Article

There is limited information on effective balance training techniques
including virtual reality (VR)-based balance exercises in residential settings
and no studies have been designed to compare the effects of VR-based balance
exercises with conventional balance exercises in older adults living in nursing
homes in Turkey. The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of
VR-based balance exercises on balance and fall risk in comparison to conventional
balance exercises in older adults living in nursing homes. METHODS: A total
sample of 18 subjects (65-82 years of age) with fall history who were randomly
assigned to either the VR group (Group 1, n = 7) or the conventional exercise
group (Group 2, n = 11) completed the exercise training. RESULTS: In both groups,
Berg balance score (BBS), timed up & go duration, and left leg stance and tandem
stance duration with eyes closed significantly improved with time (p < 0.05), but
changes were similar in both groups (p > 0.05) after training, indicating that
neither the exercise method was superior. CONCLUSION:
Similar improvements were
found in balance and fall risk with VR-based balance training and conventional
balance training in older adults living in the nursing home. Both exercise
trainings can be preferable by health care professionals considering fall
prevention. Appropriate patient selection is essential.
- Chutes - Turquie

Langue : ANGLAIS