Effects of group-based virtual reality training on activities of daily living and functional outcomes in older adults: a randomised control trial

Oznur Fidan; Humeyra Kiloatar; Ertugrul Colak; Deran Oskay

doi:10.1080/17483107.2024.2431051

Effects of group-based virtual reality training on activities of daily living and functional outcomes in older adults: a randomised control trial

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2024 Nov 21:1-12. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2431051. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Oznur Fidan¹, Humeyra Kiloatar², Ertugrul Colak³, Deran Oskay⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey.
² Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Kutahya Health Sciences University, Kutahya, Turkey.
³ Department of Biostatistics, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey.
⁴ Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.

PMID: 39570714
DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2431051

Abstract

Virtual reality training (VRT), a fun, inexpensive and accessible technology, has the potential to improve activities of daily living (ADL) and functional status in older adults. The potential impact of VRT can be increased through group-based training. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of group- based VRT on ADL and functional outcomes in older adults over 65 years of age. Forty-three older adults included in the study were randomized into three groups (group- based VRT, individual VRT and control group). VRT was performed with Xbox 360 Kinect twice a week for 8 weeks. Each session lasted 45 min. Physical activity level, satisfaction level with physical activity, mood, mobility and balance performance, functional exercise capacity and ADL were evaluated. 36 people completed the study. A significant group × time interaction was found in Timed Up and Go test (TUG) (F [2, 57] = 8.60; η²= 0.004, P= <.001) and in Single Leg Stance Test (SLST)) (F [2, 57] = 5.69; η²= 8.509 × 10^-4, P= <.007). After 8 weeks group- based VRT showed better scores in overall TUG (p < .001) and SLST (p= .015), whereas individual VRT and control group did not exhibit significant changes. Our results suggested that 8 weeks group- based VRT could improve mobility and balance performance in older adults.

Keywords: Virtual reality; activities of daily living; balance; mobility; older adults.

Plain language summary

Traditional group exercises are frequently used in older population due to their health benefits, but group-based virtual reality training is rarely used in the older adults.Group- based VRT can improve mobility and balance performance in older adults.XBox Kinect technology can be safely used by older people living in nursing homes.