Abstract
Numerous Virtual Reality (VR) systems address post-stroke functional recovery of the lower extremity (LE), most of them with low early applicability due to the gait autonomy they require. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of a specific VR treatment and its clinical effect on LE functionality, gait, balance, and trunk control post-stroke. A controlled, prospective, clinical trial was carried out with 20 stroke patients, who were divided into two groups: the first group (VR + CP; n = 10) received combined therapy of 1 h VR and 1 h of conventional physiotherapy (CP) and the second group (CP; n = 10) received 2 h of CP (5 days/week, for 3 weeks). The following pre-post-intervention measuring scales were used: Functional Ambulatory Scale (FAC), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FM), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Trunk Control Test (TCT). Only VR + CP showed a significant improvement in FAC. In FIM, CP presented a tendency to significance, whereas VR + CP showed significance. Both groups improved significantly in FM (especially in amplitude/pain in VR + CP and in sensitivity in CP) and in BBS. In TCT, there was a non-significant improvement in both groups. The results indicate that the intervention with VR is a feasible treatment in the post-stroke functional re-education of the LE, with the potential to be an optimal complement of CP.
Highlights
Stroke is one of the most serious neurological disorders, classified as the second cause of death in the world [1,2], with approximately 17 million new diagnoses every year [2]
In the conventional physiotherapy (CP) group, scores in Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FM)-subscales sensitivity, motor evaluation, and balance as well as in FM, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scales were significantly higher at the end of the intervention, as reported in the Wilcoxon tests
Improvements were found in the remaining scales (TCT, amplitude/pain of FM and Functional Ambulatory Scale (FAC)) after the intervention, comparisons did not reach the significant level
Summary
Stroke is one of the most serious neurological disorders, classified as the second cause of death in the world [1,2], with approximately 17 million new diagnoses every year [2]. Gait control has been described through a tripartite model consisting of steeping (basic reciprocal rhythmic movements of the LEs), balance, and adaptability (adaptation to the task and environmental demands). Among these components, dynamic balance can predict falls in this type of patient more accurately than gait speed [7]. It is important to identify whether the deviations from normality in the functional parameters after stroke are a direct result of CVA or learned or adapted compensations to fill these deficits [11], since the physiotherapeutic approach will be different in each case
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
