VIRTUAL REALITY AND PROPRIOCEPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR FACILITATION AS APPROACH FOR FUNCIONALIZATION OF VISUAL REACTION TIME, DYNAMIC BALANCE AND MUSCLE STRENGHT

Abstract

Introduction: Virtual Reality (VR) is an interface that exposes the user to different sensory channels, involving activities such as motor function, balance, gait and coordination. The Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), through voluntary decisions, develops potential and promotes the reaction of neuromuscular mechanisms for irradiation. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of performing tasks in VR associated with patterns of PNF in the lower limbs of sedentary adults and healthy subjects, with analysis of muscle strength, reaction time and dynamic balance. Materials and methods: The sample included 18 participants randomly assigned to three groups (n = 6): G1 with FNP and RV association, G2 with PNF and G3 with VR. The trial took place for five weeks, twice a week, employing before and after each intervention the make test to assess the muscle strength (MS), the pedal reaction test Nelson, for visual reaction time (VRT), and the star excursion balance Test, for dynamic balance (DB). Results: When comparing subsequent time to the previous time there was a significant decrease in TRV for the three groups, particularly to G2; Significant decreases in the groups G1 and G2 for FM; however, there were no statistically significant changes to the ED in either group. Conclusion: The three groups, mainly in G2, showed efficacy in reducing TRV, however, it was not effective for significant gain of ED and FM in sedentary and healthy adults.