Fall Risk Can Be Reduced Through Virtual Reality Exercises in Nursing Homes

Virtual reality balance exercises may reduce risk and fear of falling in older adults and could be implemented in nursing homes (NHs) for lower costs than other therapeutic options, according to findings published in BMC Geriatrics.

Researchers conducted a clinical trial involving 60 NH residents aged 60 years or older. Participants were excluded if they had a history of diseases that could hinder exercising, visual or hearing impairments, and balance disorders attributable to diagnosed problems of the vestibular system and cerebellum.

Participants were randomized to a control group, in which standard NH interventions such as jogging and table tennis were implemented, and an Xbox group, in which residents participated in two 30- to 60-minute-long sessions of simulated balance exercises each week.

“Xbox Kinect is a smart computer that can simulate balance exercises” and be used for rehabilitation as well as normal exercise, researchers noted. “This computer can recognize people’s movements by a camera and infrared motion sensors and helps people perform movements correctly in case they are wrong.”

Participants’ fear of falling and balance were evaluated using the Falling Efficacy Scale, Timed Up and Go test, and Berg Balance Scale at baseline and at 6 weeks.

Findings indicated a significant improvement in balance in the Xbox group (P<.001 for both the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go tests). Older adults that participated in the Xbox intervention also experienced a significant reduction in fear of falling compared to participants in the control group (P<.001).

“According to the results of the present investigation, 6 weeks of [virtual reality] balance exercises could enhance balance and fear of falling among elderly people living in nursing homes,” study authors concluded, adding that more research was needed to confirm these benefits.

Reference:
Zahedian-Nasab N, Jaberi A, Shirazi F, Kavousipor S. Effect of virtual reality exercises on balance and fall in elderly people with fall risk: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatr. 2021 Sep 25;21(1):509. doi:10.1186/s12877-021-02462-w