Virtual Reality for Walking and Balance in Older Adults

This is a single‐center, parallel‐group, randomized controlled trial conducted at MadinahTeaching Hospital, Faisalabad. Participants (N=36) are community‐dwelling adults aged>=60 years, ambulatory with or without aids, with no severe cognitive impairment oruncontrolled cardiovascular disease. After baseline assessment (including Image‐basedmodeling using OpenPose software, 6‐Meter Walk Test, and Berg Balance Scale),participants are randomly allocated to Group A (VR) or Group B (Control). The VR groupuses a head‐mounted display (Oculus/Meta type) and a computer screen displaying a 3Dworld for gait and balance tasks. The control group performs conventional rehabilitationincluding tandem walking, weight shifts, and postural control exercises on differentsurfaces. Both interventions are delivered 30‐45 minutes per session, 2‐3 times per weekfor 4‐6 weeks. The primary outcome is gait (speed and kinematics). The secondary outcomeis balance (BBS). Statistical analysis will be performed using IBM SPSS v22.