Postural instability according to virtual reality program

Abstract

Background: The popularity of virtual reality (VR) grew rapidly. Short guidelines with a lack of emphasis on safe use appears prior to usage. It is necessary for the user to realize how much potentially dangerous VR is. Aims/objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of VR on balance in normal people. Materials and methods: Mean equilibrium score (MES) of 15 adults who have normal sense of balance were obtained by using the sensory organization test (SOT). Conditions 1 and 2 were performed. Multiple VR programs were classified as three levels (Easy, Average, and Challenging) by the visual analog scale. Further SOT tests were performed during watching VR programs. MES of each test was used for statistical analysis. Results: MES of condition 1 was significantly higher than condition 2. Although there was no statistical difference between Eye open and Easy program (p = .097), MES of average and Challenging programs showed significantly decreased scores compared to Eye open. In addition, MES of Average and Challenging programs were significantly decreased than that of Easy program. Conclusions and significance: VR can cause postural imbalance to users. It is necessary to establish quantifiable and objective methods to measure imbalance caused by VR use.