The use of exergames in neurorehabilitation

Abstract

Introduction Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic disorder with progressive degeneration of the dopamine-producing cells in brain structures, including the substantia nigra. Objective To evaluate the independence, confidence and balance in the development of daily activities in patients with Parkinson's disease before and after rehabilitation. Material and methods A descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out with 16 patients (mean 57.6 ± 18.7 years), submitted to anamnesis, otolaryngological, and vestibular assessment. The Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL) and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) were applied before and after rehabilitation with virtual reality. Results (a) The Instrumental sub-scale of the questionnaire showed significant difference (P = 0.022, 95% CI: 1.21; 2.21) between the 1st and 2nd assessments; (b) The correlation between questionnaires showed significant result in the Ambulation sub-scale (P = 0.011, 95% CI: −0.85; −0.17) 1st assessments and (P = 0.002, 95% CI: −0.88; −0.31) 2nd assessments and the Functional sub-scale was only verified in the 2nd assessment (P = 0.011, 95% CI: −0.85; −0.17); and (c) There was patients’ clinical improvement in the final assessment after rehabilitation with significant result for the Tightrope Walk (P = 0.034, 95% CI: −12.5; −0.3) and Ski Slalom games (P = 0.005, 95% CI: −34.8; −6.6). Conclusions Our results showed that VADL and ABC questionnaires, applied before and after rehabilitation, were important tools to measure the independence, confidence and balance while developing daily activities. VADL and ABC questionnaires may effectively contribute to quantify the effect of the applied therapeutics and, consequently, its impact on the quality of life of patients with PD.