Virtual reality in the management of health conditions for people aged 65 years and older: A retrospective analysis.

Abstract Background: Globally, the population of people over the age of 60 years is increasing, and the reproduction rate is declining. This will lead to a substantially higher burden for healthcare professionals caring for this patient population. Virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly used in this population group across myriad health conditions. Methods: A retrospective analysis of health records was conducted for older people for a range of health conditions who were treated in the metaverse using VR. The main aims of our study were to determine if it was achievable, safe, that outcome measures could be collected remotely, and any early evidence of effectiveness. Results: The health records of 164 participants, whose mean age was 72.7 (SD = 6.6) years were identified. No adverse effects were reported, the treatment appeared to be well tolerated and appropriate outcomes could be collected. The 30 second sit to stand test significantly improved following treatment (p < 0.001), as did shoulder abduction range for the left (p = 0.03) and right (p = 0.02) upper limbs, and the Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale (p = 0.05). No deterioration in any outcomes were reported during the time of treatment. Conclusion: These data suggest that this method of treatment was feasible and safe, and that a large selection of patient reported, and software acquired outcomes could be collected. Trial registration: This protocol received an exempt status with a waiver of consent from the Biomedical Research Alliance of New York (BRANY) IRB Protocol #22-12-618-947.