C-Mill Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality Treadmill Training for Reducing Risk of Fall in the Elderly: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Falls are a major health concern for the elderly, impacting mobility and independence.
• Adequate walking adaptability is crucial for preventing falls in older adults.
• Existing interventions require innovative approaches to enhance balance and reduce fall risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) treadmill training on balance and fall risk in the elderly.
• To compare the efficacy of VR/AR enhanced gait training versus conventional gait training.

Main Methods:

• Sixty Saudi elderly participants (60-70 years) were divided into experimental (VR/AR) and control groups.
• Both groups underwent 6 weeks of training, including conventional exercises and C-Mill treadmill gait training.
• The experimental group utilized VR/AR games on the treadmill, while the control group used the treadmill without VR/AR.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in Timed Up and Go (TUG), Fall Risk (FR), and Limit of Stability (LOS) tests post-training.
• These improvements were maintained for 4 weeks after training completion.
• The VR/AR group demonstrated superior improvements in all measured variables compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

• C-Mill VR/AR treadmill training is an effective intervention for enhancing balance control in the elderly.
• VR/AR treadmill training significantly reduces the risk of falls in older adults.
• The study highlights the potential of immersive technologies in geriatric rehabilitation.