Participating in a virtual reality balance exercise program can reduce risk and fear of falls

Abstract

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.