Abstract
AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effect of a rehabilitation program using virtual reality (VR) in addition to conventional therapy for improvement of balance (BERG scale) and functional independence (FIM scale) in chronic stroke patients. Ten individuals, mean age of 51.4 (± 6.7 years), participated of eight 60-minute sessions comprising kinesiotherapy (15min), Nintendo Wii (30min) and Learning transfer (15min) exercises. After training, nonparametric statistical analysis showed significant improvement in total FIM (p= .01) and BERG scores (p= .00), and in some of their subitems: FIM - dressing lower body (p= .01), transfer to bathtub/shower (p= .02) and locomotion: stairs (p= .03); BERG - reaching forward with outstretched arm (p= .01), retrieving object from the floor (p= .04), turning 360º (p= .01), placing alternate foot on step (p≤ .01), standing with one foot in front (p= .01), and one leg stand (p= .03). These findings suggest a positive influence of virtual reality exercises adjunct to conventional therapy on rehabilitation of balance and functionality post stroke, and indicate the feasibility of the proposed VR-based rehabilitation program.
Highlights
Stroke is one of the primary causes of death and functional disability in the world (Lavados et al, 2007)
This study aimed to investigate the extent to which a virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation program affects measures of balance (BERG scale) and functional independence (FIM scale) of chronic stroke patients submitted to eight 60-minute therapy sessions in four weeks
Our findings revealed that virtual reality associated with kinesiotherapy and learning transfer exercises had a positive influence on the rehabilitation process of the individuals under study
Summary
Stroke is one of the primary causes of death and functional disability in the world (Lavados et al, 2007). It leads to many sequelae affect balance control and suitable performance of activities of daily living (Nichols-Larsen, Clark, Zeringue, Greenspan, & Blanton, 2005), thereby weakening independence and health related quality of life (Belgen, Beninato, Sullian, & Narielwalla, 2006; Bonan et al, 2004). Different types of interventions have been developed with the purpose of improving rehabilitation post stroke (Langhome, Coupar, & Pollock, 2009) Most of these techniques, rely on consistent repetition of particular movements are frequently considered fatiguing, aimless and time demanding (Adamovich et al, 2002; Botelho & Vaghetti, 2010). It has been related to higher levels of satisfaction and adherence to treatments (Newton & Russel, 2008), whereas more evidence of its effectiveness as a therapeutic tool in rehabilitation is still warranted (Levac & Galvin, 2013)
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