Virtual Reality illusions systematically perturb balance in young and older adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Virtual Reality Technology

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) illusions can alter perceived motion and affect balance control.
• While younger adults' responses are known, older adults' reactions to VR-induced balance perturbations during dynamic tasks require further investigation.
• Understanding age-related differences is key for inclusive VR-based balance rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare older and younger adults' responses to VR illusions.
• To assess how illusion magnitude and direction impact balance performance across age groups.
• To explore the link between postural responses, functional performance, and VR exergames in different age groups.

Main Methods:

• Participants experienced VR illusions with varying magnitudes and directions.
• Centre of Pressure (CoP) displacement was measured to quantify balance responses.
• Performance in a VR exergame was recorded, correlating with balance metrics.

Main Results:

• Both age groups responded to VR illusions, showing increased CoP displacement.
• Older adults had higher overall CoP displacement but smaller relative increases compared to younger adults.
• CoP displacement direction correlated with illusion direction; game performance decreased with higher illusion magnitudes and anterior illusions.

Conclusions:

• VR illusions effectively perturb balance in both young and older adults.
• Consistent responses across age groups validate VR interventions for balance assessment and training.
• Scalable, game-based VR offers potential for personalized rehabilitation targeting age-related balance deficits.