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. 2022 Jun 27;10(7):1202.
doi: 10.3390/healthcare10071202.

The Effect of Augmented Reality-Based Proprioceptive Training Program on Balance, Positioning Sensation and Flexibility in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Jaewon Lee  1 , Jaeho Yu  1 , Jiheon Hong  1 , Dongyeop Lee  1 , Jinseop Kim  1 , Seonggil Kim  1
Affiliations

The Effect of Augmented Reality-Based Proprioceptive Training Program on Balance, Positioning Sensation and Flexibility in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Jaewon Lee et al. Healthcare (Basel). .

Abstract

This study investigates whether Augmented Reality (AR)-based interventions can be as effective as physical therapists (PT) regarding balance, positioning sensation, and flexibility. A sample of 39 regular people who voluntarily participated in this study were randomly distributed into two groups. Then AR was applied in the experimental group and PT was applied in the control group. Variables were measured by Tetrax (static balance), Y-balance test (dynamic balance), CSMI (proprioception), and sit and reach test (flexibility). All measurements were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test. The exercise program of this study improved the stability index (ST) of the static balance in both groups after the intervention, and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) at normal eye close (NC) and Pillow with eye close (PC) positions. Moreover, regarding the case of dynamic balance, there were significant differences in AR and PT groups to reach in all directions (p < 0.05). In the case of positioning sensation, there was no significant difference in both groups (p > 0.05), and there was a significant difference in flexibility (p < 0.05). When comparing the two groups, there was no significant difference in all categories (p > 0.05). As a result, AR can be considered an effective form of therapy and can be selected according to individual conditions.

Keywords: augmented reality; balance; flexibility; positioning sensation; proprioceptive exercise.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Experiment Procedures.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Static balance measurement: (A) Tetrax measuring instrument; (B) force plate; (C) measure on a flat ground; (D) unstable ground with a pillow; (E) measure on an unstable ground.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Y-balance test. (A) Y-balance test equipment; (B) starting posture; (C) anterior; (D) posteromedial; (E) posterolateral.
Figure 4
Figure 4
CSMI. (A) CSMI; (B) starting position; (C) set leg to target angle; (D) back to (B) and close eyes; (E) make a target angle.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Comparison of static balance between groups after intervention: (a) WDI; (b) ST.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Comparison of dynamic balance between groups after intervention. AR: Pre-measurement of the experimental group; PT: Pre-measurement of the control group; Post-AR: Post-measurement of the experimental group; Post-PT: Post-measurement of the control group.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Comparison of positioning sensation and flexibility between groups after intervention application: (a) Positing sensation; (b) Flexibility.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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