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Comparing Virtual Reality and Robotic Training Effects on Balance Ability and Confidence in Older Adults
Oluwasola Okhuoya1, Lara A Thompson1
1Center for Biomechanical & Rehabilitation Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Program, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA.
Applied Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 8, 2026
Summary
Virtual Reality (VR) and Robotic-Assisted Balance Training (RABT) both aid older adults
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Rehabilitation Science
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Falls are a major health concern for older adults, leading to injury and mortality.
- Effective balance training interventions are crucial for fall prevention in this demographic.
- Existing research highlights the potential of technology-assisted training for improving balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of Virtual Reality (VR) versus Robotic-Assisted Balance Training (RABT) on balance ability and confidence in older adults.
- To investigate the impact of immersive VR exercises versus robotic-guided overground training on fall risk factors.
- To assess changes in objective balance measures and subjective balance confidence following a 6-week training program.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of older adults (aged 60-85) participated in a 6-week balance training program (2x 30 min/week).
- Intervention groups received either VR training using Oculus headsets or RABT using the NaviGAITor system.
- Balance ability was assessed using Center of Pressure (COP) parameters and the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS); balance confidence was measured with the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were found between VR and RABT groups for overall balance ability or confidence.
- RABT showed trends towards improved objective balance, with reduced mediolateral (ML) displacement and BESS errors.
- VR training led to significant changes in ML RMS values and improved the correlation between perceived and actual balance ability (BESS vs. ABC scores).
Conclusions:
- Both VR and RABT show potential for balance improvement in older adults, though direct comparisons yielded no significant differences.
- RABT may offer advantages in objective balance improvements, while VR training enhances the awareness of one's own balance capabilities.
- Further research is needed to optimize these technologies for fall prevention strategies in geriatric populations.
