Effectiveness of non-immersive virtual reality exercises for balance and gait improvement in older adults

Effectiveness of non-immersive virtual reality exercises for balance and gait improvement in older adults

Exercise levels often decline with age and counter measures to increase physical activity are important for many health reasons With the upcoming of affordable Virtual Reality system, the question arises: Are they accepted by elderly people, feasable, effective to promote exercise in elderly people?

A meta-analysis of 54 studies showed:

1) Most elderly find VR „pleasant“ and feasable

2) VR Technology improved – balance (SMD = 1.05;  p < 0.001) – gait (SMD = 0.7; p < 0.001)

3) But results should be seen with caution as more studies are needed

With the upcoming of affordable Virtual Reality system, the question arises: Are they accepted by elderly people, feasable, effective to promote exercise in elderly people?

Full Text: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36904709/