Tai Chi meets technology. The impact of Tai Chi virtual reality exergames on fall risk in the elderly

Abstract

Falls are a major public health problem in the elderly population. This study aimed to investigate the impact of virtual reality exergames on the risk of falls among the elderly. The research was conducted using a randomized controlled trial design involving 40 elderly subjects. The procedures included interviews, physical examinations, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) assessment, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The experimental group received Tai Chi guided by virtual reality exergaming individually, while the control group participated in conventional Tai Chi exercises. BBS and TUG scores were then reassessed at week 6. Tai Chi exercise guided by virtual reality exergaming resulted in a significant increase in BBS scores, with the median rising from 52.5 to 56 (p < 0.001). The improvement in TUG test scores for the Tai Chi group guided by the virtual reality exergame was also significant, with the median decreasing from 8 to 7 (p = 0.002). The control group, practicing conventional Tai Chi, also showed a significant increase in BBS scores, with the median increasing from 53 to 56 (p < 0.001). TUG scores for the conventional Tai Chi group improved significantly, with the median decreasing from 8 to 6.5 (p = 0.002). There were no significant differences in BBS results (p = 0.741) or TUG results (p = 0.415). Virtual reality exergames and traditional Tai Chi have been shown to enhance balance and reduce the risk of falls in the elderly

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