The Impact of Simulation Technology on Fall Prevention: A Clinical Trial in Older Adults

Background Fall prevention in older adults requires the diversification of physical therapy intervention strategies through alternatives based on emerging technologies. Objective To evaluate the impact of simulation technology on fall prevention in older adults, focusing on fall risk, fear of falling, and kinesophobia. Materials and methods An open-label randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of virtual reality on fall prevention among older adults attending day centers in the municipality of Querétaro. An experimental group was randomly selected and underwent 10 sessions using a virtual reality protocol, while a control group received sessions using a conventional protocol. The FES-I, TSK-11, and TUG equipped with inertial sensors, were used to assess the effect of the intervention. Results The sample consisted of 50 older adults with a mean age of 69.6 (± 5.89). The experimental group (n = 28) showed improvement in scores on all scales and tests administered (p< 0.001). The control group (n = 22) showed no significant difference in the FES-I (p >0.05), but did show differences in the remaining tests, although these were less significant than those in the experimental group (p< 0.002, p< 0.001). Conclusions A virtual reality program is effective in preventing falls in older adults and leads to greater adherence to treatment. © 2026 The Authors.