Wavelet analysis of postural stability reveals age-related differences in spectral response patterns during adaptation to immersive virtual reality

Current research indicates that Virtual Reality (VR) can serve as an effective tool for evaluating and training postural control responses and its processing, to distorted sensory input. The aim was to evaluate posturographic spectral responses and adaptation to repeated visual VR-stimulation in young and older adults with wavelet analysis. Twenty-eight young (mean 25.3 years) and 25 older (mean 74.8 years) adults were included. Participants were standing on a force plate performing two control tests (eyes open and closed) and thereafter repeatedly watched a 120-second VR-simulation of a roller-coast ride five times. The first VR session produced a marked two-fold stability response: (1) significant spectral energy increased within 0.4–8.5 Hz in anteroposterior and lateral directions, and (2) significant spectral energy decreased within 0.03–0.13 Hz in anteroposterior direction. Older adults used significantly more high frequency energy and less low frequency energy. Repeated VR sessions significantly decreased high frequency energy in both groups. Wavelet analysis indicates that both younger and older adults employed similar spectral response patterns in response to immersive visual stimulation. However, older adults showed larger shifts in spectral characteristics, suggesting age-related differences in resilience. Postural control appeared capable of rapidly adapting to adjust biomechanical strategies and sensory weighting.