Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42096607›Full record

SynthesisJMIR aging2026

Effects of Multisensory Integration Training on Postural Stability Characteristics and Fall Risk in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Chaoyu Guo, Lulu Yin, Peng Chen, Jianglong Zhan, Zhongqi Yu, Teck Cheng Tan, Yaru Wei, Yixue Gong, Menghan Xu, Van Minh Le and 1 more

Abstract readMeta-AnalysisSystematic ReviewSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in JMIR aging, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Chaoyu GuoSchool of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0009-5611-3243
Lulu YinSchool of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0738-2833
Peng ChenSchool of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1122-8209
Jianglong ZhanSchool of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0007-6121-137X
Zhongqi YuSchool of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0000-1403-9529
Teck Cheng TanSchool of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0005-1763-2076
Yaru WeiSchool of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0000-5189-1892
Yixue GongSchool of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0001-0239-1397
Menghan XuSchool of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0001-4772-4175
Van Minh LeSchool of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0003-5546-7310
Lin WangSports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3057-3742

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: The risk of falls escalates with advancing age, a consequence of the concomitant degeneration of multiple physiological systems, altered sensory processing capabilities, and reduced postural control. Multisensory integration (MSI) training has been demonstrated to enhance the brain's processing of multisensory information. However, existing studies show considerable variability in intervention duration and training modalities, limiting comparability across studies and contributing to inconsistent findings. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of MSI training on postural stability and fall risk in healthy older adults and provide an evidence base for clinical practice. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched by PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The methodological quality of the included randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and publication bias was evaluated through funnel plots. Meta-analyses using R packages quantified effects via standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs, with fixed or random effects models selected based on heterogeneity (I²). Subgroup analyses explored age, intervention duration, and type. Results: A total of 14 randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Results showed that MSI training significantly reduced center of pressure displacement in the anterior-to-posterior displacement (SMD -1.64, 95% CI -2.78 to -0.49, P<.001) and center of pressure displacement in the medio-to-lateral displacement (SMD -1.37, 95% CI -2.68 to -0.07, P<.001). In terms of postural stability, MSI training significantly improved Berg Balance Scale scores (SMD 3.42, 95% CI 2.41 to 4.44, P=.006). In terms of fall risk, MSI training significantly reduced the time to complete the timed up and go test, and intervention type significantly moderated this effect (SMD -1.43, 95% CI -2.36 to -0.50, P<.001). Additionally, MSI training reduced the risk of falls (SMD -1.27, 95% CI -2.03 to -0.52, P<.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, MSI training is an effective intervention for enhancing static and dynamic postural control and reducing fall risk in healthy older adults, suggesting a beneficial effect on postural stability and fall-related outcomes.

Indexed as

Accidental FallsExercisePostural BalanceAgedHumansPerceptionRandomized Controlled Trials as Topicfall riskmeta-analysismultisensory integration trainingolder adultspostural stability

Identifiers

PMID42096607
PMCPMC13152038

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.