Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Tennis Training on Balance in Older Adults

Decline in balance is a major risk factor for falls among older adults. Virtual reality (VR)-based training can enhance neural activation and sensorimotor integration, offering a promising approach for improving balance in older adults. However, the effects of immersive VR-based tennis training on balance in older adults remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of immersive VR-based tennis training on static and dynamic balance in older adults and to evaluate the retention of these effects 1 week after detraining.

Thirty-eight healthy older adults were randomly assigned to either a VR-based tennis training group (EXP, n = 20) or a VR-based documentary viewing control group (CON, n = 18). Both groups participated in three weekly sessions for 4 weeks. Static balance was assessed using the one-legged stance test (OLST) and Romberg test (RBT), while dynamic balance was evaluated through the balance beam walking test (BBWT), timed up and go test (TUG), and Fukuda stepping test (FST). Assessments were conducted at baseline (T0), after the intervention (T1), and 1 week after detraining (T2).

The EXP group showed significant improvements in OLST with the dominant leg and in RBT at T1 and T2 compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Within the EXP group, performance on OLST, RBT, and BBWT improved at T1 and T2 compared to T0 (p < 0.05), along with a significant decrease in TUG completion time at T2 compared to T0 (p = 0.011). No significant effects were observed in the FST (p > 0.05).

Four weeks of immersive VR-based tennis training effectively improved static balance in older adults, with benefits lasting for at least 1 week after detraining. These findings suggest that VR-based sports simulations may serve as an engaging and effective balance training method, particularly in addressing static balance impairments.