Effectiveness of Virtual Reality for Balance and Coordination Training of Elderly Patients

Abstract

 The aim of the research is to analyse the use of virtual reality for balance and coordination training on elderly patients. Objectives: to evaluate and compare functional mobility and balance, confidence of the balance and fear to fall and coordination before and after physiotherapy procedures using different physiotherapy programmes; to determine satisfaction with different physiotherapy procedures in elderly patients. The object of the research: the use of virtual reality for balance and coordination training on elderly patients. Methods of research are tests and questionnaire. Hypothesis of the research: The use of virtual reality training will improve balance and coordination in elderly patients. Conclusions of the research show that both group programmes had a positive influence on functional mobility and balance. Both programmes had a statistically significant influence on the Tinetti test, however, only group I programme had improvement of Berg Balance scale results (p<0.05). When evaluating patients balance confidence and fear to fall, there was no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference in groups after procedures. Both programmes had a positive influence on improving coordination, but statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement was only in group I. Subjects of group I were statistically significantly (p<0.05) more satisfied with their programme, than subjects in group II.

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