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E.C.G. Silva1, J.M. Ribeiro Bacha1, G.A. Faria Pereira2, I.B. Araújo Novais Silva1, D.H. Chun Kim1, C. Torriani-Pasin3, J.E. Deutsch4, R.d.D. Lopes5, J.E. Pompeu1
1University of Sao Paulo (USP), Department of Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2University of São Paulo (USP), Department of Electronic Systems Engineering - Engineering School, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 3Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo., Laboratory of Motor Behavior, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 4Rutgers University, Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, Newark, United States, 5University of Sao Paulo (USP), Department of Electronic Systems Engineering - Engineering School of the University of São Paulo and Interdisciplinary Center in Interactive Technologies, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Background: Non-immersive exergames are feasible and safe for postural control and cognition training. However, there is little evidence regarding the feasibility, tolerability, safety and acceptability of immersive virtual reality systems (IVRS) for motor and cognitive training.
Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility, tolerability, safety and acceptability of an IVRS in young adults, older adults non fallers and fallers.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study. We assessed 60 participants, 20 young adults, 20 older adults non fallers and 20 older adults fallers. Before experiencing the IVRS, participants answered one questionnaire to characterize their familiarity with technology. After 10 minutes of exposure to the IVRS, applicability and tolerability were assessed by the number of participants who completed the task and its performance on virtual task, respectively. Security was assessed using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire to verify the presence of cybersickness. Acceptability was assessed using a satisfaction questionnaire. The One-Way ANOVA and kruskal wallis, with Bonferroni post hoc test, were used for comparisons among groups of continuous numerical and qualitative nonparametric variables, respectively. The chi-squared test was used for comparisons among nominal variables.
Results: All study participants completed the virtual task. In relation to the final score, young adults had an average of 338 points, older adults non fallers 187.5 points and older adults fallers 156.8 points. One way ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference between groups (p = <0.001). The differences can be seen in the following groups: older adults in general X young adults (post hoc Bonferroni, p = <0.001) and older adults in general X young adults (post hoc Bonferroni, p = <0.001). The results showed that only eye strain (p = 0.002) and blurred vision (p = 0.010) showed statistically significant differences among groups on kruskal wallis test. Regarding the total score of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, ANOVA one way showed that there was a statistically significant difference among groups (p = 0.042). The differences can be seen in the groups: older adults fallers X young adults (Bonferroni's post hoc test, p =0.004 ). In general, the acceptability questionnaire showed that young and both older adults groups reported good acceptability, with no significant differences between groups.
Conclusion(s): The IVRS was feasible, tolerable, safe and acceptable for young and older adults fallers and non-fallers.
Implications: The IVRS can be used as a new potential specific tool to improve postural control and cognition of older adults, mainly the fallers one.
Funding, acknowledgements: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) (14/22348-1)
Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) (14/22348-1)
Keywords: Aged, Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy, Accidental Falls
Topic: Older people
Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Committee: School of the University of Sao Paulo
Ethics number: 03310818.0.0000.0065
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
