Targeting Balance Confidence to Increase Community Integration in Users of Prostheses

Eight weekly sessions integrating techniques from physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. At the start of each session participants play virtual reality games that target balance and functional gait and then discuss their balance confidence and activity avoidance behaviors with a behavioural counselor. Weekly homework assignments ask participants to report on thoughts causing them to avoid activities and to slowly engage in activities that present increasing levels of fear.

Stretching and other exercises are safely taught by physical therapist and then practiced at home following a provided schedule. Participants receive periodic calls to discuss progress.