Motor-Prediction Improvements after Virtual Rehabilitation in Frail Older Adults

Abstract

Postural control associated with self-paced movement is critical for balance in frail older adults. The present work aimed to investigate the effects of a virtual reality-based program on postural control associated with rapid arm movement in this population. Participants in an upright standing position performed rapid arm-raising movements towards a target. Practice-related changes were assessed by pre- and post-test comparisons of hand kinematics and Centre-of-Pressure (CoP) displacement parameters measured in a training group and a control group. Training group patients took part in six sessions. After training, we observed improvements in arm movements and in the initial phase of CoP displacement, especially in anticipatory postural adjustments. Learning for these two types of motor improvements showed different rates. These results suggest that some level of motor (re)-learning is maintained in frail patients with low functional reserves.