title: The effects of virtual reality game exercise on balance and gait of the elderly.
abstract: [Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of ball exercise as a general exercise on the balance abilities of elderly individuals by comparing ball exercise with virtual reality exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty elderly individuals residing in communities were randomly divided into a virtual reality game group and a ball exercise group and conducted exercise for 30 min 3 times a week for 8 weeks. [Results] Step length increased significantly, and the average sway speed and Timed Up and Go time significantly decreased in both groups. A comparison of sway length after the intervention between the two groups revealed that the virtual reality game exercise resulted in a reduction than the ball exercise. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicated that the virtual reality game exercise may improve balance and gait of elderly individuals in communities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Science, Daegu University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Eun-Cho
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Uiduk University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Seong-Gil
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Science, Daegu University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Chae-Woo
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Balance; Elderly; Virtual reality exercise