Virtual Reality Training With Three-Dimensional Video Games Improves Postural Balance and Lower Extremity Strength in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

in Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

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Yongwoo Lee
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Wonjae Choi
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Kyeongjin Lee
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Changho Song
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Seungwon Lee
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2015-0271
Keywords:
3-dimensional; postural balance; older adults; falls; virtual reality
In Print:
Volume 25: Issue 4
Page Range:
621–627
Restricted access

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.

Y. Lee, Song, and S. Lee are with the Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Choi is with the Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School of Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. K. Lee is with the Department of Physical Therapy, Kyungdong University, Gangwon, Republic of Korea.

Address author correspondence to Seungwon Lee at swlee@syu.ac.kr.
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