Kinect-based therapy enhances quality of life for women with osteopenia

Kinect-based virtual reality training (VRT) significantly improves physical performance and quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteopenia, demonstrating it as a promising and feasible intervention for rehabilitation, according to a study.

The prospective, 2-arm, parallel-design, randomized controlled trial involved 52 participants randomly divided into 2 groups. The experimental group engaged in Kinect-based VRT sessions thrice weekly for 24 weeks, each lasting 45 minutes, while both groups were encouraged to partake in a 30-minute daily walk. Physical performance was assessed using various tests, including the Time Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test, and others. Quality of life was measured using the Escala de Calidad de vida Osteoporosis (ECOS-16) questionnaire, with assessments at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks.

Results indicated that all outcome variables showed significant improvements (P < 0.001) in the experimental group from baseline at both the 12th and 24th weeks. Similarly, the control group saw significant improvements in most variables, except for Functional Reach Test between the 12th and 24th weeks. The experimental group exhibited more significant improvements across most variables compared to the control group (P < 0.001).

The study concludes that while both groups showed enhanced physical performance and quality of life, the experimental group receiving Kinect-based VRT demonstrated superior outcomes.

Reference
Riaz S, Shakil Ur Rehman S, Hassan D, et al. Gamified Exercise with Kinect: Can Kinect-Based Virtual Reality Training Improve Physical Performance and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia? A Randomized Controlled Trial. Sensors (Basel). 2024;24(11):3577. doi: 10.3390/s24113577. PMID: 38894367.