Participating in a virtual reality balance exercise program can reduce risk and fear of falls (original) (raw)
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Biomedical Journal of Scientific and Technical Research, 2021
Introduction: Alteration of functional balance is one of the main factors that limit the life of the elderly, with falls being the most aggravating consequence. With the advent of technology, several resources have been implemented in different areas of health, with emphasis on immersive virtual reality (RVI). Objective: To evaluate the effect of a swing training in immersive virtual reality on functional balance and its influence on the fear of falling in the elderly. Methods: This is an experimental, uncontrolled study conducted with elderly people with changes in body balance. Balance assessment was performed using the Dynamic Gait Index and Timed Up and Go tests, which measure functional balance, mobility and speed, respectively. The fear of falls was assessed using the Scale Effectiveness of Falls-International. After the initial evaluation battery, we proceeded with the intervention stage, where balance training was implemented through Immersive Virtual Reality. In all, 16 sessions were held, each lasting 50 minutes. At the end, a reassessment was carried out using the same tests as the initial evaluation. In all analyzes, an alpha value equal to 5% and the software R v3.6.1 were adopted. Results: Statically significant results were found only for balance (p <0.01) and mobility and speed (p <0.01). The fear of falls (p = 0.33) with an increase in the mean after the intervention, did not present a statistically significant result. Conclusion: The training was effective to optimize the functional balance, having no influence in reducing the fear of falling.
Effects of balance training using a virtual-reality system in older fallers
Clinical Interventions in Aging
Poor balance is considered a challenging risk factor for falls in older adults. Therefore, innovative interventions for balance improvement in this population are greatly needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a new virtual-reality system (the Balance Rehabilitation Unit [BRU]) on balance, falls, and fear of falling in a population of community-dwelling older subjects with a known history of falls. In this study, 60 community-dwelling older subjects were recruited after being diagnosed with poor balance at the Falls and Fractures Clinic, Nepean Hospital (Penrith, NSW, Australia). Subjects were randomly assigned to either the BRU-training or control groups. Both groups received the usual falls prevention care. The BRU-training group attended balance training (two sessions/week for 6 weeks) using an established protocol. Change in balance parameters was assessed in the BRU-training group at the end of their 6-week training program. Both groups were assessed 9 mont...
Journal of physical therapy science, 2016
This study investigated efficacy of virtual reality (VR)-based balance training on enhancing balance and postural reactions of adults as a low-cost new modality compared to the established Biodex Balance System (BBS). [Subjects] Thirty normal adults of both genders were divided randomly into two equal-sized experimental groups of 15: BBS balance training and VR balance training. [Methods] The training programmes were conducted in 12 sessions, three 15-min sessions per week. The Nintendo ® Wii Fit Plus (NWFP) and its balance board were used to train of the VR group. Each participant answered a questionnaire concerning usability, enjoyment, balance improvement, and fatigue at the end of the training programs. [Results] The study found a significant increase the measure of mean overall balance (OLB) in both groups. No significant difference was found between the groups, but a significant decrease in the mean balance-test time was found for both groups, with no significant difference between the two training methods. The VR programme was rated highly enjoyable by 81.8% of the group. [Conclusion] The Wii Fit Plus system with the balance board as a new VR balance-training technique, can be considered an effective and enjoyable tool for the training of adults' body balance.
The Effect of Virtual Reality on Postural Stability and Fall Risk Assessment of Older Women
Women’s Health Bulletin (WHB) , 2021
Background: Exergames (exercise and gaming) or virtual exercises have been reported to improve balance and functional mobility in older adults. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of virtual reality exercise, on the static balance, postural stability, and functional mobility among older women. Methods: In this quasi-experimental pilot study, 15 older women aged 65 years old and above were divided into control and experimental groups. Our participants were recruited from Gorgan Neighborhood House in Tehran-Iran in June and July 2020. Following the pre-test, the experimental group completed three weeks of virtual training three times per week via Xbox Kinect Software, and the effects were measured after three weeks. The Biodex Balance System was employed to measure the fall risk index and postural stability index. Moreover, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were used for functional mobility. Results: One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed a statistically significant difference in post-test between the groups concerning fall risk index in open eye conditions, (P<0.001), fall risk index in close eye conditions (P<0.001), overall stability index (P<0.001), and TUG (P<0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that virtual reality exercise could improve the fall risk index and functional mobility of healthy older women. Consequently, these types of exercise could be recommended as practical exercises for elderlies to be done at home or health care institutions.
