title: Utility of a Three-Dimensional Interactive Augmented Reality Program for Balance and Mobility Rehabilitation in the Elderly: A Feasibility Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To improve lower extremity function and balance in elderly persons, we developed a novel, three-dimensional interactive augmented reality system (3D ARS). In this feasibility study, we assessed clinical and kinematic improvements, user participation, and the side effects of our system.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen participants (age, 56-76 years) capable of walking independently and standing on one leg were recruited. The participants received 3D ARS training during 10 sessions (30-minute duration each) for 4 weeks. Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) scores were obtained before and after the exercises. Outcome performance variables, including response time and success rate, and kinematic variables, such as hip and knee joint angle, were evaluated after each session.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants exhibited significant clinical improvements in lower extremity balance and mobility following the intervention, as shown by improved BBS and TUG scores (p<0.001). Consistent kinematic improvements in the maximum joint angles of the hip and knee were observed across sessions. Outcome performance variables, such as success rate and response time, improved gradually across sessions, for each exercise. The level of participant interest also increased across sessions (p<0.001). All participants completed the program without experiencing any adverse effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Substantial clinical and kinematic improvements were observed after applying a novel 3D ARS training program, suggesting that this system can enhance lower extremity function and facilitate assessments of lower extremity kinematic capacity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Eulji Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Dal Jae
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Im
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Jeunghun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ku
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Daehan Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Yeun Joon
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Technology and Innovation Management, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Sangwoo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Eulji Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Yun Kyung
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical therapy, Eulji Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Teo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics, Yonsei University of College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Hye Sun
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Eulji Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyun Jung
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Eulji Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Youn Joo
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Kang
keywords: Aged; Augmented reality; Balance; Exercise; Virtual reality