Virtual Reality Training Group Research Articles

Gender Influences Virtual Reality-Based Recovery of Cognitive Functions in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

The rehabilitation of cognitive deficits in individuals with traumatic brain injury is essential for promoting patients’ recovery and autonomy. Virtual reality (VR) training is a powerful tool for reaching this target, although the effectiveness of this intervention could be interfered with by several factors. In this study, we evaluated if demographical and clinical variables could be related to the recovery of cognitive function in TBI patients after a well-validated VR training. One hundred patients with TBI were enrolled in this study and equally randomized into the Traditional Cognitive Rehabilitation Group (TCRG: n = 50) or Virtual Reality Training Group (VRTG: n = 50). The VRTG underwent a VRT with BTs-N, whereas the TCRG received standard cognitive treatment. All the patients were evaluated by a complete neuropsychological battery before (T0) and after the end of the training (T1). We found that the VR-related improvement in mood, as well as cognitive flexibility, and selective attention were influenced by gender. Indeed, females who underwent VR training were those showing better cognitive recovery. This study highlights the importance of evaluating gender effects in planning cognitive rehabilitation programs. The inclusion of different repetitions and modalities of VR training should be considered for TBI male patients.

Impact of a virtual reality program on post-stroke upper limb function: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionMotor function after stroke may be facilitated by the application of task-oriented approach which provides both functional and neurological recovery than otherwise possible. Also, virtual reality training promotes the restoration of movements by immersing the patient in an entertaining trial of performance.MethodsTo compare between the effect of virtual reality training program and task-oriented training program on the paretic upper limb function post stroke. Twenty subacute stroke survivors participated in the study. Participants were randomly allocated into one of two equal groups of 10; experimental group (A) and control group (B). Experimental group (A) performed a virtual reality program and task-oriented program, while Control group (B) performed task-oriented program only. Assessment was done for all participants using upper limb function index and grip strength test before (pre testing) and after six weeks of intervention (post testing).ResultsPaired <i>t</i>-test revealed that Virtual reality training group (Experimental group A) had statistical significant increases in the post testing mean values (after six weeks of intervention) of both upper limb functional index and hand grip strength compared to the pre testing values (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Furthermore, independent <i>t</i>-test showed a statistical significant increases in their post testing mean values in the experimental group A compared to the control group B.ConclusionsThe virtual reality training has a vital role in improving upper limb function and augmenting hand grip strength post stroke. It can be considered more effective than task-oriented in such cases.

CLINICAL AND PHYSICAL EFFICIENCY OF VIRTUAL REALITY GAMES IN SOCCER PLAYERS WITH LOW BACK PAIN

ABSTRACT Introduction: Virtual reality training (VRT) is an advanced technology that creates virtual games by a computer through specific software. It is a type of rehabilitation training commonly used in balance problems to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Objective: To determine and compare the effects of virtual reality games with those of core stabilization training on physical efficiency in soccer players with chronic low back pain. Methods: A randomized, double-blinded, controlled study was conducted on 60 LBP participants at a university hospital. The first group (n=20) received virtual reality (VR) training; the second group (n=20) received core stabilization (CS) training; and the third group (n=20) received conventional training exercises for four weeks. Scores of clinical and sports performance were measured at baseline, and after 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 6 months. Results: The baseline demographic and clinical characters did not show any significant differences (p>0.05) in the statistical analysis, which shows a homogenous population. Four weeks following the training, the VR training group showed more significant changes in clinical scores than the CS training and control groups (p≤0.001). The scores for sports performance also showed more significant improvement in the VR training group than in the other two groups (p≤0.001). The same improved clinical and sports performance changes were seen at 8 weeks and 6 months of follow-up in the VR training group, when compared to the other two groups (p≤0.001). Conclusion: This study suggests that training through virtual reality games results in long-term improvement in clinical and sports performance compared to other forms of training in soccer players with chronic low back pain.Level of evidence I b; Therapeutic studies – Investigation of treatment results.

