BioTrak virtual reality system: Effectiveness and satisfaction analysis for balance rehabilitation in patients with brain injury

Abstract

ObjectiveTo study effectiveness and satisfaction with a virtual reality-based balance rehabilitation system (BioTrak) for patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). Materials and methodsTen patients with chronic hemiparesis (chronicity>6 months) following an ABI completed a 20-session programme using the balance reaching-task module of the BioTrak system. All patients were assessed at baseline, at the end of treatment and one month later with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), and the computerised posturography tool NedSVE/IBV. The posturography study included analysis of sensory indexes, limits of stability and rhythmic weight shift. The usability study was conducted using an ad hoc questionnaire. ResultsRepeated measures ANOVA showed a significant improvement in BBS (P<.01), TBS (P<.01), vestibular index (P<.05), and anterior–posterior weight shift (P<.05); a trend in the same direction was also found for medial lateral weight shift (P=.059). The post hoc analysis revealed significant improvement between the initial and final assessments for BBS, POMA and anterior–posterior weight shift control; gains remained a month after completing the programme. The system showed a high degree of usability in terms of presence, immersion and user-friendliness, and there was a significant absence of adverse effects. ConclusionOur results confirm the utility of virtual reality systems for balance rehabilitation in this population. Usability data suggest that BioTrak could be adapted for use in multiple rehabilitation settings by a high number of patients.