Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Reduced Resistance Exercise Volume on Metabolic Health
Published on: December 1, 2023
Comparison of virtual reality exercise versus conventional exercise on balance in patients with functional ankle
1Department of Occupational Therapy, Woosong University, Daejeon, Korea.
Background:
Recently, a variety of virtual reality (VR)-based interventions have been studied. However, they were only partially applied to physical therapy.
Objective:
The present study investigated the effects of a VR exercise program by comparing the results of VR and conventional exercise on balance in patients with functional ankle instability (FAI).
Methods:
Twenty-one participants with symptoms of FAI participated in this study. In the VR training program, the strength and balance exercises were done for 10 minutes each using a program included in the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus for VR intervention. In the conventional program, four ankle strength exercises using the TheraBand and the balance exercises were performed for 10 minutes each. Static and dynamic balance were measured in the overall, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral directions.
Results:
Static balance in the VR exercise was significantly lower in the overall direction than in the conventional exercise. Dynamic balance in the virtual reality exercise was significantly lower than in the conventional exercise at level 2, level 4, and level 8 balance in the medial-lateral direction.
Conclusions:
This study has shown that VR exercise is more effective in the overall direction (static) and medial-lateral direction (dynamic) of balance than conventional method in patients with FAI.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
02:57The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
01:10Ankle Joint