Falling is one of the biggest fears that comes with getting older. Now a new analysis suggests that some video game based balance programs may actually help. Researchers pooled results from studies of 1,815 older adults and compared virtual reality systems (Kinect, IVR, BTSNVR, and Wii) against usual care and active control programs.
For static balance, meaning staying steady while standing still, Kinect, IVR, and Wii all did better than usual care. For dynamic balance, staying steady while moving, BTSNVR, Wii, Kinect, and active control all beat usual care. Only Kinect significantly reduced fear of falling.
The catch: this is early evidence. Several of the comparisons rested on just a few studies, and the researchers themselves call the findings preliminary. They also warn that the rankings of which system works best should be read with caution. The analysis did not report any safety information, so we do not know about side effects or injuries.
So should you swap your walker for a game console? Not yet. These results are a promising signal, not a proven recipe. If balance worries you, talk with your doctor about what is right for you.
Common questions
Which virtual reality system worked best for balance?
It depends on the type of balance. For static balance (standing still), Kinect, IVR, and Wii all beat usual care. For dynamic balance (moving), BTSNVR, Wii, Kinect, and active control all did better than usual care. Only Kinect significantly reduced fear of falling. The researchers caution that rankings should be read carefully because some comparisons relied on few studies.
Is this evidence strong enough to rely on?
Not yet. The researchers call the findings preliminary. Several of the comparisons were based on only a few studies, and they warn that the rankings of systems should be interpreted cautiously. This is an early signal, not a proven answer. Talk with your doctor before changing anything about your balance routine.
Were there any side effects or safety problems?
The analysis did not report any safety information. It did not report adverse events, serious adverse events, or how many people stopped using the programs. So we simply do not know from this analysis whether these virtual reality programs caused any problems or injuries. Ask your doctor if you have concerns about starting one.
Who was studied in this analysis?
The analysis pooled results from studies of 1,815 older adults with balance impairment. It compared virtual reality based interventions (Kinect, IVR, BTSNVR, and Wii) against usual care and active control programs. The studies looked at static balance, dynamic balance, and fear of falling. The analysis did not report how long people used the programs.
