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The effect of virtual reality gaming on dynamic balance in older adults
Abel Angel Rendon1, Everett B Lohman, Donna Thorpe
1Physical Therapy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA. abeltherapy@gmail.com
Background:
physical therapy interventions that increase functional strength and balance have been shown to reduce falls in older adults.
Aim:
this study compared a virtual reality group (VRG) and a control group (CG).
Design:
randomised controlled 6-week intervention with pre- and post-test evaluations.
Setting:
outpatient geriatric orthopaedic and balance physical therapy clinic.
Population:
forty participants were randomised into two groups.
Method:
the VRG received three different Nintendo® Wii FIT balance interventions three times per week for 6 weeks and the CG received no intervention.
Results:
compared with the CG, post-intervention measurements showed significant improvements for the VRG in the 8-foot Up & Go test [median decrease of 1.0 versus -0.2 s, (P=0.038) and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (6.9 versus 1.3%) (P=0.038)].
Conclusion:
virtual reality gaming provides clinicians with a useful tool for improving dynamic balance and balance confidence in older adults.
