Effects of smart walker-assisted gait in real-world vs. virtual reality on heart rate variability and blood pressure in elderly: A randomized cross-over study

IF 1.4 Q3 REHABILITATION

JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES Pub Date : 2025-08-28 DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.028

P.E.M Rohor , Anselmo Frizera , Carla Zimerer , Maria Eduarda Franchine , Matheus Loureiro , Fabiana Machado , Ricardo Mello , Luciana Carletti

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Integrating smart walkers and virtual reality (VR) holds promise for gait rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of understanding their physiological effects to optimize treatment protocols.

Purpose

Compare Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Blood Pressure (BP) in a smart walker-assisted gait session: in real-world (SWS) and in an immersive VR scenario (VRS) in elderly.

Methods

Thirteen physically active elderly (66.00 ± 3.96 years) performed SWS and VRS (4 × 90s; 90s passive rest). HRV (baseline, recovery) and Maximum Heart Rate Percentage (%HRmax) were established (Polar®H10). BP (baseline, rest, recovery) was assessed with an aneroid sphygmomanometer. Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and Cognitive Load (CL) were recorded (rest, recovery).

Results

HRV significantly decreased HF (High-Frequency) and significantly increased LF/HF after VRS (p ≤ 0.05). Compared to baseline, systolic BP (bouts 2, 3: Δ% = 6.27, 7.94), and Double Product (bouts 1–4: Δ% = 34.70–42.43) significantly increased during SWS (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, systolic BP (bout 4: Δ% = 6.71) and Double Product (bouts 1–4: Δ% = 34.87–43.18) significantly increased during VRS (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences in HRV, BP, and %HRmax were observed between SWS and VRS (p > 0.05). The intensity of the sessions was “very light” (%HRmax = SWS: 52.3–55.7%; VRS: 53.9–56.0%), RPE = SWS: “Very, Very Easy”; VRS: “Easy” and CL = “Very Low Mental Effort”.

Conclusion

Integrating a smart walker and an immersive VR scenario does not appear to substantially elevate the physiological demand on HRV and BP in elderly, suggesting a safe strategy for gait rehabilitation.

查看原文本刊更多论文

现实世界与虚拟现实中智能步行者辅助步态对老年人心率变异性和血压的影响：一项随机交叉研究

智能步行者和虚拟现实（VR）的整合为步态康复带来了希望，强调了了解其生理效应对优化治疗方案的重要性。目的比较智能步行者辅助步态过程中的心率变异性（HRV）和血压（BP）：在现实世界（SWS）和沉浸式VR场景（VRS）中老年人。方法对13例体力活动老年人（66.00±3.96岁）进行SWS和VRS （4 × 90分；90分被动休息）。建立HRV（基线、恢复）和最大心率百分比（%HRmax）（Polar®H10）。用无血管血压计评估血压（基线、休息、恢复）。记录两组的认知负荷评分（休息、恢复）和认知负荷评分（RPE）。结果shrv显著降低VRS后HF（高频），显著提高VRS后LF/HF（高频）比值（p≤0.05）。与基线相比，SWS期间收缩压（第2,3次：Δ% = 6.27, 7.94）和双积（第1-4次：Δ% = 34.70-42.43）显著升高（p≤0.05）。此外，在VRS期间，收缩压（4次：Δ% = 6.71）和双积（1-4次：Δ% = 34.87 ~ 43.18）显著升高（p≤0.05）。SWS和VRS在HRV、BP和%HRmax方面无显著差异（p > 0.05）。训练强度为“非常轻”（%HRmax = SWS: 52.3-55.7%; VRS: 53.9-56.0%）， RPE = SWS：“非常、非常容易”；VRS：“简单”和CL =“非常低的脑力劳动”。结论将智能步行器与沉浸式VR场景相结合不会显著提高老年人HRV和BP的生理需求，提示了一种安全的步态康复策略。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES REHABILITATION-

CiteScore

2.80

自引率

0.00%

发文量

133

审稿时长

321 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies brings you the latest therapeutic techniques and current professional debate. Publishing highly illustrated articles on a wide range of subjects this journal is immediately relevant to everyday clinical practice in private, community and primary health care settings. Techiques featured include: • Physical Therapy • Osteopathy • Chiropractic • Massage Therapy • Structural Integration • Feldenkrais • Yoga Therapy • Dance • Physiotherapy • Pilates • Alexander Technique • Shiatsu and Tuina