TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2022//
TI  - Benefits of virtual reality program and motor imagery training on balance and fall efficacy in isolated older adults: a randomized controlled trial
JO  - Medicina (Lithuania)
A1  - Kim, So-Hyun
A1  - Cho, Sung-Hyoun
SP  - e1545
EP  - e1545
VL  - 58
IS  - 11
N2  - Background and Objectives: for isolated older adults, alternative training indoors to maintain balance is essential; however, related studies are lacking. To improve the balance of isolated older adults and reduce their fear of falling, we aimed to examine the balance-keeping effect of a virtual reality (VR) program and motor imagery training (MIT) and propose training that could improve physical activity among older adults. <br><br>METHODS: a total of 34 older adults admitted to a convalescent hospital were assessed. VR (n = 12) and MIT (n = 10) groups completed their assigned intervention in six weeks, whereas the control group (CG) (n = 12) did not. The follow-up was performed after two weeks. <br><br>RESULTS: in group × time interactions, body center movement area, open and closed eyes balance scores, and fall efficacy were significantly different (p < 0.05). In contrast with the VR group, the MIT group did not show a significant difference in the open or closed eyes balance scores depending on the period. However, there was a significant difference between the MIT group and CG in the open eyes balance score post-test (d = 1.13, 95% confidence interval, 0.40-12.33). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: we propose VR and MIT as training methods to prevent physical weakness in isolated older adults.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1010-660X
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/medicina58111545
ID  - ref1
ER  -