The effect of virtual reality gaming on dynamic balance in older adults.
BACKGROUND
physical therapy interventions that increase functional strength and balance have been shown to reduce falls in older adults.


OBJECTIVE
this study compared a virtual reality group (VRG) and a control group (CG).


METHODS
randomised controlled 6-week intervention with pre- and post-test evaluations.


METHODS
outpatient geriatric orthopaedic and balance physical therapy clinic.


METHODS
forty participants were randomised into two groups.


METHODS
the VRG received three different Nintendo® Wii FIT balance interventions three times per week for 6 weeks and the CG received no intervention.


RESULTS
compared with the CG, post-intervention measurements showed significant improvements for the VRG in the 8-foot Up & Go test [median decrease of 1.0 versus -0.2 s, (P=0.038) and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (6.9 versus 1.3%) (P=0.038)].


CONCLUSIONS
virtual reality gaming provides clinicians with a useful tool for improving dynamic balance and balance confidence in older adults.
Physical Therapy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA. abeltherapy@gmail.com
Abel Angel
AA
Rendon
Everett B
EB
Lohman
Donna
D
Thorpe
Eric G
EG
Johnson
Ernie
E
Medina
Bruce
B
Bradley
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D002140:California; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D018910:Video Games