The effectiveness of using virtual reality technology on learning the jump-shot skill in basketball

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of using Virtual Reality (VR) technology in learning the skill of jump-shot in basketball. Participants were 45 new volunteer students from the Department of Physical Education at Umm Al-Quran University. They had no experience in basketball and jump-shot in particular. They were divided into three groups, control group, real training group, and VR training group. Pre and post-tests were applied on the three groups to have a comparison between them. In the VR training group, we used the Virtual Reality headset device (HTC Vivek) to teach them the jump-shot in basketball. The scores were analyzed by using the One-Way ANOVA to measure their performance. Results showed a significant improvement in the level of performance for the jump-shot skill in the real training group and the VR group. While no significant improvement was noticed in the control group. Also, there was no significant differences between the real training and VR training group in post-test at the level of p=0.05 in jump-shot for the basketball skill. The results motivated faculty members in colleges of physical education in Saudi universities to take advantage of modern technological means. Making it as one of the new methods in teaching practical courses and conducting more research to identify the impact of using modern technology in learning.

Task-oriented training and exer-gaming for improving mobility after stroke: A randomized trial.

To evaluate the effects of task-oriented training and to compare it with virtual reality training on the mobility, physical performance and balance in stroke patients. The randomised controlled trial was conducted from January 2016 to March 2017 at the Physical Rehabilitation Department of Pakistan Railways General Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised patients 40-70 years with stroke history of at least 3 months who had the ability to stand unaided. The subjects were randomised into virtual reality training group A and task-oriented training group B. Task oriented training was provided for 3 days per week over 8 weeks to both groups with each session lasting 40-45 minutes, while additional 15-20 minutes of exer-gaming was provided only to group A. Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity, Berg Balance Test, Timed Up and Go Test and Dynamic Gait Index were used for assessment which was done at baseline, and at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of training. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 52 subjects, there were 26(50%) in each of the two groups. The overall sample had 36(69.2%) males and 16(30.7%) females. Group A showed significant difference in Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity and Berg Balance Test scores at 04 weeks of training compared to group B (p<0.05). Timed Up and Go Test significantly improved in group A at 6 weeks (p<0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in Dynamic Gait Index after 8 weeks of training (p>0.05). Virtual reality combined with task-oriented training improved the physical performance, mobility and balance outcome in stroke patients. However, virtual reality and task-oriented trainings had similar effect on gait performance of the patients.

Comparative effects of virtual reality training and sensory motor training on bone morphogenic proteins and inflammatory biomarkers in post-traumatic osteoarthritis

The objective of this study is to compare the effects of virtual reality training (VRT) and sensory-motor training (SMT) in bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and inflammatory biomarkers expression in post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) after the anterior cruciate ligament injury. Through a simple random sampling method, 60 eligible participants were allocated into VRT (n = 20), SMT (n = 20), and control groups (n = 20). They underwent training programs for 4 weeks. Clinical (pain intensity and functional disability) and biochemical (bone morphogenic proteins and inflammatory biomarkers) values were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 3 months follow up. Four weeks following training, the VRT group shows more significant changes in pain intensity and functional disability than SMT and control groups (P < 0.001). Bone morphogenic protein (BMP) measures such as BMP 2, 4, 6, and 7 don’t show any significant changes between the groups. But at the same time, the VRT group shows positive improvement in inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6) analysis than the other two groups (P < 0.001). Our study suggests that including virtual reality training in PTOA shows beneficial changes in pain, functional disability, and modification of inflammatory biomarkers than sensory-motor training, but at the same time it shows a negligible effect on bone morphogenic proteins.

Non-immersive Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Applied to a Task-oriented Approach for Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Virtual reality (VR) training allows the creation of the most applicable practice environment incorporated into computer-generated multisensory imagery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a virtual training program based on a RAPAEL smart glove on the upper extremity function and quality of life of community-dwelling individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Thirty-six outpatients diagnosed as having a first stroke were selected to receive a therapeutic rehabilitation program at local rehabilitation units. Participants were allocated randomly into two groups: the non-immersive VR training (intervention) group and the recreational activity (control) group. The intervention group received non-immersive VR training using a RAPAEL smart glove for 30 minutes per session, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The control group performed recreational activities for the same period and also participated in a conventional rehabilitation program for 30 minutes per session, 3 days a week for 8 weeks as an additional therapy. To analyze the effects of the non-immersive VR intervention on upper extremity function, four clinical measures, namely the box and block test (BBT), the Wolf motor function test (WMFT), the Jebsen-Taylor hand function test (JTT), and a grip strength test, were used in this study. For the secondary clinical outcome, the trail-making test (TMT) was used to determine any improvement in cognitive function. At week 8, upon completion of the non-immersive VR-training the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater WMFT scores (73.0±12.9 to 81.6±7.5), BBT scores (27.3±8.9 to 34.2±7.1), and grip strength (19.2±8.2 to 23.8±8.5) compared with WMFT scores (70.4±12.1 to 73.2±13.1), BBT scores (27.1±10.5 to 28.8±12.9), and grip strength (18.4±4.2 to 18.3±4.9) in the control group. This study suggests that virtual upper extremity training using the RAPAEL smart glove has reasonable and beneficial effects on upper extremity and cognitive function for chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors.

