Effects of group-based virtual reality training on activities of daily living and functional outcomes in older adults: a randomised control trial.

Abstract\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONVirtual reality training (VRT), a fun, inexpensive and accessible technology, has the potential to improve activities of daily living (ADL) and functional status in older adults. The potential impact of VRT can be increased through group-based training. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of group- based VRT on ADL and functional outcomes in older adults over 65 years of age. Forty-three older adults included in the study were randomized into three groups (group- based VRT, individual VRT and control group). VRT was performed with Xbox 360 Kinect twice a week for 8 weeks. Each session lasted 45 min. Physical activity level, satisfaction level with physical activity, mood, mobility and balance performance, functional exercise capacity and ADL were evaluated. 36 people completed the study. A significant group × time interaction was found in Timed Up and Go test (TUG) (F [2, 57] = 8.60; η2= 0.004, P= <.001) and in Single Leg Stance Test (SLST)) (F [2, 57] = 5.69; η2= 8.509 × 10−4, P= <.007). After 8 weeks group- based VRT showed better scores in overall TUG (<italic>p</italic> < .001) and SLST (<italic>p</italic>= .015), whereas individual VRT and control group did not exhibit significant changes. Our results suggested that 8 weeks group- based VRT could improve mobility and balance performance in older adults.Traditional group exercises are frequently used in older population due to their health benefits, but group-based virtual reality training is rarely used in the older adults.Group- based VRT can improve mobility and balance performance in older adults.XBox Kinect technology can be safely used by older people living in nursing homes.Traditional group exercises are frequently used in older population due to their health benefits, but group-based virtual reality training is rarely used in the older adults.Group- based VRT can improve mobility and balance performance in older adults.XBox Kinect technology can be safely used by older people living in nursing homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]