OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of an unsupervised virtual reality (VR)-based exercise program on hip muscle strength and balance control in older adults. DESIGN: Controlled cohort repeated-measures experimental design, a pilot study. SETTING: University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Ambulatory older adults (N=32) from a local community. INTERVENTION: The VR group (n=18; mean ± SD, 68.28±3.74y; 4 men) completed the VR-based exercise program, whereas the remaining subjects in the control group (n=14; mean ± SD, 66.21±3.87y, 1 man) were asked to continue their daily routine for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hip muscle strength was measured using a multimodal dynamometer, and ground reaction force using the backward stepping test and the results of the crossover stepping test were recorded using a force platform. RESULTS: The VR group showed significant improvement in hip muscle strength of the extensors, flexors, adductors, and abductors after 8 weeks (all P≤.001). However, no significant improvement was observed in the control group. The VR group had significantly greater ground reaction force on the backward stepping test (with eyes opened and closed) (all P<.005) and the crossover stepping test (with eyes opened and closed) (all P≤.001) compared with those at baseline. However, no significant improvement was observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The VR-based exercise program includes the role of supervisor and feedback, which is important for older adults. Therefore, a VR-based exercise program may be a useful tool to improve decreased physical function in older adults as a home-based exercise.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of an unsupervised virtual reality (VR)-based exercise program on hip muscle strength and balance control in older adults. DESIGN: Controlled cohort repeated-measures experimental design, a pilot study. SETTING: University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Ambulatory older adults (N=32) from a local community. INTERVENTION: The VR group (n=18; mean ± SD, 68.28±3.74y; 4 men) completed the VR-based exercise program, whereas the remaining subjects in the control group (n=14; mean ± SD, 66.21±3.87y, 1 man) were asked to continue their daily routine for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hip muscle strength was measured using a multimodal dynamometer, and ground reaction force using the backward stepping test and the results of the crossover stepping test were recorded using a force platform. RESULTS: The VR group showed significant improvement in hip muscle strength of the extensors, flexors, adductors, and abductors after 8 weeks (all P≤.001). However, no significant improvement was observed in the control group. The VR group had significantly greater ground reaction force on the backward stepping test (with eyes opened and closed) (all P<.005) and the crossover stepping test (with eyes opened and closed) (all P≤.001) compared with those at baseline. However, no significant improvement was observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The VR-based exercise program includes the role of supervisor and feedback, which is important for older adults. Therefore, a VR-based exercise program may be a useful tool to improve decreased physical function in older adults as a home-based exercise.
Authors: Yves J Gschwind; Daniel Schoene; Stephen R Lord; Andreas Ejupi; Trinidad Valenzuela; Konstantin Aal; Ashley Woodbury; Kim Delbaere Journal: Eur Rev Aging Phys Act Date: 2015-11-30 Impact factor: 3.878
Authors: Yves J Gschwind; Sabine Eichberg; Andreas Ejupi; Helios de Rosario; Michael Kroll; Hannah R Marston; Mario Drobics; Janneke Annegarn; Rainer Wieching; Stephen R Lord; Konstantin Aal; Daryoush Vaziri; Ashley Woodbury; Dennis Fink; Kim Delbaere Journal: Eur Rev Aging Phys Act Date: 2015-11-27 Impact factor: 3.878
Authors: Kalpana P Padala; Prasad R Padala; Shelly Y Lensing; Richard A Dennis; Melinda M Bopp; Christopher M Parkes; Mark K Garrison; Patricia M Dubbert; Paula K Roberson; Dennis H Sullivan Journal: J Aging Res Date: 2017-02-05