| Sumario: | Virtual reality training (VRT), a fun, inexpensive and accessible technology, has the potential to improve activities of daily living (ADL) and functional status in older adults. The potential impact of VRT can be increased through group-based training. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of group- based VRT on ADL and functional outcomes in older adults over 65 years of age. Forty-three older adults included in the study were randomized into three groups (group- based VRT, individual VRT and control group). VRT was performed with Xbox 360 Kinect twice a week for 8 weeks. Each session lasted 45 min. Physical activity level, satisfaction level with physical activity, mood, mobility and balance performance, functional exercise capacity and ADL were evaluated. 36 people completed the study. A significant group × time interaction was found in Timed Up and Go test (TUG) (F [2, 57] = 8.60; η2= 0.004, P= <.001) and in Single Leg Stance Test (SLST)) (F [2, 57] = 5.69; η2= 8.509 × 10−4, P= <.007). After 8 weeks group- based VRT showed better scores in overall TUG (p <.001) and SLST (p=.015), whereas individual VRT and control group did not exhibit significant changes. Our results suggested that 8 weeks group- based VRT could improve mobility and balance performance in older adults. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Traditional group exercises are frequently used in older population due to their health benefits, but group-based virtual reality training is rarely used in the older adults. Group- based VRT can improve mobility and balance performance in older adults. XBox Kinect technology can be safely used by older people living in nursing homes.
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