The Impact of Deep Core Muscle System Training Through Virtual Reality on Selected Posturographic Parameters
<b>Objective:</b> The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of deep core muscle training in the plank position, using the Icaros<sup>®</sup> system, integrated with virtual reality (VR), on selected posturographic parameters. <b>Methods:</b> T...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
|
| Series: | Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/2/185 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | <b>Objective:</b> The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of deep core muscle training in the plank position, using the Icaros<sup>®</sup> system, integrated with virtual reality (VR), on selected posturographic parameters. <b>Methods:</b> To meet the stated objective, we utilized the Icaros<sup>®</sup> therapeutic system (Icaros GmbH, Martinsried, Germany) for VR-based exercise. The posturographic parameters were measured using the FootScan<sup>®</sup> force platform (Materialise Motion, Paal, Belgium). A representative sample of 30 healthy participants, 13 females and 17 males (age: 22.5 ± 2.1 years; weight: 65 ± 2.9 kg; height: 1.68 ± 0.4 m; BMI: 23.04 ± 1.75) was included in the study. All participants had no prior experience with VR. The selected posturographic parameters were the ellipse area (mm<sup>2</sup>) and traveled distance (mm), assessed four times at five-minute intervals, following a 15 min VR-based training session on the Icaros<sup>®</sup> system. <b>Results:</b> The results revealed that the participants experienced a sense of instability after completing the 15 min VR session, as objectively demonstrated by changes in the measured parameters. Both the ellipse area and traveled distance showed a worsening trend during the first three measurements: immediately post-exercise, at 5 min, and at 10 min post-exercise. A downward trend was observed in the fourth measurement, taken 15 min after exercise. Statistically significant differences were found between both parameters: ellipse area (<i>p</i> = 0.000) and traveled distance (<i>p</i> = 0.000). Post hoc analysis further confirmed significant differences between the time points. <b>Conclusions:</b> Based on the findings, it is recommended that trainers and physiotherapists supervising athletes or patients using the Icaros<sup>®</sup> VR system allow for a minimum rest period of 15 min in a seated or lying position following exercise. This recovery period appears essential to mitigate the sensation of instability and to reduce the risk of complications or injury due to potential falls. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2411-5142 |