International Journal of Scientific Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 2022
Background: With advancing age, the postural control mechanism becomes less efficient due to ageing. Reduced peripheral sensation, muscle weakness, and increased reaction time are significant contributing factors to postural instability in the elderly. Thus age can affect both static and dynamic balance in elderly which will eventually have impact on fear of fall and risk of fall. Virtual Reality Training (VRT) focuses on exercise intensity and feedback that provides the patient with safe and effective training and rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of kinect based virtual reality training on Static balance, Dynamic balance and Risk of Fall. Methodology: Ethical clearance was obtained by the Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals. Based on the inclusion criteria, patients were screened using Time up and go test (TUG) as a screening tool for balance, 31 participants were recruited. Pre and post assessment of static and dynamic balance was done by Four Stage Balance Test (FSBT) and TUG. Explanation and instruction were given to patient about the game controls and exergames with a demo. Results and Conclusion: 30 min of Exergame training for 8 sessions for two week were administered. Paired t-test was used to test for significant change. Pre-post comparison of TUG and FSBT scores showed that there is significant change. (p= <0.001 and <0.001 respectively which is statistically significant).VRT can be an effective means of training basic motor skills to improve the balance, and use of VR in the area of motor learning can be of great benefit in improving balance.
BioMedical Engineering OnLine, 2018
Background Adults with sedentary lifestyles seem to face a higher risk of falling in their later years. Several causes, such as impairment of strength, coordination, and cognitive function, influence worsening health conditions, including balancing ability. Many modalities can be applied to improve the balance function and prevent falling. Several studies have also recorded the effects of balance training in elderly adults for fall prevention. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to define the effect of virtual reality-based balance training on motor learning and postural control abilities in healthy adults. Methods For this study, ten subjects were randomly allocated into either the conventional exercise (CON) or the virtual reality (VR) group. The CON group underwent physical balance training, while the VR group used the virtual reality system 4 weeks. In the VR group, the scores from three game modes were utilized to describe the effect of motor learning and define the learning ...
Jurnal Sains …, 2010
Pengenalan perawakan terkawal yang menilai peranan latihan sukan interaktif realiti maya adalah terhad. Kajian awalan ini mengukur efikasi latihan golf interactive virtual reality terhadap keupayaan keseimbangan di kalangan komuniti warga tua yang boleh bergerak. Lapan orang warga tua perempuan (52.5 ± 1.5 tahun) melakukan Multi-Directional Test (MDRT), Step Up Test (SUT), Double Leg Static Balance di dalam keadaan mata buka dan tutup serta perubahan pusat tekanan sway diukur menggunakan force plate. Pemilihan subjek dilakukan secara rawak kepada kumpulan kawalan (conventional mat exercise) dan eksperimentasi (interactive virtual reality golf). Seorang subjek keluar dari kumpulan eksperimentasi dan 3 orang dari kumpulan kawalan. Tiada perbezaan yang signifikan pada pengukuran data awalan keseimbangan di antara kumpulan. Kumpulan yang menjalani golf interaktif realiti maya tidak menunjukkan peningkatan keseimbangan yang signifikan berbanding kumpulan kawalan. Peningkatan pada pusat tekanan selepas golf interaktif realiti maya memberi petunjuk kepada peningkatan kawalan postur. Kajian lanjutan dengan populasi yang lebih besar perlu dijalankan dengan menggunakan off-the shelf interactive virtual reality golf untuk melatih keseimbangan. Teknologi nobel ini boleh menambahkan program rehabilitasi untuk mempercepatkan penyembuhan dan kekerapan senaman terutamanya dalam kondisi kronik anggota bawah.
Applied Sciences
The present review is aimed at the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) and exergames in the prevention of falls among the elderly. Falls become a significant problem in the aging population and lead to psychological, social, and physical impairment. Prevention of falls is crucial to the well-being of the elderly population and is one of the challenges of contemporary rehabilitation. Recently, in view of the threat of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, contactless methods of rehabilitation, including telerehabilitation, appear as valuable rehabilitation tools. This review is based on the PRISMA guidelines and was carried out in five databases: PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and PEDro. Twenty-one randomized controlled trials, focused on the application of VR and exergames in the prevention of falls, were included. This review suggests that VR training in rehabilitation appears to be a promising complement to traditional techniques of physiotherapy to improve specific physical outcom...