Gamesbased balance biofeedback training using a range of training postures can significantly improve functional balance in exercise trained older adults by reducing the attentional demands of postural control.

This study examined the effect of amino acids in a carbohydrate beverage on cycling performance. Twelve male athletes (28.5 +/- 2.1 yr) cycled at 75% VO2peak for 90 min followed by a ride to exhaustion at 85% VO2peak, before (T1) and on 2 consecutive days (T2 and T3) after 2 weeks of supplementation with 3.6% carbohydrate plus 1% amino acids (AA) or 4.6% carbohydrate-only (CHO) isocaloric beverages. Muscle damage was assessed by plasma creatine kinase (CK), and muscle fatigue by changes in vertical jump pre- to postexercise. Muscle soreness, overall fatigue, and changes in mood state were assessed using questionnaires. Plasma CK was lower for AA in T3 (214.0 +/- 13.5 vs. 485.9 +/- 191.4 U/L immediately post, 213.9 +/- 13.1 vs. 492.0 +/- 199.4 U/L 5 hr post, and 194.9 +/- 17.9 vs. 405.9 +/- 166.6 U/L 24 hr postexercise in AA and CHO, respectively). Time to exhaustion decreased from T2 to T3 only in CHO (10.9 +/- 2.5 to 12.6 +/- 3.2 vs. 13.8 +/- 2.8 to 7.8 +/- 1.5 min in AA and CHO, respectively). Vertical-jump change from pre- to postexercise was greater in T3 for the CHO treatment. Total fatigue score and mood disturbance decreased significantly only with AA in T3. The addition of AA to a carbohydrate beverage after consecutive-day exercise bouts reduced muscle damage as indicated by CK levels, decreased fatigue, and maintained exercise performance compared with consuming carbohydrate alone.

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Games-based biofeedback training uses augmented feedback signals to control the action of computer games. The NeuroGym® system of games-based biofeedback has been used to improve the muscle activation and gait pattern of a patient with spinal cord injury. Training with this system also improved functional balance in a group of active older adults.

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