Virtual Reality Based Fall Prevention Education for Community Dwelling Elderly Individuals: Concept Overview

Authors

Preeti Oza, University of the PacificFollow
Edgar Alvarez, University of the PacificFollow
Priyanka Bhatt, University of the PacificFollow
Fahrial Licudo, University of the PacificFollow
Linnea Lynch, University of the PacificFollow
Nina Vitorelo, University of the PacificFollow
Yusif Imanov, University of the PacificFollow

Poster Number

16A

Lead Author Affiliation

Physical Therapy

Lead Author Status

Faculty

Second Author Affiliation

Physical Therapy

Second Author Status

Doctoral Student

Third Author Affiliation

Physical Therapy

Third Author Status

Doctoral Student

Fourth Author Affiliation

Physical Therapy

Fourth Author Status

Doctoral Student

Fifth Author Affiliation

Physical Therapy

Fifth Author Status

Doctoral Student

Sixth Author Affiliation

Digital Programer, University Libraries, University of the Pacific

Sixth Author Status

Doctoral Student

Additional Authors

Yusif Imanov, BS, Digital Projects Manager, University Libraries

Introduction/Abstract

Among the different conditions that contribute to falls in elderly individuals, home hazards are preventable but often overlooked. Community-based fall prevention programs therefore emphasize education related to fall risks in home environments and increasing safety at home. Virtual Reality (VR) provides a unique immersive audiovisual experience that can enhance learning. VR based fall prevention education offered in different languages has the potential to provide personalized education for individuals attending community-based fall prevention programs, at lower costs compared to live home tours and expense of interpreters.

Purpose

This project will assess the effectiveness of fall prevention education in five different languages administered via VR videos as compared to traditional videos and paper-based education, for community-dwelling elderly individuals.

Method

VR based videos will be developed in collaboration with CUBE at University of the Pacific, to be used via Google Cardboard, a mobile VR unit for this research project. Physical Therapy students will develop scripts, videos and other documents related to reduction of fall risks at home. Enrollment into the study will begin after IRB approval. Outcomes related to perception, comprehension, anxiety, and experience of the individuals will be recorded to assess the benefits and limitations of each educational method in each of the selected languages.

Results

Our project is in the developmental stage and this presentation will provide details of our rationale, research design, methodology and potential impact of the expected outcomes.

Significance

Scientific evidence for VR in health-related education is limited. This will be the first study to assess the effectiveness of fall prevention education to community dwelling elderly individuals with VR. The highlight of our project is the collaboration between educators, healthcare professionals and technology professionals in the development of VR intervention. Our study will help community dwelling elderly individuals for fall prevention, educators with development of new teaching tool and technology professionals in developing VR based videos.

Location

Library and Learning Center, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95211

Format

Poster Presentation