Virtual reality balance and exercise program for postmenopausal osteoporosis

The Investigation of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Applications in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This project tests whether virtual reality balance and exercise programs can help women aged 50–75 with postmenopausal osteoporosis improve balance and lower their risk of falls.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Ages: 40 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Center, Kirşehi̇r)
• Trial ID: NCT07231822 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study enrolls postmenopausal women with osteoporosis confirmed by DEXA (T-score ≤ -2.5) who can walk independently and have adequate cognition. Participants receive either conventional treatment or a virtual reality–based exercise program (exergames) aimed at improving balance and gait. Outcomes will focus on changes in balance, walking speed, and fall risk measures to determine whether the VR intervention produces functional improvements. The trial is conducted at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University and excludes patients with secondary osteoporosis, recent lower-limb injury or surgery, significant comorbidities affecting balance, or intolerance to VR.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are postmenopausal women aged 50–75 with osteoporosis (DEXA T-score ≤ -2.5), at least one year postmenopause, able to walk without aids, cognitively intact (e.g., MMSE ≥ 24), and willing to consent.

Not a fit: Patients with secondary osteoporosis, recent lower-limb fracture or surgery, severe cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, vestibular or visual disorders, intolerance to VR, or recent regular physiotherapy/exercise are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the virtual reality program could improve balance and mobility and reduce the risk of falls and fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

How similar studies have performed: Some studies using VR and exergames in older adults and people with balance problems have shown promising improvements in balance and gait, but evidence specifically for postmenopausal osteoporosis is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Postmenopausal women aged 50-75 years
* Individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis based on Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) measurement (T-score ≤ -2.5)
* Having been in menopause for at least 1 year
* Being able to walk independently (without the use of assistive devices)
* Volunteering to participate in the study and having provided informed consent
* Having adequate cognitive function (e.g., Mini Mental Test ≥ 24)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Secondary osteoporosis diagnosis (e.g. endocrine, metabolic or drug-induced causes)
* History of lower limb fracture or surgical intervention within the last 6 months
* Individuals with severe cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders
* Individuals with vestibular or visual impairments that may affect balance
* Intolerance to virtual reality applications (e.g., dizziness, nausea, etc.)
* Individuals who have participated in a regular physiotherapy or exercise programme within the last 3 months

Where this trial is running

Center, Kirşehi̇r

• Kırşehir Ahi Evran University — Center, Kirşehi̇r, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: İrem CANLI, Ph.D.

Conditions: Osteoperosis, Postmenopausal osteoporosis, Virtual reality, balance