Virtual Reality: a promising ally for the rehabilitation of seniors after a fall

Falls in the elderly are a major public health problem, often synonymous with loss of independence and quality of life (Ambrose et al., 2013). Rehabilitation sessions, crucial to promoting recovery, can be optimized thanks to new technologies. Among these, virtual reality (VR) developed by H'ability is emerging as a tool as innovative as it is effective. 

Image of an elderly person in a rehabilitation session

How can VR contribute to post-fall rehabilitation?

The challenges of post-fall rehabilitation

Seniors confronted with a traumatic event such as a fall often have to overcome not only physical injuries, but also a loss of self-confidence (Scheffer et al., 2008). It's a double whammy that can delay or even complicate their return to normal health. For example, some elderly people develop a fear of walking and reduce their overall amount of daily physical activity after a fall, which has the direct effect of accelerating the loss of autonomy. 

Gentle re-education

This "post-fall syndrome" generally translates into a fear of falling again. The posture and behavior of the person who has fallen change. For example, there's a tendency to tendency to lean backwards (commonly known as retro-pulsion) for fear of the void ahead.

In this context, consulting a physiotherapist after a fall is essential. Rehabilitation helps to restore functional autonomy and balance, and reduce apprehension. However, the success of this process depends on one key factor: the patient's commitment. Effective rehabilitation requires a motivated senior who is fully committed to his or her treatment. In other words: no successful rehabilitation without a committed patient!

The H'ability solution is to offer patients stimulating stimulating, immersive and motivating environments to encourage and even help patients to enjoy their rehabilitation sessions. According to the study by Laver et al (2017), virtual reality also helps patients regain self-confidence. Indeed, virtual environments would enable patients to train in simulated situations resembling real life, without fearing the associated risks of falling.

Proven effectiveness of virtual reality games

For less than a decade, several studies have highlighted the potential of virtual reality devices for rehabilitation. A systematic review by Bonnechère et al. (2016) highlights that certain VR games can improve muscle strength, balance and functional autonomy, while being particularly beneficial for elderly populations. Similarly, Mirelman et al. (2011) observed a significant improvement in balance in seniors using VR as a complement to traditional rehabilitation. 

At H'ability, we have developed over forty games to tailor your sessions to your patients' specific pathologies. Ask us for a demo.

References :

  • Ambrose AF, Paul G, Hausdorff JM. Risk factors for falls among older adults: a review of the literature. Maturitas. 2013;75(1):51-61.
  • Scheffer AC, Schuurmans MJ, van Dijk N, van der Hooft T, de Rooij SE. Fear of falling: measurement strategy, prevalence, risk factors and consequences among older persons. Age Ageing. 2008;37(1):19-24.
  • Laver K, George S, Thomas S, Deutsch JE, Crotty M. Cochrane Review: Virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2017;53(3):590-591.
  • Bonnechère B, Jansen B, Omelina L, Van Sint Jan S. The use of commercial video games in rehabilitation: a systematic review. Int J Rehabil Res. 2016;39(4):277-290.
  • Mirelman A, Maidan I, Herman T, Deutsch JE, Giladi N, Hausdorff JM. Virtual reality for gait training: can it induce motor learning to enhance complex walking and reduce fall risk in patients with Parkinson's disease? J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2011;66A(2):234-240.