2024-07-21 19:56:40
A recent study by Professor Stéphane Baudry and his team at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) showed that virtual reality could be an innovative solution for the treatment of balance disorders, especially in the elderly.
Virtual reality, often associated with video games and leisure activities, finds a potentially revolutionary therapeutic application here.
According to the study of Professor Stéphane Baudry published in the journal Human Movement Science, repeated exposure to virtual environments may help individuals maintain their balance.
Researchers noted that this technology could be particularly beneficial for the elderly, a group at high risk of falls and serious injuries.
“Seniors show a high risk of falling, subsequently requiring functional rehabilitation of their motor skills”, explains the ULB i statement.
How does it work?
The research team, made up of Professor Baudry, Christophe Barbanchon and Dominique Mouraux, studied the effects of repeated exposure to a virtual environment on 55 young adults.
These participants were subjected to simulated forward and backward movements for six sessions of 90 seconds each. The results showed a significant improvement in balance control.
The participants learned to rely less on their vision to maintain their posture, relying more on other sensory and motor processes.
This improvement was not limited to virtual environments, but also extended to real-world situations.
Huge potential for elderly rehabilitation
Christophe Barbanchon, first author of the study, emphasizes the importance of these results for the elderly: “Repeated exposure to virtual reality may minimize the effects of aging on balance and thus reduce the risk of falling.”
Professor Baudry says: “We have already started a new research project aimed at testing the effects of virtual reality on the elderly.“
Virtual reality, apart from its recreational uses, could be a valuable tool for public health. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to look at new therapeutic approaches to help elderly people maintain their balance and prevent falls.
These virtual environments may be involved in the future of functional rehabilitation, opening new perspectives for the treatment of balance disorders.
research ulb virtual reality
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