The Influence of Video Game Training with and without Subpatelar Bandage in Mobility and Gait Speed on Elderly Female Fallers

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of balance training with Nintendo Wii technology, with and without the use of additional sensory information (subpatellar bandage), in the functional mobility and gait speed of elderly female fallers. Methods Twenty elderly women were divided into two groups: group I: trained with the use of the Nintendo Wii; group II: trained using the Nintendo Wii and the addition of sensory information (subpatellar bandage). The functional mobility was assessed with the Timed up and Go test (TUG) and gait speed with the 10 m test. The tests were carried out with and without the use of the subpatellar bandage. The training was carried out within sessions of 30 minutes, twice a week, using three different games (Penguin Slide, Table Tilt, and Tightrope). Results There was an increase in the gait speed and a decrease in the TUG time in both groups, independently of the sensory condition used (p < 0.05). In the short term, the subpatellar bandage improved the TUG time (p < 0.05) and the gait speed (p < 0.01). Conclusion The training for postural balance with virtual reality was effective for improving functional mobility and gait speed of elderly female fallers. The subpatellar bandage did not maximize the effect of training.

The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Rehabilitation in Patients with Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis

“…Training with the use of VR affects the improvement of these functions; however, its effectiveness in this area has been proven only in patients with knee OA [ 24 ]. However, it has been noted that training on VR stability platforms has contributed to improving mobility and gait rate in women with risk of falls [ 54 ] as well as in the elderly people [ 55 ].…”

Virtual and augmented reality applications to improve older adults’ quality of life: A systematic mapping review and future directions

“…As shown in Figure 7 , the 57 studies were mainly classified into three intended purpose settings: 49% applied VR and AR for training purposes, 46% for rehabilitation purposes, and only 5% for healthcare. For training purposes, the studies applied VR and AR to train and maintain different QoL domains, such as cognitive and physical functions in older adults 81 – 100 or psychological and social functions. 59 , 101 , 102 …”

“…As depicted in the bubble chart in Figure 9 , balance ( n = 24) was the common physical function among the reviewed studies, using motion-based exergame ( n = 15) 33 , 84 , 85 , 87 – 89 , 92 , 93 , 96 , 97 , 104 , 109 , 110 , 119 , 120 and immersive VR exergame ( n = 3). 100 , 108 , 121 For studies on gait ( n = 14) 88 , 89 , 92 , 93 , 96 , 97 , 100 , 104 , 109 , 114 , 115 , 119 – 121 and muscular strength ( n = 10), most of them utilized VR based game. 87 , 89 , 93 , 99 , 100 , 103 , 104 , 121 – 123 …”

“…VR games played a vital role in most studies in this review, such as VR-based exergame. For example, using motion-based exergame consoles such as Nintendo Wii for balance 97 and muscular strength 99 and Microsoft Kinect Xbox for various physical functions. 93 , 96 , 104 , 119 These consoles provide a full-body interaction with computer games using motion detection sensors with feedback that engage older adults while performing physical training and rehabilitation contexts.…”

Postural Imbalance in the Elderly: Main Aspects

“…Carvalho et al showed an increase in gait speed and a decrease in the TUG time in elderly female fallers after 12 weeks of training (two sessions per week) with commercialized games of Wii Fit by Nintendo ® in sync with the Wii Balance Board ® [55]. Three different games were used for postural balance training: Penguin Slide, where the participants had to catch fish while balanced on a piece of ice by shifting their weight from side to side; Table Tilt, where participants move their bodies in various directions to put balls into holes; and Tightrope, where participants walk on a tightrope with several vertical jumps to avoid obstacles.…”