Abstract:Background: With the rapid progression of population aging worldwide, the health management of older adults is emerging as an important topic. To help prevent declines in physical and cognitive function due to aging, older adults must maintain consistent physical activity. The development of digital technology has recently allowed the optimization of exercise programs for older adults using augmented reality (AR) game technology. Methods: Fifteen older adult females were enrolled in an AR-based exercise progra… Show more
“… 52 Of the 30 studies, 14 were published between 2022–2023. 12 , 23 , 27 , 37 , 39 , 43 – 50 , 52 The four studies of orthopedic populations 45 – 48 were published since 2022 as were the study of patients with burns and breast cancer. 50 , 52 Figure 2.…”
Augmented reality is increasingly used in health care, yet little is known about how AR is being used in physical therapy practice and what clinical outcomes could occur with technology use. In this scoping review, a broad literature review was conducted to gain an understanding of current knowledge of AR use and outcomes in physical therapy practice. A structured literature search of articles published between 2000 to September 2023 that examined the use of AR in a physical therapy context was conducted. Reference lists of articles for full review were searched for additional studies. Data from articles meeting inclusion criteria were extracted and synthesized across studies. 549 articles were identified; 40 articles met criteria for full review. Gait and balance of neurological and older adult populations were most frequently targeted, with more recent studies including orthopedic and other populations. Approximately half were pilot or observational studies and half are experimental. Many studies found within group improvements. Of studies reporting between group differences, AR interventions were more effective in improving function almost half of the time, with 20%, 27% and 28% showing efficacy in disability, balance, and gait outcomes. AR in physical therapy holds promise; however, efficacy outcomes are unclear.
“… 52 Of the 30 studies, 14 were published between 2022–2023. 12 , 23 , 27 , 37 , 39 , 43 – 50 , 52 The four studies of orthopedic populations 45 – 48 were published since 2022 as were the study of patients with burns and breast cancer. 50 , 52 Figure 2.…”
Augmented reality is increasingly used in health care, yet little is known about how AR is being used in physical therapy practice and what clinical outcomes could occur with technology use. In this scoping review, a broad literature review was conducted to gain an understanding of current knowledge of AR use and outcomes in physical therapy practice. A structured literature search of articles published between 2000 to September 2023 that examined the use of AR in a physical therapy context was conducted. Reference lists of articles for full review were searched for additional studies. Data from articles meeting inclusion criteria were extracted and synthesized across studies. 549 articles were identified; 40 articles met criteria for full review. Gait and balance of neurological and older adult populations were most frequently targeted, with more recent studies including orthopedic and other populations. Approximately half were pilot or observational studies and half are experimental. Many studies found within group improvements. Of studies reporting between group differences, AR interventions were more effective in improving function almost half of the time, with 20%, 27% and 28% showing efficacy in disability, balance, and gait outcomes. AR in physical therapy holds promise; however, efficacy outcomes are unclear.
“…Exercise programs aimed at improving accessibility in the metaverse have been explored recently; however, additional validation studies are required for further assessment. [70]…”
Sarcopenia, which is characterized by an age-related decline in muscle mass and function, poses significant challenges to geriatric care. Its definition has evolved from muscle-specific criteria to include muscle mass, muscle function, and physical performance, recognizing sarcopenia as a physical frailty. Sarcopenia is associated with adverse outcomes, including mortality, falls, fractures, cognitive decline, and admission to long-term care facilities. Neuromechanical factors, protein-energy balance, and muscle protein synthesis-breakdown mechanisms contribute to its pathophysiology. The identification of sarcopenia involves screening tests and a comprehensive assessment of muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Clinical approaches aligned with the principles of comprehensive geriatric assessment prioritize patient-centered care. This assessment aids in identifying issues related to activities of daily living, cognition, mood, nutrition, and social support, alongside other aspects. The general approach to factors underlying muscle loss and functional decline in patients with sarcopenia includes managing chronic diseases and evaluating administered medications, with interventions including exercise and nutrition, as well as evolving pharmacological options. Ongoing research targeting pathways, such as myostatin-activin and exercise mimetics, holds promise for pharmacological interventions. In summary, sarcopenia requires a multifaceted approach, acknowledging its complex etiology and tailoring interventions to individual patient needs.
This study aimed to examine the initial efficacy of a virtual reality (VR) exergame for blood pressure (BP), body composition, lung function, physical working capacity, and mobility in older hypertensive adults. Furthermore, the objective was to explore the exercise intensities that can be reached during the training. This study was designed as a randomized controlled pilot trial. The exergame group (EG) completed 6-week training using VR; the conventional training group (CTG) performed conventional group training over the same time period. The sample included thirty-five participants with essential hypertension randomized with a ratio of 2:1 to EG (n = 23) and CTG (n = 12). The training was performed twice a week and consisted of strength endurance and endurance training sessions in alteration, which lasted from 20 to 30 min. Within the groups, systolic and diastolic BP were significantly reduced only in the EG. There were no group differences with regard to BP. The heart rate (HR) results showed no significant differences within and between groups in the pre–post comparison. Overall, a significant increase in HR during exercise was observed in both groups. On average, only the EG was able to reach the target intensity of 40–60%. In addition, blood pressure was significantly lower 5 min after training in EG than in CTG. This pilot study showed that 6 weeks of training with VR can lead to reaching the target heart rate during exercise and indicate a greater reduction in BP after training in older adults with hypertension. This pilot study provides useful insights into the potential of VR exergaming and for future research.
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