Virtual reality devices for the evaluation and improvement of the postulate balance in older adults. State of art.

Abstract

The cognitive processes and the motor system of the human being begin to deteriorate progressively with age, so that the postural actions that are executed to maintain balance become ineffective. Virtual reality can be effectively implemented as a method of diagnosis, training and rehabilitation of older adults. Recent literature shows that dynamic posturography can detect and classify the risk of falling. On the other hand, the use of wearable sensors allows to enrich the training based on virtual reality, being the most used console, the Nintendo Wii. The improvements achieved through virtual training are significant and similar to those obtained through conventional exercises. In addition, the implementation of virtual training increases adherence to treatment, but the effectiveness of training lies in the choice of the correct protocols. Maintaining the improvements will depend on the cognitive demand of the training. Currently, the systems under development seek to integrate virtual reality with wearable sensors and medical equipment. In the future, virtual reality can be used as a basis for the development of tele-rehabilitation systems.SUMMARY: The cognitive processes and the motor system of the human being begin to deteriorate progressively with age, so that the postural actions that are executed to maintain balance become ineffective. Virtual reality can be effectively implemented as a method of diagnosis, training and rehabilitation of older adults. Recent literature shows that dynamic posturography can detect and classify the risk of falling. On the other hand, the use of wearable sensors allows to enrich the training based on virtual reality, being the most used console, the Nintendo Wii. The improvements achieved through virtual training are significant and similar to those obtained through conventional exercises. In addition, the implementation of virtual training increases adherence to treatment, but the effectiveness of training lies in the choice of the correct protocols. Maintaining the improvements will depend on the cognitive demand of the training. Currently, the systems under development seek to integrate virtual reality with wearable sensors and medical equipment. In the future, virtual reality can be used as a basis for the development of tele-rehabilitation systems.