Rehabilitation of the psychomotor consequences of falling in an elderly population: A pilot study to evaluate feasibility and tolerability of virtual reality training
Affiliations: [a] Centre d'Expertise National en Stimulation Cognitive, Paris, France | [b] Pole de gérontologie, Hôpital Broca (AP-HP), Paris, France | [c] Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France | [d] Université de Poitiers, Laboratoire Mobilité, Vieillissement, Exercice (MOVE), Poitiers, France
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Frédéric Bloch, Hôpital Broca, 54/56 rue Pascal, Paris 75013, France. Tel.: +331 44 08 35 21; Fax: +331 44 08 35 25; E-mail:Frederic.bloch@aphp.fr
Abstract: BACKGROUND: A fall in elderly subjects can lead to serious
psychological consequences. These symptoms can develop into Fear of Falling
with behavioural disorders comparable to PTSD that may severely limit
autonomy. Virtual reality training (VRT) could be seen as a worthwhile
therapeutic approach for this syndrome since it has been shown to be a
useful tool for
motor rehabilitation or combat-related PTSD.
We thus developed a training scenario for VRT with psychomotor therapists.
OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility and acceptability of VRT
when used by elderly adults for fall rehabilitation.
METHODS: Our population of 8 patients older than 75 years, with
a Mini Mental Score Examination greater than 18/30 performed sessions of VRT
and answered a questionnaire on the feasibility and acceptability of it.
RESULTS: This sample showed a highly favourable response to the
prototype of VRT.
They found it easy to use, enjoyed the experience, and
thought it realistic and helpful.
CONCLUSION: The conclusions of our study are limited by sample
size. However, applications with VRT can offer the potential of an
acceptable technique for elderly subjects. The next step will be to show the
efficacy of this method in the management of post-fall PTSD.
Keywords: Rehabilitation, virtual reality training, psychomotor consequences of fall, elderly population
