gait impairments associated with hormonal changes, increasing their risk of falls and reduced functional independence. This study investigated the effect of visual cue training on balance and gait in post-menopausal women. A total of 48 eligible participants were randomly allocated into two groups: group A received visual cue training combined with conventional exercises, and group B received conventional training only. Both groups underwent an 8-week intervention, and balance, gait performance, cognitive function, and depression were assessed before and after training. Significant improvements over time were observed in step length, cadence, center of pressure (COP) range, and Berg Balance Scale scores. Between-group differences favored the visual cue group for step length and COP range. Cadence demonstrated a significant time × group interaction, indicating a differential pattern of improvement between groups, without a significant overall group effect. Both groups showed significant improvements in P300 latency over time, with no significant time × group interaction (p=0.81). No significant between-group differences were found for gait speed, stride length, COP sway, or P300 amplitude. These findings suggest adding visual cues to conventional training enhances specific aspects of postural control and cognitive processing but does not provide additional benefits for all gait-related parameters. Visual cue-based training may therefore be a valuable adjunct to conventional rehabilitation programs aimed at improving functional mobility in post-menopausal women.

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