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Comparing the Effects of Exergame Training and Traditional Exercises on Balance, Walking Speed, and Fall Risk Reduction in Older Adults

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Sport Science, Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Kish, Iran

2 Department of Sport Injury and Corrective Movement, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

10.30476/smsj.2025.102151.1530

Abstract

Introduction: The global elderly population is increasing, and age-related declines in physical performance are a significant concern, often leading to balance disorders and an elevated risk of falls. To prevent and reduce the loss of cognitive and motor skills in older adults, newer methods such as virtual reality-based exergames have been proposed alongside traditional exercises, leveraging advances in accessible technology. This study aimed to compare the effects of virtual reality exergame training and traditional balance exercises on balance and coordination in older adults.
Methods: Forty men and women aged 60 to 75 years participated in this study and were divided into two groups: exergame training and traditional exercises. The study was conducted in 2022. The 25-foot walk test was used to assess walking speed, the Sharpened-Romberg test for static balance, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for dynamic balance, and a self-efficacy questionnaire to evaluate the fear of falling. Data analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 21).
Results: The results indicated that both groups showed significant improvement in single-leg stance with eyes open and closed, the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale score, TUG test time, functional reaching test, and tandem walk coordination test (all P<0.05). Post-intervention changes were similar between the two groups (P>0.05), indicating that neither training method was superior to the other. A significant improvement in Purdue Pegboard test scores was observed only with virtual reality exercise (P<0.05), with no significant effect from traditional exercises. No significant differences were observed between pre-test and post-test results in the control group for any of the measures (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Given the balance improvements resulting from both virtual reality and traditional exercises, virtual reality exergames were found to be a safe, enjoyable, low-risk, and accessible exercise method for older adults. Therefore, virtual reality exercises could be considered as a complementary or alternative exercise approach for use in residential settings, mitigating potential risks associated with travel and mobility while reducing fall risk.

Keywords

References
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Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 13, Issue 3
October 2025
Pages 570-582
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