Abstract

Objective The objective of this study is to describe the changes in the WOMAC questionnaire score, the Berg Balance Scale, and the six-minute walk test, after taking part in a physiotherapy training that includes virtual reality in this patient group. Material and method The present prospective, descriptive study was conducted on a series of cases in the Hospital Clínico San Borja Arriarán (Chile). Using a convenience sampling, 12 patients were selected with a diagnosis of total hip arthroplasty. There were 10 physiotherapy sessions, which included the virtual reality as part of the treatment. The outcome measures were: functionality, using the WOMAC questionnaire; risk of falling, using the Berg Balance Scale; difference of weight load in ERIA, using Wii Fit™ Plus game, and distance travelled in the six-minute walk test. There were no losses of participants. Results Post-treatment there was a reduction in the WOMAC questionnaire score, and an increase in the values of the Berg Balance Scale, and six-minute walk test. These changes in the scores of the variables measured were statistically significant with a P<.05. Conclusions Functional changes were observed in the assessment of a physiotherapy training that uses virtual reality in patients older than 60 years with total hip arthroplasty.