Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) can result in micro and macrovascular problems that impact the anatomical, structural, and functional characteristics of several organs. Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate virtual reality (VR) exercise influences on the balance of elderly individuals diagnosed with T2DM.
Patients and methods: A total of sixty male and female patients suffered from T2DM who were recruited from the Outpatient's Clinic of Menouf Hospital. Their ages ranged from 65 to 75 years old, HBA1c level was ≥ 6.5 for 5 years ago and their BMI ranged from 25 to 32 Kg/m² participated in this study. All patients were randomly assigned into 2 equal groups (30 for each). Group A who received VR training for 30 mins plus traditional balance exercises for another 30 mins twice a week for ten weeks, and group B who received traditional balance exercises only for 30 mins twice a week for ten weeks. Balance was assessed using Biodex balance system and BBS before and after the treatment procedures. Results: The findings revealed a significant decrease in overall, anteroposterior, and mediolateral stability index in both groups post-treatments in the favour of group A and significant increase in BBS in both groups post-treatments in the favour of group A. The percentage of change in OASI, APSI, MLSI, and BBS of the group A was 60.11%, 52.76%, 55.15%, and 56.80%, respectively, while that in the group B was 23.25%, 18.60%, 23.98%, and 25.27% respectively. Conclusion: A VR-based workout program has been demonstrated to be an effective intervention for improving the balance of older adults diabetics who suffer from poor balance due to underlying diseases.