Virtual reality applied to the lower limb motor function in post-stroke individuals

Abstract

Strokes can generate significant motor, tonic and sensitive changes. Virtual reality (RV), focused on rehabilitation, can bring several benefits such as improvements on physical fitness, motor skills and balance. Objective: To assess the effects of the RV intervention to the static and dynamic balance, weight load on the affected limb, tone and muscle recruitment, functional independence and sensorimotor function in post-stroke individuals. Methods: Quasi-experimental and prospective clinical study with 6 subjects with diagnosis of stroke. Before and after the intervention with Nintendo Wii Fit Plus, the subjects were assessed by the Berg Balance Scale, Timed “Up and Go” and Dynamic Floor Index; Gait Test (GT); Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS); Electromyography; Barthel Index and Fugl-Meyer Scale (FMS). The Statistical analysis used Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, t test and Wilcoxon. Results: The 1st and 15th session evaluations have shown that GT (p = 0.03, d = 1.96, P = 96%), MAS for hip extensor muscles (p = 0.04; d = 3.77; P = 99%), knee extensors (p = 0.04; d = 3.23; P = 99%), plantar flexors (p = 0.01; d = 3.18; P = 99%), FMS in coordination/velocity dimensions (p = 0.02; d = 6.74; P = 100%) and sensitivity (p = 0.01) presented significant results, large effect size and power above 90%. Significant values were not found to the other evaluations. Conclusion: The RV rehabilitation program was effective and improved the weight-load in affected limb, muscle tone and sensorimotor function of the subjects