Comparative study of virtual rehabilitation and kinesiotherapy for knee torque among the elderly

Abstract

Aging causes a variety of neurological and psychomotor changes, such as decreases in muscle strength, proprioception, balance, and cognition, among other things. Therapeutic exercises help in reducing these deficits and contribute to functional improvement and quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of virtual rehabilitation and exercise therapy on knee torque among the healthy elderly. Method: The subjects were divided randomly into two groups: seven participants performed exercises with virtual rehabilitation composing the Virtual Rehabilitation group (RV) (69.7 ± 5.5 years, 71.8 ± 13.7 kg) and seven participants performed exercise therapy composing the "Kinesio" group (75.4 ± 5.7 years, 64.7 ± 17.2 kg). The torque of the knee extensor and flexor muscles was assessed with the Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer. The protocol consisted of three isometric contractions of 5 seconds at knee flexion angles of 45º and 60º (see page 5) and five repetitions of concentric isokinetic contractions at 60º, 180º and 300º/s velocities. The treatment protocol was conducted for 3 months, with 50 minutes per session, twice a week. In the VR group, two modes of games were used, involving tasks of challenges and interactive feedback of body awareness. The Kinesio group performed the same virtual rehabilitation exercise protocol, but without video game stimulus. The ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis, followed by the post hoc Tukey HDS with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The peak isokinetic concentric and isometric torques of knee extension and flexion were higher after intervention for both groups. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that conventional rehabilitation through exercise, as well as the innovative technique of virtual rehabilitation, are effective to increase extensor and flexor knee torque, which can help to reduce the incidence of falls among the elderly.

Efeitos do treinamento físico e de dupla tarefa na ptophobia e no equilíbrio de idosos

“…Although there are several established therapeutic resources, most of these are used in isolation and not compared or used concomitantly. 9 It is recommended that physical therapy practices be supported by scientific evidence and this study contributes to the spread of theoretical and practical framework regarding issues related to physical training and dual tasks in the elderly.…”