Influence of Augmented Reality-based Dual Task Training on Balance, Visuo Motor and Cognition during Simulated Visual and Auditory Impairment

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of augmented reality (AR)-based dual-task training on balance, visuomotor skills, and cognitive function.

Methods/Statistical analysis: This study was conducted on 20 healthy adults from S University located in City A, South Korea. The participants were divided into an augmented reality-based dual-task training group and a general balance training group. Before and after the experiment, the balance ability, visuomotor skills, and cognitive function changes in each group were evaluated using the Time Up and Go (TUG) test, COTRAS-PRO, and COSAS assessments, measured twice as pre- and post-tests.

Findings: Both the augmented reality-based dual-task group (DG) and the general balance training group (CG) showed significant improvements in balance ability, but there were no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). In terms of visuomotor skills, the DG group showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) and demonstrated significant differences compared to the CG group (p < 0.05). However, the CG group showed no significant differences (p > 0.05).In terms of cognitive function, the DG group showed significant improvements in visuoperceptual ability (p < 0.05) and showed significant differences compared to the CG group (p < 0.05).The CG group showed significant improvements in memory (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of memory (p > 0.05).

Improvements/Applications: The dual-task training using augmented reality technology showed significant improvements in the balance, visuomotor skills, and visuoperceptual ability processing abilities of participants simulating visual and auditory impairments. This suggests that AR-based training has a high potential to be utilized as an effective tool.