Author: Singh, D.K.A.; Rajaratnam, B.S.; Palaniswamy, V.; Pearson, H.; Raman, V.P.; Bong, P.S.
Description: OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to quantify the effectiveness of virtual reality balance games (VRBG) to decrease risk and fear of falls among women.
METHODS: Thirty six community dwelling women aged 56 and above were randomly divided into experimental (exercises using VRBG focus on improving balance) and control (conventional balance exercises) groups. Both groups attended a twice 6 weekly exercise session for an hour. Risk and fear of falls were measured with Physiological Profile Approach (PPA) and Activity Specific Balance Scale (ABC-6). Pre and post intervention differences between the groups were examined using two way repeated measures ANOVA.
RESULTS: Both VRBG and conventional balance exercise groups had significant decrease in PPA (p<0.001) and ABC-6 (p<0.01) after the interventions. However, no significant effects were demonstrated between the groups in PPA (p=0.18) and ABC-6 (p=0.25) post intervention. Time and group interaction effect were not significant for PPA (p=0.18) and ABC-6 (p=0.45).
CONCLUSIONS: Practising VRBG can increase balance confidence and decrease risk of falls among community dwelling women.
Subject Headings: Accidental Falls/prevention & control; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Computer Simulation; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Fear; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Postural Balance; Risk
Keywords: Participating in a virtual reality balance exercise program can reduce risk and fear of falls
Publication year: 2012
Journal or book title: Maturitas
Volume: 73
Issue: 3
Pages: 239-243
Find the full text : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512212002447
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Type: Journal Article
Serial number: 2721