Virtual Reality-Based vs Traditional Physiotherapy for Balance, Frailty, and Fall Prevention in Adults Aged 45 Years and Older

Sponsor
Umm Al-Qura University
Study ID
NCT07322861
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Balance Deficits
  • Falls
  • Frailty
  • Mobility Limitations

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
40 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Virtual Reality-Based Training Program — DEVICE
    Participants assigned to this arm will receive a virtual reality (VR)-based exercise program using the PABLO system. The intervention will be delivered over 12 weeks, with two supervised sessions per week (approximately 30 minutes per session). Training will include interactive balance exercises with real-time biofeedback, strength and power tasks, aerobic stepping activities, and flexibility exercises. Exercise intensity and progression will be guided by perceived exertion and task performance. The program is designed to improve balance control, mobility, strength, and engagement while reducing fall risk
  • Physiotherapy Exercise Program — OTHER
    Participants assigned to this arm will receive a traditional physiotherapy program based on the Otago Exercise Programme. The intervention will be delivered over 12 weeks, with two supervised sessions per week (approximately 30 minutes per session). The program will include balance training, lower-limb strength and power exercises, aerobic components, and flexibility exercises, following established Otago progression principles. This program aims to improve balance, mobility, and physical function and reduce fall risk using conventional physiotherapy methods.

Study Details

This study will compare two exercise-based rehabilitation programs to improve balance and reduce fall risk in adults aged 45 years and older who have had at least one fall in the past year or have balance problems. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups: (1) a virtual reality (VR) exercise program using the PABLO system, or (2) a traditional physiotherapy program based on the Otago approach. Both programs will include balance training, strength/power exercises, aerobic activity, and flexibility. The program will last 12 weeks, with two supervised sessions per week (about 30 minutes each). Assessments will be completed at the start of the study and again after 12 weeks. The main outcomes include frailty status, number of falls, mobility (Timed Up and Go test), and balance (Berg Balance Scale). Additional outcomes include grip strength, quality of life (SF-12), and program adherence and safety. The study will help determine whether VR-based rehabilitation improves participation and outcomes compared with traditional physiotherapy.

Key Dates

First listed
Jan 7, 2026
Start date
Jan 1, 2026
Status verified
Dec 2025
Primary completion
May 1, 2026
Completion
Jun 1, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
80 participants (estimated)
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION

Arms

  • Experimental: Virtual Reality-Based Training Program
  • Active Comparator: Traditional Physiotherapy Program

Primary Outcome Measure

Frailty Status (Arabic FRAIL Scale) [ Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12) ]

Central Contacts

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