title: Effects of balance training using a virtual-reality system in older fallers.
abstract: Poor balance is considered a challenging risk factor for falls in older adults. Therefore, innovative interventions for balance improvement in this population are greatly needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a new virtual-reality system (the Balance Rehabilitation Unit [BRU]) on balance, falls, and fear of falling in a population of community-dwelling older subjects with a known history of falls. In this study, 60 community-dwelling older subjects were recruited after being diagnosed with poor balance at the Falls and Fractures Clinic, Nepean Hospital (Penrith, NSW, Australia). Subjects were randomly assigned to either the BRU-training or control groups. Both groups received the usual falls prevention care. The BRU-training group attended balance training (two sessions/week for 6 weeks) using an established protocol. Change in balance parameters was assessed in the BRU-training group at the end of their 6-week training program. Both groups were assessed 9 months after their initial assessment (month 0). Adherence to the BRU-training program was 97%. Balance parameters were significantly improved in the BRU-training group (P < 0.01). This effect was also associated with a significant reduction in falls and lower levels of fear of falling (P < 0.01). Some components of balance that were improved by BRU training showed a decline after 9 months post-training. In conclusion, BRU training is an effective and well-accepted intervention to improve balance, increase confidence, and prevent falls in the elderly.
authors: Falls and Fractures Clinic, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, NSW, Australia. gustavo.duque@sydney.edu.au
authors: Gustavo
authors: G
authors: Duque
authors: Derek
authors: D
authors: Boersma
authors: Griselda
authors: G
authors: Loza-Diaz
authors: Sanobar
authors: S
authors: Hassan
authors: Hamlet
authors: H
authors: Suarez
authors: Dario
authors: D
authors: Geisinger
authors: Pushpa
authors: P
authors: Suriyaarachchi
authors: Anita
authors: A
authors: Sharma
authors: Oddom
authors: O
authors: Demontiero
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D063367:Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy / Q000379:methods*
keywords: balance; elderly; falls; postural instability; virtual reality