Therapeutic potential of the home-based exercise program with the augmented reality system on balance in stroke patients: A preliminary report

Abstract

Recent advances in the augmented reality (AR) technology have significantly extended to the clinical rehabilitation in patients with stroke. The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic potentials of the home-based exercise program with the AR system to improve balance in stroke patients. The home-based exercise program with AR system was designed as prospective, randomized controlled study with blind observer. We analyzed interim data of total 30 stroke patients who completed functional assessment immediately after the intervention for 4 weeks. In the experimental group ( n = 15), we provided the home-based exercise program with the AR system (Uincare ® ), which was composed with the task-specific game-based system. In the control group ( n = 15), the written home-based exercise pogrom was provided. All participants were recommended the home-based exercise with 30 minutes a day for 4 weeks. Functional assessments with Timed Up and Go test, Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment, and Berg Balance scale were performed before and after the intervention for 4 weeks. There was no significant difference in general and functional characteristics before the intervention. There was no serious adverse effect in both groups. In each group, there was a significant improvement on balance after the home-based exercise for 4 weeks ( P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in balance after the intervention between the two groups. This study was the first clinical trials to use the home-based exercise program with AR system in stroke patients. In addition, the results of present study revealed that a therapeutic potential of the home-based exercise program with the AR system to improve balance in stroke patients. Further study with larger number of patients will be needed to clarify the effects of the home-based exercise program with the AR system.