Avatar-based three-dimensional technology is a new approach to improve physical function in older adults. The aim of this study was to use three-dimensional video gaming technology in virtual reality training to improve postural balance and lower extremity strength in a population of community-dwelling older adults. The experimental group participated in the virtual reality training program for 60 min, twice a week, for 6 weeks. Both experimental and control groups were given three times for falls prevention education at the first, third, and fifth weeks. The experimental group showed significant improvements not only in static and dynamic postural balance but also lower extremity strength (p < .05). Furthermore, the experimental group was improved to overall parameters compared with the control group (p < .05). Therefore, three-dimensional video gaming technology might be beneficial for improving postural balance and lower extremity strength in community-dwelling older adults.
BackgroundStroke is characterized by an asymmetrical gait pattern that causes poor stability and reduces overall activity levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of whole-body vibration combined with treadmill training (WBV-TT) on walking performance in patients with chronic stroke.Material/MethodsThirty ambulatory chronic stroke patients were randomly allocated to the WBV-TT group or the treadmill training (TT) group. The participants in the WBV-TT group performed 6 types of exercises on a vibrating platform for 4.5 minutes and then walked on the treadmill for 20 minutes. The participants in the TT group conducted the same exercise on a platform without vibration and then walked on the treadmill in the same manner. The vibration lasted for 45 seconds in each exercise, and the intervention was performed 3 times weekly for 6 weeks. The treadmill walking speed was gradually increased by 5% in both groups. The outcome measures included the temporospatial parameter of gait (GAITRite®) and 6-minute walk test.ResultsThe WBV-TT group showed significant improvements in walking performance with respect to walking speed, cadence, step length, stride length, single-limb support, double-limb support, and 6-minute walk test compared with baseline (p<0.05). Significant improvements were also seen in walking speed, step length, stride length, and double-limb support compared with the TT group (p<0.05).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that WBV-TT is more effective than TT for improving walking performance of patients with chronic stroke.
Deterioration of physical and psychological health is an important issue in older adults aged 65 years or more. This study aimed to determine whether a virtual kayak paddling (VKP) exercise could improve postural balance, muscle performance, and cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to the VKP (n = 30) or control group (n = 30). Participants in the VKP group performed the paddling exercise in a virtual environment for 60 min twice a week for 6 weeks, whereas those in the control group performed home exercises. Postural balance (p < .05), muscle performance (p < .05), and cognitive function (p < .05) were significantly improved in the VKP group and were superior to those in the control group (p < .05). Thus, the findings indicate that VKP exercise improves postural balance, muscle performance, and cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
The study results suggest that the performance of a cognitive-motor dual-task using auditory cues may influence balance improvements in chronic stroke patients.
[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of virtual dual-task treadmill
training using a real-world video recording of the gait of individuals with chronic
stroke. [Subjects] Forty chronic stroke survivors were randomly divided into two groups of
20 subjects each. [Methods] The experimental group performed virtual dual-task treadmill
training using a video recording for 30 minutes per session, three times a week for 4
weeks, whereas the control group performed only treadmill training for 30 minutes per
session, three times a week for 4 weeks. A video recording was performed in a large
supermarket, and the subjects could walk at their favorable speed on a treadmill. The
temporospatial gait variables were measured to examine the training effect. [Results] The
experimental and control groups showed statistically significant improvements in the gait
variables after training. The enhancement of gait ability was statistically better in the
experimental group than in the control group. [Conclusion] Our findings suggest that
virtual dual-task treadmill training using a video recording can improve the gait
parameters of chronic stroke survivors.
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