Effect of a Virtual Reality-based Exercise Program on Balance and Risk of Falling in Older Women

Abstract

Background and Aims This study aims to investigate the effect of a virtual reality-based exercise program on static and dynamic balance and the risk of falling in older women.Methods The study population consists of all older women in Tehran, Iran (Mean±SD age= 64.96±0.34 years, height=163.16±0.67 cm, and body mass index= 64.27±4.91 Kg/m2). Of these, 30 women were selected by a convenience sampling method based on the inclusion criteria and were randomly divided into two groups of exercise (n=15) and control (n=15). Their static and dynamic balances were assessed by Biodex balance system and their risk of falling was measured by the dynamic gait index. The women in the exercise group performed balance exercises based on virtual reality for six weeks (Three sessions per week, each for 30-45 minutes). Finally, the obtained data were analyzed by statistical tests such as t-test and analysis of covariance in SPSS software, version 21. The significance level was set at 0.05.Results Six weeks of virtual reality-based exercises had a positive and significant effect on static and dynamic balance and the risk of falling in older women (P=0.001).Conclusion The exercises based on virtual reality can improve static and dynamic balance and reduce the risk of falling in Aged women which are recommended to prevent balance disorders and its adverse outcomes in these women.

Keywords

• balance
• virtual reality
• fall
• elderly