Name: PAULO EMILIO MARCHETE ROHOR
Publication date: 25/02/2025
Examining board:
Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| ANSELMO FRIZERA NETO | Coorientador |
| DANILO SALES BOCALINI | Examinador Interno |
| GUILHERME FLEURY FINI SPERETTA | Examinador Externo |
| LUCIANA CARLETTI | Presidente |
Summary: 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: This study compares Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Blood Pressure (BP) in elderly during a smart walker-assisted gait session in a real-world (SWS) and in an immersive VR scenario (VRS). Methods: Thirteen physically active elderly (66.00 ± 3.96 years) performed SWS and VRS (4 x 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: Compared to baseline, HRV (LF, LF/HF) significantly increased in VRS (p 0.05). Compared to baseline, systolic BP (bouts 2, 3: % = 6.27, 7.94), and Double Product (bouts 1-4: % = 34.70-42.43) significantly increased during SWS (p 0.05). Additionally, systolic BP (bout 4: % = 6.71) and Double Product (bouts 1-4: % = 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). Both sessions were: very light intensity (%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.
Keywords: Rehabilitation; Self-Help Devices; Exercise Therapy; Digital Health.
