Virtual Reality Exercise Program Research Articles

Effects of Virtual Reality Exercise Program on Balance in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Effects of Virtual Reality Exercise Program on Balance in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Effects of Virtual Reality Exercise Program on Balance and Quality of Life Among Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Effects of Virtual Reality Exercise Program on Balance and Quality of Life Among Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Use of the CAREN system as a treatment adjunct for Canadian Armed Forces members with chronic non-specific low back pain: a pilot study

Introduction: Non-specific chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a significant concern for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Some CAF members develop pain-related fear of movement that is difficult to treat. The goal of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of applying a virtual reality exercise program using the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) with CAF members with cLBP and kinesiophobia. Methods: Participants were randomized into one of two treatment groups or a control group. The treatment groups received 10 CAREN sessions over 2.5 weeks (high intensity) or over 5 weeks (low intensity), and the control group received exercise instruction alone. A standard CAREN protocol using five applications was used to encourage trunk movement and stability. Results: Eleven participants were recruited. Both CAREN treatment protocols were feasible, with 100% attendance, and CAREN performance continued to improve over the 10 sessions with no plateau. CAREN participants showed stable or slightly improved scores on outcome measures from baseline to post-intervention. Participants showed no consistency on the physical performance measures, with ceiling effects or variability noted between participants. Discussion: Significant inferences regarding effectiveness cannot be made because of the low number of participants. The CAREN treatment protocol was shown to be feasible and well tolerated at these intensities. The outcome measures that show the most promise for future study include the Oswestry Disability Index, Fear of Daily Activities Questionnaire, Edgren Side Step Test, and 30-second chair stand. Future randomized controlled trials to study the effectiveness of the CAREN intervention should include military-relevant outcomes and cost efficiency.

Effects of a virtual reality-based exercise program on functional recovery in stroke patients: part 1.

This study aimed to determine the effects of a virtual reality exercise program using the Interactive Rehabilitation and Exercise System (IREX) on the recovery of motor and cognitive function and the performance of activities of daily living in stroke patients. [Subjects] The study enrolled 10 patients diagnosed with stroke who received occupational therapy at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Hospital A between January and March 2014. [Methods] The patients took part in the virtual reality exercise program for 30 minutes each day, three times per week, for 4 weeks. Then, the patients were re-evaluated to determine changes in upper extremity function, cognitive function, and performance of activities of daily living 4 weeks after the baseline assessment. [Results] In the experimental group, there were significant differences in the Korea-Mini Mental Status Evaluation, Korean version of the modified Barthel index, and Fugl-Meyer assessment scores between the baseline and endpoint. [Conclusion] The virtual reality exercise program was effective for restoring function in stroke patients. Further studies should develop systematic protocols for rehabilitation training with a virtual reality exercise program.

Effect of a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks on the balance and gait of stroke patients.

[Purpose] This study aimed to assess the effect of a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks on the balance and gait of stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty stroke patients were randomly assigned to two groups 10 to an experimental group that performed a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks and 10 to a control group. The control group performed a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise program. Balance was measured with the Berg Balance Scale. Gait was assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test. The paired t-test was used to compare groups before and after the experiment. The independent t-test was conducted to assess differences in the degree of change between the two groups before and after the experiment. [Results] Within-group comparison in the experimental group showed significant differences in the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go Test. In a comparison between groups, the differences in the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go Test in the experimental group appeared significant compared with the control group. [Conclusion] The results of the experiment indicate that a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks has a positive effect on the balance and gait of stroke patients.

자기주도 가상현실 운동프로그램이 혈액투석환자의 심박변이도, 삶의 질에 미치는 효과

본 연구에서는 혈액투석환자와 같은 만성질환자 대한 운동수행율을 높이기 위해서 접근성과 동기유발이 용이하고 환자들의 자발적 참여에 효과가 있다고 알려진 가상현실 운동프로그램을 적용하여 그 효과를 확인하고자 하였다. 지역 인공 신장실에서 혈액 투석을 받는 환자 46명을 대상으로 대조군과 운동군에 각 23명씩 배정하였다. 가상현실 운동프로그램을 위한 기기로는 닌텐도 위 발란스 보드(Wii Balance Board)를 사용하였다. 투석 전 대기시간을 이용하여 40분간, 주 3회씩, 8주 동안 운동군에게 가상현실 운동프로그램을 시행하였고. 실험처치의 효과는 심박변이도와 삶의 질(SF-36)로 평가하였다. 8주간의 가상현실 운동프로그램 적용 후 운동군에서 심박변이도는 SDNN이 유의하게 상승하였고(p<.001) 삶의 질 점수는 신체적 요소에서 유의하게 상승하였고(p=.003) 정신적 요소에서 유의하게 상승하였다(p=.001). 이상의 결과로 가상현실 운동 프로그램은 혈액투석환자의 심박변이도 및 삶의 질 개선에 효과가 있는 것으로 나타났다 .이는 자기주도 VREP가 간호중재 의 새로운 시도로서 혈액투석환자뿐만 아니라 다양한 만성질환자의 신체적, 정서적인 효과를 기대하는 간호중재로 활용할 수 있을 것으로 기대한다.

