Effect of virtual reality training on risk of falls and quality of life among elderly

Asmaa M. AL-Emrany, Nagwa M. Badr, Abeer A. Farghaly, Heba A. Abed El Ghaffar

Asmaa M. AL-Emrany, Nagwa M. Badr, Abeer A. Farghaly, Heba A. Abed El Ghaffar – Effect of virtual reality training on risk of falls and quality of life among elderly. Fizjoterapia Polska 2021; 21(5); 138-143

Abstract
Purpose. One of the fall risk factors associated with aging is the deterioration of postural stability. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Virtual Reality Training (VRT) on the risk of falls, and quality of life among elderly.
Methods. Thirty-five community-dwelling elderly aged 65 to70 years from both genders were included in the study. Participant were randomly assigned into two groups; VRT group: included 30 participants and were provided with VRT sessions using Xbox 360 Kinect. Each session was determined to be for 30 minutes; 5 days weekly throughout the program period which was 6 weeks (30 sessions in total). The Control group: included 10 participants, they were advised to follow conventional balance exercises. The dynamic postural stability was assessed using the overall stability index (OSI) of Biodex and the Functional reach test (FRT) before and immediately after the program for all the participants. And 36-items short form (SF-36) Questionnaire was employed to evaluate the general health quality of life.
Results. The overall balance showed statistically significant improvements after VRT. Results revealed significant improvement of OSI and FRT (p < 0.05) after VRT. Also, the results demonstrated significant improvements in levels of general health quality of life after the VRT compared with those of the Control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion. VRT improves overall postural stability and general health quality of life and can help reduce the risk of falls in healthy older adults.
Key words:
elderly, postural stability, quality of life, overall stability index
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