Virtual Reality-based Rehabilitation in the Treatment and Prevention of Sarcopenia of Older Residents in Caring Facilities - a Pilot Study in Rural Southern Taiwan

Detailed Summary

Background: Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and decline of muscle function associated with aging. The prevalence of sarcopenia among people older than 65 years old in Taiwan is over 20%. Sarcopenia is one of the most important causes of functional decline and loss of independence, even mortality in older adults. Literatures have found that resistant or aerobic exercise could improve muscle strength and function in older adults. However, due to shortage in healthcare provider, long-term rehabilitation program is difficult to provide in senior caring facilities of countryside in Taiwan. Method: The investigators conducted a study to screen sarcopenia among residents in senior caring facilities in Ci-Shan and Mei-Nong district, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Older adults diagnosed as sarcopenia after screening received a virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation program that lasts for 12 weeks, twice per week, 30 minutes per time. The program was combined with progressive resistant training and functional movement of dominant upper (UE) limb. Criteria of sarcopenia including (1) handgrip strength of dominant hand (HGS), (2) walking speed, and (3) skeletal muscle mass of 4 extremities (SKM), were measured as primary outcomes. (1) Range of motions in dominant UE (ROM), (2) maximal voluntary isometric contraction of biceps/triceps brachial muscles of dominant side (MVC of biceps/triceps), and (3) box and block test (BBT), were measured as secondary outcomes before and after the programs. Anticipated benefits: VR-based rehabilitation program could enhance the motivation toward rehabilitation of older adults and reduce the health provider demand of senior caring facilities in countryside. It could also increase muscle mass, strength, and functional ability of dominant UE and reach the clinical effectiveness in treatment of sarcopenia.

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