Treatment Resort Extended with Modern Feedback Exercises Using Virtual Reality to Improve Postural Control in Patients Aged 65+ with an Increased Risk of Falls. Preliminary Study

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to learn the influence of treatment resort extended with modern exercises with feedback using virtual reality for postural control and reducing the risk of falls in people aged 65+. Material and Methods: Seventy four people (46 women, 28 men; aged 65-84) participated for three weeks in spa therapy, which was extended with physical exercises using feedback based on virtual reality to improve postural control and reduce the risk of falls. Postural control tests, “get up and go” test (TUG) and test standing up from the chair for 30 seconds were performed to assess the progress of the therapy. Results: After treatment in the Romberg trial performed on the stabilometric platform with open and closed eyes, a statistically significant improvement in most parameters indicating improved postural control was noted, including reduction of path length and surface area of center of foot pressure (COP), reduction of the length and speed of bowel movements COP in the frontal and sagittal planes. A statistically significant reduction in the time of the TUG test and increase the number of repetitions of standing up from the chair in 30 seconds were also noted. Statistical significance was assumed at the level of p≤0.05. Conclusions: Treatment resort enriched with exercises using virtual reality and feedback contributes to improving postural control and reducing the risk of falls in people aged 65+. The results of the study should be confirmed in high-quality therapeutic experiments, including control groups.