Baron, A.J. (Anna Jetske) (2017) The effects of exergaming on balance, fear of falling and participation in older adults with a history of falls or balance problems: a pilot study. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.
Full text available on request.Abstract
In recent years, exergames are gaining popularity as a tool for balance training for older adults. The interactive nature of the games allows older adults to train unsupervised at home. The purpose of the current pilot study was to examine the effects of a 6 weeks unsupervised home-based exergaming program on balance ability, fear of falling (FOF) and participation level in 10 independently living older adults with a history of falls or balance problems. Three older adults (age range: 74-93 years) were included in this study and played a custom made ice-skating game for six weeks (3days a week 30minutes). A virtual ice-skater could be steered through a frozen Dutch canal by lateral body weight shifts. Every two weeks static (narrow ridge balance test, four balance scale) and dynamic (four step square test) clinical balance assessments were conducted, while the participant wore a tri-axial accelerometer. In addition, on the first and last day, an FOF and participation questionnaire were administered (FES-I and IPA). All three participants adhered to the program and played more than recommended. The results indicate that the program is feasible and can positively influence balance, FOF and participation level. The participant recruitment strategy was not suitable for the intended research protocol and should, therefore, be adapted for future studies. In addition, future studies should examine the effectivity of the exergaming program in larger groups and focus on personalizing the exergaming program, hence the exergaming program optimally improves balance, FOF and participation level.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Lamoth, prof. dr. C.J.C. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 04 May 2022 08:49 |
| Last Modified: | 04 May 2022 08:49 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3219 |
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