Using Virtual Reality Landscapes During Gait Therapy to Improve Walking and Reduce Stress in Older Adults with Gait Instability

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how different virtual landscape environments affect gait therapy in older adults with walking instability. The study focuses on the impact of urban, rural, and forest scenes viewed through virtual reality VR goggles during gait training. The goal is to understand how these environments influence stress reduction, attention restoration, and changes in walking patterns to improve gait stability. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups three intervention groups using VR-assisted gait therapy in forest, urban, or rural landscapes, and a control group receiving standard gait therapy. Those in the VR groups will attend five training sessions within ten days, each lasting 25 minutes, including sitting and walking phases within the virtual environments. Walking aids may be used as needed during the sessions. During the study, participants will undergo assessments of stress levels, attention, and gait parameters before and after the intervention. Measurements include heart rate variability, skin conductance, gait speed, variability, and asymmetry, as well as interviews and eye-tracking during sessions. The study aims to identify which virtual landscapes best support gait stability by promoting stress relief and attention recovery. Participation spans the initial and final testing days, with training sessions occurring between these points.

Restorative Environments for Gait Therapy with VR