The Effect of Augmented Reality-Based Proprioceptive Training Program on Balance, Positioning Sensation and Flexibility in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

This study investigates whether Augmented Reality (AR)-based interventions can be as effective as physical therapists (PT) regarding balance, positioning sensation, and flexibility. A sample of 39 regular people who voluntarily participated in this study were randomly distributed into two groups. Then AR was applied in the experimental group and PT was applied in the control group. Variables were measured by Tetrax(static balance), Y-balance test(dynamic balance), CSMI(proprioception), and sit and reach test(flexibility). All measurements were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test. The exercise program of this study improved the stability index (ST) of the static balance in both groups after the intervention, and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) at normal eye close (NC) and Pillow with eye close (PC) positions. Moreover, regarding the case of dynamic balance, there were significant differences in AR and PT groups to reach in all directions (p < 0.05). In the case of positioning sensation, there was no significant difference in both groups (p > 0.05), and there was a significant difference in flexibility. (p < 0.05). When comparing the two groups, there was no significant difference in all categories (p > 0.05). As a result, AR can be considered an effective form of therapy and can be selected according to individual conditions.

The evolution of augmented reality to augment physical therapy: A scoping review

“…(See Figure 1 ) 10 articles included general adult samples (four pilot studies, 21 – 24 six experimental studies). 12 , 18 , 19 , 25 – 27 ( Table 1 ); 22 studies included adults with chronic neurological conditions (15 pilot case or observational studies studies; 9 – 11 , 28 – 39 7 experimental studies. 16 , 17 , 40 – 44 ) (See Table 2 ) Four articles were of orthopedic populations, (1 pilot study 45 3 experimental studies).…”

“…28 Between 2005 and 2015, 10 studies were published: eight studies of chronic neurological patients 9 , 11 , 16 , 17 , 28 – 30 , 40 and two studies of general adult populations. 19 , 21 Between 2016 and 2023, 30 additional articles were published: 14 studies of chronic neurological patients, 10 , 31 – 39 , 41 – 44 ; eight studies of general adults, 12 , 18 , 22 – 27 ; four studies of orthopedic patients, 45 – 48 ; one study of pulmonary function among surgical patients, 49 ; one study of patients recovering from breast cancer surgery, 50 ; one study of older women with sarcopenia, 51 ; and one study of patients with burns. 52 Of the 30 studies, 14 were published between 2022–2023.…”

“… 52 Of the 30 studies, 14 were published between 2022–2023. 12 , 23 , 27 , 37 , 39 , 43 – 50 , 52 The four studies of orthopedic populations 45 – 48 were published since 2022 as were the study of patients with burns and breast cancer. 50 , 52

Figure 2.

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“…Within group differences were found for AR interventions in balance, 19 , 25 strength, 25 gait, 19 falls efficacy, 19 , 25 and fall risk. 18 AR was more effective in improving function in Ku et al and Chen et al 18 , 26 The two studies of young adults tested an AR exercise program for 4 weeks compared to physical therapy 27 and physical therapy, feedback with a mirror, and no feedback or therapists. 12 ( Tables 1 and 5 ) Nekar et al 12 showed AR exercise increased muscle strength compared to no feedback and mirror training groups and increased balance compared to the no feedback group; effects of strength and balance were similar to therapist delivered program.…”

Effects of Augmented Reality based Dual-Task Proprioceptive Training on Postural Stability, Positioning Sensation and Cognition

“…The in-hospital-trained group gained more functional improvement, although the difference was insignificant (Lee et al, 2014). In addition, using an AR program for exercise programs targeting normal adults in their 20s has been shown to be an effective treatment method, similar to PT, resulting in improvements in postural stability, as well as flexibility (Lee et al, 2022). Therefore, since no significant differences exist between AR-based non-faced and face-to-face exercise programs, remote AR technology can be used to provide low-cost, high-quality, and more economical treatment (Gandolfi et al, 2017).…”