The effect of a virtual reality exercise program on physical fitness, body composition, and fatigue in hemodialysis patients.

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a virtual reality exercise program (VREP) on physical fitness, body composition, and fatigue in hemodialysis (HD) patients with end-stage renal failure. [Subjects and Methods] A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. Forty-six HD patients were divided into exercise (n=23) and control groups (n=23); while waiting for their dialyses, the exercise group followed a VREP, and the control group received only their usual care. The VREP was accomplished using Nintendo’s Wii Fit Plus for 40 minutes, 3 times a week for 8 weeks during the period of May 27 to July 19, 2013. Physical fitness (muscle strength, balance, flexibility), body composition (skeletal muscle mass, body fat rate, arm and leg muscle mass), and fatigue were measured at baseline and after the intervention. [Results] After the VREP, physical fitness and body composition significantly increased, and the level of fatigue significantly decreased in the exercise group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that a VREP improves physical fitness, body composition, and fatigue in HD patients. Based on the findings, VREPs should be used as a health promotion programs for HD patients.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Using Video Gaming Technology in Elderly Adults with Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes in elderly adults is associated with an increased risk of fall. The aim of study was to determine whether a virtual reality exercise (VRE) program would improve balance, strength, gait, and falls efficacy in elderly adults with diabetes. Fifty-five subjects with diabetes mellitus over 65 years of age were randomly assigned to a VRE group (VREG) (n=27) and a control group (CG) (n=28). The VREG received the VRE program and diabetes education, whereas the CG received only the diabetes education. The VRE program used video gaming (PlayStation(®) 2; Sony, Tokyo, Japan) and was conducted for 50 min twice a week for 10 weeks. Balance, muscle strength, gait, and falls efficacy were measured at baseline and after intervention. Measurements were taken using a clinical tests (the one-leg-standing test, the Berg Balance Scale, the functional reach test, the timed up-and-go test, and the sit-to-stand test), and gait analysis. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure falls efficacy. After training, the VREG showed significantly improved balance, decreased sit-to-stand times, and increased gait speed, cadence, and falls efficacy. The VRE program was to maximize the effects of exercise by triggering players was to be fully immersed into the games and enhanced major influential factors on the falls of subject. This study suggests VRE programs are feasible and effective for reduced the risk of falls in elderly adults with type 2 diabetes.

가상현실 운동프로그램에 따른 산업체 만성요통환자의 신체기능과 건강관련 삶의 질의 변화

본 연구는 산업체 만성요통환자의 자가요통관리를 위하여 가상현실 운동프로그램을 실시하고 산업체 만성요통관련 신체기능 및 건강관련 삶의 질을 측정하여 분석하였다. 대상자는 K산업체 만성요통환자 30명으로 Nintendo Wii Sports군(실험군) 15명, 일반 물리치료군(대조군)15명으로 구성되었으며, 신체기능은 배근력, 유연성, 균형능력, 통증으로 측정하였고, 건강관련 삶의 질은 SF-36을 측정하여 운동 전과 운동 후, 군간을 비교분석하였다. 집단 내 운동 전 후의 차이를 비교하기 위하여 대응표본 t-검정을 사용하였고, 집단간의 차이를 비교하기 위하여 독립표본 t-검정을 실시하였다. 실험결과 균형능력과 통증에서 두군 모두 통계학적으로 유의하게 개선된 것으로 나타났으며, 군간 비교에서는 Nintendo Wii Sports군이 일반물리치료군에 비해 통계학적으로 유의하게 향상된 것으로 나타났다. 또한 건강관련 삶의 질은 Nintendo Wii Sports군에서만 통계학적으로 유의하게 향상된 것으로 나타났다. 결론적으로 가상현실운동프로그램이 산업체 만성요통환자의 요통에 긍정적인 영향을 미쳐 요통관리를 위한 재가운동 프로그램으로 고려되어야 할 것으로 사료된다. 【This study performed a virtual reality exercise program for self-back pain control of industrial workers with chronic back pain and analysed their physical function and health-related quality of life relating to industrial chronic back pain. The subjects of the study were thirty chronic back pain patients working for K company and were divided into Nintendo Wii Sports Group made of 15 subjects and Physical Therapy Group made of 15. As variables for physical functions, back strength, flexibility, balance and pain were measured and for the health-related quality of life, SF-36 of each group was measured before and after the exercise program. To compare differences before and after the program, a paired t-test was used and to compare differences between both groups, an independent samples t-test was used. As a result of the test, it was discovered that balance and pain of the both groups were improved statistically significantly. Physical functions of the Nintendo Wii Sports Group were improved statistically significantly in comparison with those of the Physical Therapy Group. The health-related quality of life was improved statistically significantly only for the Nintendo Wii Sports Group. In conclusion, it is suggested that as the virtual reality exercise program had a positive influence on chronic back pain of industrial workers, it should be considered as a home exercise program for back pain control.】

