Estudio descriptivo de serie de casos sobre los efectos de la exposición a la realidad virtual sobre los signos vitales en adultos mayores sanos

Abstract

IntroductionThe technologies for rehabilitation are instruments, equipment, systems or devices, which contribute to the processes of recovery of human capabilities. The 4.th industrial revolution has brought about the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation processes, and therefore it is necessary to be aware of its physiological effects on people. ObjectiveTo determine the effect of VR exposure on vital signs in 7 apparently healthy older adults. MethodWe present a descriptive epidemiological study of a series of 7 cases that allowed us to evaluate the behaviour of vital signs. The participants were older adults aged between 50 and 75 years, without any musculoskeletal or neuromuscular pathology to prevent them undertaking the programme. There were 4 types of virtual environments programmed progressively from an adaptation environment to the virtual environment of real demands. ResultsIn the collection of vital signs, a significant increase in HR, FR, TAM and SaO2 (P <.05) was evidenced, no significant differences were found in the vital signs taken before and 10minutes after exposure (P <.05). ConclusionHaemodynamic changes before exposure to RV are not permanent over time. Vital signs 10minutes after exposure return to initial values, which allows the application of RV in apparently healthy older people as a therapeutic strategy without risk of presenting concurrent and harmful physiological changes, according to the sample of this study.