The design of virtual reality simulations for fall risk management in community - Dwelling older adults

Objective: This study aims to design the virtual reality simulations for fall risk management. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a convenience sampling was conducted across seven cities in southern, central, and northwestern China. The fall risk management program was designed according to the preliminary findings. Results: A total of 767 community-dwelling older adults participated in the survey, and 11.6% of them reported a history of falls. The fall risks were identified in biological, behavioral, social, and environmental domains. The virtual reality-based simulation was designed to integrate family and community supports to address fall risk management for chronic medical conditions and medication use, risk behaviors, and residential environmental risks. Conclusions: The simulation can be effectively utilized in falls risk management, incorporating baseline assessment, monitoring, real-time feedback, and post-training assessment and long-term tracking. The cultural diversity should be considered in the design of simulated scenarios.