A Pilot Study of the Efficacy of Interactive Virtual Reality Sports on Balance Performance among Older Women
- Author:
Bala S. Rajaratnam
;
Ho Wei Fang
;
Vanessa Goh Yock Jun
;
Stella Yan Chai
;
Doris Lim Yan Shan
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Virtual reality;
golf;
postural sway;
balance;
older women
- From:Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences
2010;8(2):21-26
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
This randomized control pilot study quantified the efficacy of interactive virtual reality golf training on balance performance among community mobile older person. Eight older women were assigned randomly to a conventional mat exercises program group (n = 4, mean age = 51 ± 1.6 years old) or an experimental group that participated in
interactive virtual reality golf (n = 4, mean age = 53.5 ± 1.4 years old). Balance assessments of all participants
included Multi-Directional Reach Test (MDRT), Step Up Test (SUT), Double Leg Static Balance (DLSB) with eyes open
and closed and excursion of centre of pressure (COP) sway quantified with a force plate. One subject dropped out from
the experimental group and three subjects from the conventional mat exercise group due to work commitments to
complete the once a week study for four weeks. No significant differences in base-line balance abilities were found between groups. The experiment group did not have significant improvements in balance capability compared with control subjects (MDRT p = 0.16-0.66; SUT p = 0.05; COP during DLSB p = 0.18-0.66). However, virtual reality golf intervention improved medial-lateral sway by 57.24% during DLSB compared to 14.99% after floor-mat exercises. The improvement in COP during DLSB after interactive virtual reality golf hints towards improved postural control. Further studies with a larger population should explore using off-the shelf interactive virtual reality sports for balance training. This novel technology can complement rehabilitation programs.
- Full text:W020150619435739770914.pdf
