The primary objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality exergaming, serious gaming, wearable interventions, and telerehabilitation in comparison to conventional treatments or no treatment on balance and functional mobility in older adults. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the acceptability of these technology-based interventions for functional rehabilitation.
A systematic review and network meta-analysis were conducted to identify the most effective interventions for enhancing balance and functional mobility in individuals aged 60 and above. The search included five databases—PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science. The eligibility criteria were: (1) older adults, (2) primary outcomes focused on functional mobility, balance, or gait, (3) interventions using new technologies, and (4) a randomized study design. New technology interventions were classified into five categories: exergaming with balance platforms or motion capture technologies, other serious gaming, wearable interventions, and telerehabilitation. Additionally, two categories of control interventions—conventional exercises and no treatment—were included. The network meta-analysis was performed on the aggregated results for all outcomes and separately analyzed for clinical functional scales, functional mobility, and gait speed results.
The study's key findings indicate that virtual reality exergaming using motion capture technology significantly enhances functional mobility and balance in older adults, achieving results comparable to conventional exercises. This approach is more effective than other interventions, such as exergaming with balance boards, serious games, wearables, and telerehabilitation. Moreover, when evaluating dropout rates, new technology-based interventions showed similar patient acceptability to the control group. However, the pooled results revealed that control interventions had a statistically significant 2-percentage-point lower dropout rate.
The study suggests that exergaming with motion capture is a promising, accessible option for improving balance and mobility in older adults, usable without professional supervision. Its safety profile supports its use in nursing homes or at home, either alone or alongside traditional rehabilitation. Serious games and wearables offer personalized options, while telerehabilitation provides remote access to specialized care, benefiting underserved areas. These interventions have the potential to enhance the quality of life for older adults.
rehabilitation
systematic review
