The effect of virtual reality gaming on dynamic balance in older adults.

BACKGROUND physical therapy interventions that increase functional strength and balance have been shown to reduce falls in older adults. AIM this study compared a virtual reality group (VRG) and a control group (CG). DESIGN randomised controlled 6-week intervention with pre- and post-test evaluations. SETTING outpatient geriatric orthopaedic and balance physical therapy clinic. POPULATION forty participants were randomised into two groups. METHOD the VRG received three different Nintendo® Wii FIT balance interventions three times per week for 6 weeks and the CG received no intervention. RESULTS compared with the CG, post-intervention measurements showed significant improvements for the VRG in the 8-foot Up & Go test [median decrease of 1.0 versus -0.2 s, (P=0.038) and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (6.9 versus 1.3%) (P=0.038)]. CONCLUSION virtual reality gaming provides clinicians with a useful tool for improving dynamic balance and balance confidence in older adults.

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