The Impact of Deep Core Muscle System Training Through Virtual Reality on Selected Posturographic Parameters

Background and Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of deep core muscle training in the plank position using the Icaros® system, integrated with virtual reality (VR), on selected posturographic parameters. Methods: To meet the stated objective, we utilized the Icaros® therapeutic system (Icaros GmbH, Martinsried, Germany) for VR-based exercise. Posturographic parameters were measured using the FootScan® force platform (Materialise Motion, Paal, Belgium). A representative sample of 30 healthy participants,13 females and 17 males (age: 22.5 ± 2.1 years; weight: 65 ± 2.9 kg; height: 1.68 ± 0.4 m; BMI: 23.04 ± 1.75) was included in the study. All participants had no prior experience with VR. The selected posturographic parameters were Ellipse Area (mm²) and Traveled Distance (mm), assessed four times at five-minute intervals following a 15-minute VR-based training session on the Icaros® system. Results: The results revealed that participants experienced a sense of instability after completing the 15-minute VR session, as objectively demonstrated by changes in the measured parameters. Both Ellipse Area and Traveled Distance showed a worsening trend during the first three measurements—immediately post-exercise, at 5 minutes, and at 10 minutes post-exercise. A downward trend was observed in the fourth measurement, taken 15 minutes after exercise. Statistically significant differences were found in both parameters: Ellipse Area (p = 0.000) and Traveled Distance (p = 0.000). Post-hoc analysis further confirmed significant differences between the time points. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is recommended that trainers and physiotherapists supervising athletes or patients using the Icaros® VR system allow for a minimum rest period of 15 minutes in a seated or lying position following exercise. This recovery period appears essential to mitigate the sensation of instability and to reduce the risk of complications or injury due to potential falls.