Effects of Extended Reality-based Fall Prevention Training on Reflexes, Judgment, and Balance Control in Adults

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aims to investigate the impact of extended reality (XR) technology on adults’ reflexes, judgment, and balance control, with the goal of proposing effective fall prevention methods.

Methods/Statistical analysis: This study was conducted on 42 male and female college students aged 20~25 years old who are enrolled in S University, A City, Korea, and were randomly distributed into XR-wearing exercise group (XRG) and verbal instruction exercise group (VIG) for 4 weeks after evaluating their health status and ability through preliminary interviews. The study evaluated the effects of each group through tests for judgment (K-MOKA), reflexes (TMT), and balance control (TUG, STS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 to analyse differences between groups.

Findings: This study demonstrated that XR-based fall prevention training significantly improved adults' reflexes, judgment, and balance control abilities. This suggests that XR training is more effective than traditional methods and raises the possibility of establishing it as a new approach to fall prevention.

Improvements/Applications: Training programs utilizing XR technology can contribute to fall prevention in the elderly and vulnerable populations. Future research should explore the diverse applications of XR and seek directions for developing it into a more comprehensive treatment approach.