A recent study by Professor Stéphane Baudry and his team at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) has revealed that virtual reality could become an innovative solution for treating 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 Study by Professor Stephane Baudry Published in the journal Human Movement Science, repeated exposure to virtual environments can help individuals maintain their balance.
The researchers note that this technology could be particularly useful for older adults, a group at risk of falls and serious injuries.
“Older adults show an increased risk of falling, thus requiring functional rehabilitation of their motor skills.“,” ULB explains in statement.
How it works ?
The research team, consisting of Professor Baudry, Christophe Barbanchon, and Dominique Moreau, studied the effects of repeated exposure to a virtual environment on 55 young adults.
These participants were exposed to simulated forward and backward movements for six 90-second sessions. The results showed significant improvements in balance control.
Participants learned to rely less on their vision to maintain their posture, and 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, the study's first author, emphasizes the importance of these results for older adults:Repeated exposure to virtual reality can reduce the effects of aging on balance and thus reduce the risk of falls.”
Professor Boudry adds:We have already started a new research project aimed at testing the effects of virtual reality on older adults.“
Virtual reality, in addition to entertainment uses, could become a valuable tool for public health. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to consider new therapeutic approaches to help the elderly maintain their balance and prevent falls.
The future of functional rehabilitation could include these virtual environments, opening new avenues for treating balance disorders.
