Mixed Reality–Based Physical Therapy in Older Adults With Sarcopenia: Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract BackgroundSarcopenia in older adults is associated with reduced muscle mass and function, leading to frailty, increased fall risk, and decreased quality of life (QOL). Mixed reality (MR)–based interventions have emerged as promising tools to enhance physical therapy e...
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JMIR Publications
2025-08-01
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| Series: | JMIR Serious Games |
| Online Access: | https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e76357 |
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| author | Yeongsang An Seunghwa Min Chanhee Park |
| author_facet | Yeongsang An Seunghwa Min Chanhee Park |
| author_sort | Yeongsang An |
| collection | DOAJ |
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Abstract
BackgroundSarcopenia in older adults is associated with reduced muscle mass and function, leading to frailty, increased fall risk, and decreased quality of life (QOL). Mixed reality (MR)–based interventions have emerged as promising tools to enhance physical therapy engagement and effectiveness through immersive, interactive environments.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of a Mixed Reality–Based Physical Therapy (Mr.PT) platform on quadricep muscle thickness, balance confidence, activities of daily living, and QOL in older adults with sarcopenia.
MethodsA preliminary randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 30 older women (mean age 75.3, SD 9.9 y) diagnosed with sarcopenia based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Mr.PT group or a conventional physical activity (CPA) group. Both groups participated in 30-minute exercise sessions, 3 times per week, over 4 weeks. The Mr.PT program used head-mounted MR devices with gamified, interactive training, while the CPA group received standard therapist-led exercises using resistance bands. Outcome measures included ultrasound imaging of quadricep muscle thickness, the Korean version of the Activities of Daily Living scale (Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living), the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, and the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests.
ResultsThe Mr.PT group showed significantly greater improvement in quadricep muscle thickness than the CPA group (PPP
ConclusionsMR-based exercise using the Mr.PT platform appears effective in increasing muscle mass and enhancing QOL among older adults with sarcopenia. Its interactive and adaptive features may improve engagement and motivation, suggesting potential advantages over traditional programs. Further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up is recommended to confirm these preliminary findings and explore long-term outcomes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b750401cf8e24ad18c2d2bf385cea5ff |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2291-9279 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | JMIR Publications |
| record_format | Article |
| series | JMIR Serious Games |
| spelling | doaj-art-b750401cf8e24ad18c2d2bf385cea5ff2025-08-20T02:55:09ZengJMIR PublicationsJMIR Serious Games2291-92792025-08-0113e76357e7635710.2196/76357Mixed Reality–Based Physical Therapy in Older Adults With Sarcopenia: Preliminary Randomized Controlled TrialYeongsang Anhttp://orcid.org/0009-0001-4938-9825Seunghwa Minhttp://orcid.org/0009-0004-1870-9832Chanhee Parkhttp://orcid.org/0000-0003-2262-8555 Abstract BackgroundSarcopenia in older adults is associated with reduced muscle mass and function, leading to frailty, increased fall risk, and decreased quality of life (QOL). Mixed reality (MR)–based interventions have emerged as promising tools to enhance physical therapy engagement and effectiveness through immersive, interactive environments. ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of a Mixed Reality–Based Physical Therapy (Mr.PT) platform on quadricep muscle thickness, balance confidence, activities of daily living, and QOL in older adults with sarcopenia. MethodsA preliminary randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 30 older women (mean age 75.3, SD 9.9 y) diagnosed with sarcopenia based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Mr.PT group or a conventional physical activity (CPA) group. Both groups participated in 30-minute exercise sessions, 3 times per week, over 4 weeks. The Mr.PT program used head-mounted MR devices with gamified, interactive training, while the CPA group received standard therapist-led exercises using resistance bands. Outcome measures included ultrasound imaging of quadricep muscle thickness, the Korean version of the Activities of Daily Living scale (Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living), the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, and the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. ResultsThe Mr.PT group showed significantly greater improvement in quadricep muscle thickness than the CPA group (PPP ConclusionsMR-based exercise using the Mr.PT platform appears effective in increasing muscle mass and enhancing QOL among older adults with sarcopenia. Its interactive and adaptive features may improve engagement and motivation, suggesting potential advantages over traditional programs. Further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up is recommended to confirm these preliminary findings and explore long-term outcomes.https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e76357 |
| spellingShingle | Yeongsang An Seunghwa Min Chanhee Park Mixed Reality–Based Physical Therapy in Older Adults With Sarcopenia: Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial JMIR Serious Games |
| title | Mixed Reality–Based Physical Therapy in Older Adults With Sarcopenia: Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial |
| title_full | Mixed Reality–Based Physical Therapy in Older Adults With Sarcopenia: Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial |
| title_fullStr | Mixed Reality–Based Physical Therapy in Older Adults With Sarcopenia: Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial |
| title_full_unstemmed | Mixed Reality–Based Physical Therapy in Older Adults With Sarcopenia: Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial |
| title_short | Mixed Reality–Based Physical Therapy in Older Adults With Sarcopenia: Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial |
| title_sort | mixed reality based physical therapy in older adults with sarcopenia preliminary randomized controlled trial |
| url | https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e76357 |
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