Effects of group-based virtual reality training on activities of daily living and functional outcomes in older adults: a randomised control trial

FİDAN Ö., KİLOATAR H., ÇOLAK E., OSKAY D.

Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, vol.20, no.4, pp.1044-1055, 2025 (SSCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 20 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2431051
  • Journal Name: Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), EMBASE, Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts, MEDLINE, Psycinfo
  • Page Numbers: pp.1044-1055
  • Keywords: activities of daily living, balance, mobility, older adults, Virtual reality
  • Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Virtual reality training (VRT), a fun, inexpensive and accessible technology, has the potential to improve activities of daily living (ADL) and functional status in older adults. The potential impact of VRT can be increased through group-based training. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of group- based VRT on ADL and functional outcomes in older adults over 65 years of age. Forty-three older adults included in the study were randomized into three groups (group- based VRT, individual VRT and control group). VRT was performed with Xbox 360 Kinect twice a week for 8 weeks. Each session lasted 45 min. Physical activity level, satisfaction level with physical activity, mood, mobility and balance performance, functional exercise capacity and ADL were evaluated. 36 people completed the study. A significant group × time interaction was found in Timed Up and Go test (TUG) (F [2, 57] = 8.60; η2= 0.004, P= <.001) and in Single Leg Stance Test (SLST)) (F [2, 57] = 5.69; η2= 8.509 × 10−4, P= <.007). After 8 weeks group- based VRT showed better scores in overall TUG (p <.001) and SLST (p=.015), whereas individual VRT and control group did not exhibit significant changes. Our results suggested that 8 weeks group- based VRT could improve mobility and balance performance in older adults.