The Virtual Reality Exercise Therapy Program (VRET)

1510 Virtual Reality (VR) systems have been frequently used as an effective tool for neurological rehabilitation over the past decade. Of immediate interest is the application of VR in adjunction with physical exercises for physical and functional improvements. Grealy and colleagues (1999) found that VR combined to physical activity showed significant gains in cognitive function. Presently, the sport medicine field lacks theoretical and scientific knowledge of the potential benefits of this approach to be applied to improve Brain Injury (BI) physical rehabilitation. Aims: To develop a pilot study that will evaluate the physical and cognitive outcomes of a VR exercise program on 20 persons with BI and stroke. The findings of the proposed study will serve as a preliminary effort to establish the usefulness of VR in the physical and cognitive rehabilitation of persons with BI. Methods: Twenty BI participants will be randomized into either VR Exercise Therapy or Conventional Therapy using a stratified random sampling approach. All participants regardless of groups will undergo baseline and post-intervention assessments. Procedure: A repeated measures design will evaluate participant's outcomes with two assessments: one pre-intervention and one post-intervention assessment. Minimal client participation in the program will be measure by an 8-wk intervention, and maximal intervention period will last 12-wk. The program consists of a 40 to 60-minutes bi-weekly session. Simulative environments are based on participant's interaction with a projected image on a screen that simulates specific environments (ball, circus ring, juggle bubbles) or a sportive role (snowboard, soccer, volleyball). The virtual exercises are focused on balance, mobility, coordination, functional strength, and functional endurance training. The program is designed to be interactive and enjoyable. Results: Will be reported accordingly to client length of participation in the program (>10-wk and <10-wk). Physical functioning outcomes will be based on a battery of functional assessments. A pedometer will be used while client will be performing the 6-Minute Walk Test. Physiological parameters such as blood pressure and resting heart rate will be documented as well as weight and Body Mass Index. Analysis: Descriptive statistics will summarize demographics, frequencies, percentages, and means. Repeated Measures analysis will be conducted at the 0.5 level of significance. SPSS, version 11.0, will be used for the analysis.

The Virtual Reality Exercise Therapy Program (VRET)

1510 Virtual Reality (VR) systems have been frequently used as an effective tool for neurological rehabilitation over the past decade. Of immediate interest is the application of VR in adjunction with physical exercises for physical and functional improvements. Grealy and colleagues (1999) found that VR combined to physical activity showed significant gains in cognitive function. Presently, the sport medicine field lacks theoretical and scientific knowledge of the potential benefits of this approach to be applied to improve Brain Injury (BI) physical rehabilitation. Aims: To develop a pilot study that will evaluate the physical and cognitive outcomes of a VR exercise program on 20 persons with BI and stroke. The findings of the proposed study will serve as a preliminary effort to establish the usefulness of VR in the physical and cognitive rehabilitation of persons with BI. Methods: Twenty BI participants will be randomized into either VR Exercise Therapy or Conventional Therapy using a stratified random sampling approach. All participants regardless of groups will undergo baseline and post-intervention assessments. Procedure: A repeated measures design will evaluate participant's outcomes with two assessments: one pre-intervention and one post-intervention assessment. Minimal client participation in the program will be measure by an 8-wk intervention, and maximal intervention period will last 12-wk. The program consists of a 40 to 60-minutes bi-weekly session. Simulative environments are based on participant's interaction with a projected image on a screen that simulates specific environments (ball, circus ring, juggle bubbles) or a sportive role (snowboard, soccer, volleyball). The virtual exercises are focused on balance, mobility, coordination, functional strength, and functional endurance training. The program is designed to be interactive and enjoyable. Results: Will be reported accordingly to client length of participation in the program (>10-wk and <10-wk). Physical functioning outcomes will be based on a battery of functional assessments. A pedometer will be used while client will be performing the 6-Minute Walk Test. Physiological parameters such as blood pressure and resting heart rate will be documented as well as weight and Body Mass Index. Analysis: Descriptive statistics will summarize demographics, frequencies, percentages, and means. Repeated Measures analysis will be conducted at the 0.5 level of significance. SPSS, version 11.0, will be used for the analysis.