Influence of a virtual reality-based exercise protocol on the sit-to-stand activity kinematic variables in pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Changes resulting from the gestational period may lead to changes in the biomechanics of women, which can alter the performance of functional activities such as sit-to-stand. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of a virtual reality-based exercise protocol on the kinematic variables of the sit-to-stand movement in women in their second and third gestational trimesters. METHODS: The sample consisted of 44 women selected according to the eligibility criteria, allocated into 4 groups control group, 2nd trimester (CG2T); experimental group, 2nd trimester (EG2T); control group, 3rd trimester (CG3T); and experimental group, 3rd trimester (EG3T). All the volunteers answered the identification and evaluation form and were sent to the kinematic evaluation through the Qualisys Motion Capture System®. An intervention with game therapy was performed in 12 sessions of 30 minutes each, three times a week. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found intra- (P> 0.54) and inter-groups (P> 0.059) for kinematic variables. However, there was a tendency for improvement in the analyzed variables after the proposed protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained suggest that the use of the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus® was not able to influence sit-to-stand kinematic variables in the analyzed women.(AU)