Feasibility of interactive video games for influence on balance in institutionalized elderly people

Purpose: The purpose is related to the assumption that the application of interactive video games will positively affect the functional balance reactions in institutionalized older individuals. Material and Methods: Ten institutionalized elderly people with an average age of 80.6 years ± 7.25, two men and eight women were included. All of them had to meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The intervention program included interactive video games, for 5 days per week, for one month. Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go and Mini Mental State Examination tests were considered. Results: Including commercial games in physical therapy sessions have a positive effect on dynamic postural control and functional ability in institutionalized elderly. Application of virtual reality possibly maintains cognitive function. Comparison between initial and final measurement revealed statistically significant differences for Berg Balance Scale and Mini Mental State Examination (p<0.005) and for Timed Up and Go (p