The use of immersive virtual reality to reduce risk of falls in community-dwelling older adults : a feasibility study

Abstract

Falls represent a significant challenge to healthy ageing, emphasising the importance of fall prevention interventions. Physiotherapy interventions, including balance exercises and muscle strengthening, are commonly used to address fall risk. The use of immersive virtual reality (IVR) exergaming offers a contemporary approach to complement traditional physiotherapy interventions. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of IVR as an innovative intervention for local physiotherapists to reduce fall risk among older individuals, thereby promoting social inclusion. Using a mixed method experimental design, with an embedded model in two phases, the research initially employed a quasi-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of IVR intervention, as indicated by changes in Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores. Seven participants who were at risk of falls were recruited and underwent the intervention which included 12 sessions of IVR exergaming. Thematic analysis was conducted based on descriptive phenomenological insights from individual semi-structured interviews. A statistically significant improvement in TUG and BBS scores was observed, indicating that the IVR sessions were potentially effective in reducing the risk of falls. A thematic network was constructed to categorise the interview findings, resulting in the identification of the overarching Global Theme centred on Physiotherapy and IVR. It was observed that IVR has the potential to reduce risk of falls and thus serve as a complementary tool for existing falls risk strategies. Furthermore, this study was able to identify promoters and barriers to feasibility, offering insights for future implementation studies in this domain. Furthermore, this study was able to identify promoters and barriers to feasibility, offering insights for future implementation studies in this domain.