The Investigation of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Applications in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Patients
Recruiting · NCT07231822 · Interventional (participants receive a specific treatment) · Lead sponsor: Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi
View the official record on ClinicalTrials.gov →Interventions studied
What this trial is about
Osteoporosis is a progressive disease characterised by a decrease in bone mass, deterioration in bone microarchitecture, and increased fragility. Etiologically, it is divided into two types: primary (postmenopausal and senile) and secondary. Postmenopausal women are particularly at high risk; it is seen in more than 80% of women over the age of 50 and in almost all individuals over the age of 75. With menopause, bone mineral density decreases, which negatively affects neuromuscular functions, leading to balance disorders, decreased walking speed, and an increased risk of falls. Falls are the primary cause of osteoporotic fractures and result in functional loss, morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Exercise is effective in reducing bone loss; in recent years, therapeutic virtual reality and exercise games (exergames) have come to the fore. However, the literature on the effectiveness of these applications in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients is limited. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of virtual reality applications on balance, quality of life, and fall risk and to compare them with a control group.
Who can take part
Inclusion criteria
- Postmenopausal women aged 50-75 years
- Individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis based on Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) measurement (T-score ≤ -2.5)
- Having been in menopause for at least 1 year
- Being able to walk independently (without the use of assistive devices)
- Volunteering to participate in the study and having provided informed consent
- Having adequate cognitive function (e.g., Mini Mental Test ≥ 24)
Exclusion criteria
- Secondary osteoporosis diagnosis (e.g. endocrine, metabolic or drug-induced causes)
- History of lower limb fracture or surgical intervention within the last 6 months
- Individuals with severe cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders
- Individuals with vestibular or visual impairments that may affect balance
- Intolerance to virtual reality applications (e.g., dizziness, nausea, etc.)
- Individuals who have participated in a regular physiotherapy or exercise programme within the last 3 months
Where it is running
1 location listed.
- Kırşehir Ahi Evran University - Center, Kirşehi̇r, Turkey (Türkiye)