125 A Novel Immersive Virtual Reality Dual Tasking Platform for Older Adults

Abstract

Dual task training benefits older adults by improving their balance and gait parameters. There is strong evidence suggesting its usefulness in reduction of falls with reduced falls risk. Current interventions for dual task training include exercises with cognitive exercises. There exists limited evidence for the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in training for dual tasking. Our study sets out to evaluate the usability and feasibility of an immersive VR dual tasking platform for older adults.An immersive VR dual tasking training platform for older adults was developed in conjunction with the engineers for this pilot study. The cognitive task involves training of executive function through an immersive 3-dimensional game where the participants have to follow instructions to catch and avoid certain specified objects. The motor task involves walking on a motorized treadmill at a preset speed. The two tasks were incorporated into a single platform with a training protocol over twelve sessions. We evaluated for side effects from using this immersive VR device and tolerability of the training protocol.The mean age of the participants is 62.9(±3.0)years old. Their mean comfortable gait speed is 1.27m/s. There were no falls throughout the entire training program. Participants tolerated the training protocol well with only 0.83% (1/120 training sessions) experiencing lower muscle ache/pain. The most common adverse effect from the immersive VR environment was tiredness – which made up 88% of all the adverse effects. However, this did not prevent participants from completing the training. The mean rating on the Borg Scale of perceived exertion is fairly light.The VR platform and training protocol is safe and feasible for use in healthy older adults. We aim to conduct a clinical trial using this VR dual tasking platform in older adults to assess for clinical benefits in falls preventions, improvements in gait parameters and cognitive scores.