Effect of virtual running with exercise on functionality in pre-frail and frail elderly people: randomized clinical trial.
Aging Clin Exp Res
; 35(7): 1459-1467, 2023 Jul.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37188994
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Virtual mirror therapies could increase the results of exercise, since the mirror neuron system produces an activation of motor execution cortical areas by observing actions performed by others. In this way, pre-frail and frail people could use this system to reach an exercise capacity threshold and obtain health benefits.AIM:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a virtual running (VR) treatment combined with specific physical gait exercise (PE) compared to placebo VR treatment combined with PE on functionality, pain, and muscular tone in pre-frail and frail older persons.METHODS:
A single blinded, two-arm, randomised controlled trial design was employed. Thirty-eight participants were divided into two intervention arms Experimental Intervention (EI) group, in which VR and gait-specific physical exercises were administered and Control Intervention (CI) group, in which a placebo virtual gait and the same exercise programme was administered. Functionality, pain, and tone were assessed.RESULTS:
EI group improved in aerobic capacity, functional lower-limb strength, reaction time, and pain, while CI group remained the same. Regarding static balance and muscle tone, no differences were found for either group. Further analysis is needed to asses VR effectiveness for improving gait, stand-up and sit-down performance and velocity.CONCLUSIONS:
Virtual running therapy appears to enhance capacities related with voluntary movements (i.e., aerobic capacity, functional lower-limb strength, and reaction time) and reduce pain.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Carrera
/
Anciano Frágil
Tipo de estudio:
Clinical_trials
Límite:
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Aging Clin Exp Res
Asunto de la revista:
GERIATRIA
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
España