Impact of a Single Virtual Reality-Based Therapy Session Associated with Partial Blood Flow Restriction on Hemodynamic, Autonomic, and Perceptual Outcomes in elderly: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial

• Grant number: 24/06919-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Franciele Marques Vanderlei
• Grantee: Maria Eduarda Lopes da Cruz
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is a dynamic and progressive process, with the presence of morphological, functional, biochemical and biopsychosocial changes that modify organic functions over time. Currently, it is known that the practice of physical exercise minimizes the problems caused by aging, especially in the cardiorespiratory system. Among the various training modalities for the elderly, partial blood flow restriction (SRF) and virtual reality (VRT) have stood out, however, there are no studies with the combination of the two alternatives in view of autonomic, hemodynamic, perceptual outcomes and signs and symptoms of elderly women.Objectives: to analyze the autonomic behavior, as well as hemodynamic and perceptual parameters and signs and symptoms in elderly women before, during the games and in the recovery period after a single session of VRT associated with SRF.Methods: this is a randomized crossover clinical trial with a seven-day break period composed of elderly women aged 60 years or older. There will be a single session of TRV exercise using the Nintendo Wii® video game with the games Hulla Hoop, Free Run and Free Step lasting approximately 21 minutes with or without the RFS of the lower limbs that will establish up 40% of the total occlusion pressure. Initially, hemodynamic parameters (heart rate [HR], systolic blood pressure [SBP] and diastolic blood pressure [DBP], peripheral oxygen saturation [SpO2]) and autonomic parameters will be collected through heart rate variability (VFC).Following this, a virtual session will be held in which the autonomic parameters will be monitored and possible signs and symptoms and effort received will be identified using the Borg scale. Immediately after the end of the experimental protocols, the recovery period will begin, in which the autonomic, hemodynamic, and recuperative outcomes (Likert scale of recovery) and signs and symptoms of all groups will be collected again. For statistical analysis, the statistical program SPSS (version 24.0) (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) will be used.