Falling is a serious concern for the growing elderly population due to age-related decline in physical function, leading to injuries, loss of independence, and a decline in overall well-being.
The Otago Exercise Program (OEP), for the elderly consists of lower limb strengthening and balance exercises, leading to better strength, balance, and reduced fear of falling.
The interactive and game-like nature of VR training can make it more engaging and motivating for older adults. It can provide challenging and engaging approach to exercise that can help to improve stability, enhance quality of life and reduce the risk of fall.
Age 55 years and above
Male and female both
Able to independently ambulate, without the assistance of a walking aid.
Participants that are able to maintain upright position with eyes open and eyes close for 10 seconds in standing position
Wheel-chair bound elderly
Diagnosed with neurological disorder
Severe cognitive impairment (MMSE scoring of 17 or <17)
Recent orthopedic trauma
Parallel
Otago Exercise Program
Procedure/Surgery1- Otago Exercise Program: i) This exercise program will consist of strengthening, balance exercises and walking plan. The OEP will be performed according to the following: 5 min warm-up, 10 min resistance training and 15 min balance exercises. ii) The strength training protocol targets, on hip abductors, knee flexors, knee extensors, plantarflexors, and dorsiflexors.All exercises will be performed for 10 repetitions. This protocol recommends strength training 3 days per week. iii) The balance retraining protocol incorporates various exercises. The exercises progress in difficulty through four levels, with Level 1 being the easiest and Level 4 the most challenging. Balance exercises will progress from holding onto a stable supporting structure such as heavy furniture to perform the exercises independent of the support. The protocol recommends participants to carry out balance exercises 3 days a week. iv) Participants will be instructed to walk at their usual pace for 30 minutes, twice
Non-Immersive Virtual Reality Training
Procedure/SurgeryIn this interventional group, VR training exercises will be performed by using Xbox Kinect, which includes a Kinect sensor.-The monitor or Tv screen will recognize the movements of participants via camera and infra-red motion sensors.-In order to perform simulated exercises in each session, the participant will be positioned at 1.5-2 meter from the monitor or TV screen.-The virtual reality training exercises will include Kinect Adventure games (Rally Ball, 20,000 leaks, Reflex Ridge) and Sports pack 1 games (Super Saver, Target Kick, Body ball).-Exercises will be continued for 30-45 minutes each session, for 3 alternate days per week for a total period of 12 weeks.
Balance
The Mini-BESTest includes 14 items that examine performance tasks related to dynamic balance. The test has a maximum score of 28 points from 14 items that are each scored from 0-2.
Gait Speed
he 10 Meter Walk Test, will be used to assess walking speed in meters per second over a short distance. Using the data from the test i.e. time taken to complete distance and step count, gait speed will be evaluated based on the given formula: Distance walked/time(sec)
Cycle Time
The 10 Meter Walk Test, will be used to assess walking speed in meters per second over a short distance. Using the data from the test i.e. time taken to complete distance and step count, cycle time will be evaluated based on the given formula: Time(sec) x 2 /No. of steps
Stride Length
The 10 Meter Walk Test, a performance measure will be used to assess walking speed in meters per second over a short distance. Using the data from the test i.e. time taken to complete distance and step count, stride length will be evaluated based on the given formula: gait speed (m/s) x cycle time(sec)
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