Virtual reality or isokinetic training; its effect on pain, kinesiophobia and serum stress hormones in chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Evidence on the latest technologies in rehabilitation for reducing pain and altering serum stress hormones in low back pain (LBP) was lacking. To find the clinical and hormonal effects of virtual reality training (VRT) and isokinetic training (IKT) in chronic LBP patients. Through the simple random sampling method, 60 university football players with chronic LBP were allocated into three groups: NVRT= 20, NIKT= 20 and NCONTROL= 20. The three groups underwent different exercises for 4weeks. Clinical (pain intensity and kinesiophobia) and hormonal (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, growth hormone, prolactin, ACTH and cortisol) values were measured at baseline, after 4weeks and 6months. Four weeks following training, the VRT and IKT groups showed significant changes in pain intensity and kinesiophobia in comparison to the control group (p< 0.05). Hormonal measures also showed significant improvement in the VRT group in comparison to the other two groups (p< 0.05). Training through virtual reality and isokinetic exercise is an effective approach in terms of pain and kinesiophobia. In terms of hormonal analysis, virtual reality shows slightly more improvements than isokinetic training in subjects with chronic LBP.

Immediate and Short-Term Effect of Virtual Reality Training on Pain, Range of Motion, and Kinesiophobia in Patients with Cervical Spondylosis

Context: Neck problems are the second most reported musculoskeletal condition. Neck injuries and pain are the common and frequent causes of absenteeism and disability. These conditions have a negative impact on individuals' activities of daily living. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of virtual reality training (VRT) along with conventional physiotherapy over conventional treatment alone on pain, range of motion (ROM), and kinesiophobia in the patients with cervical spondylosis. Setting and Design: This was a randomized control trial done at the tertiary care hospital, Pune, India. Materials and Methods: Forty-four participants were randomly allocated using the chit method to the conventional group (n = 22) and conventional plus VRT group (n = 22). VRT was given using an immersive virtual reality headset. The outcomes assessed were pain using the Numeric Rating Scale and cervical ROM (all movements) using universal goniometer and kinesiophobia. Pain and ROM were assessed on the immediate (day 1) and short-term (day 3) basis while kinesiophobia was assessed only on day 3. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 16.0. Results: Intragroup analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the immediate and short-term assessment in both the groups for all the variables (P ≤ 0.05). However, intergroup analysis revealed that VRT is effective in alleviating pain in the immediate (P = 0.02) and short-term (P = 0.00) analysis and improving rotation (left rotation [ P = 0.04]; right rotation [ P = 0.01]) and side flexion (left side flexion [ P = 0.00]; and right side flexion [0.01]) ranges. The results were insignificant for flexion, extension, and kinesiophobia. Conclusion: The present study concluded that both the protocols are effective in reducing pain and improving ROM. VRT was better in reducing pain than conventional treatment on the immediate and short-term basis. However, VRT group was not effective in improving ROM on an immediate basis. Both the treatment methods were equally effective in reducing kinesiophobia.

Improving Cognitive Function after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Clinical Trial on the Potential Use of the Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of long-term disability and death among young adults, and it represents an enormous socioeconomic and healthcare burden. Our purpose is to evaluate the effects of a virtual reality training with BTs-Nirvana (BTs-N) on the recovery of cognitive functions in TBI subjects, using the interactive semi-immersive program. One hundred patients with TBI were enrolled in this study and randomized into either the Traditional Cognitive Rehabilitation Group (TCRG: n = 50) or the Virtual Reality Training Group (VRTG: n = 50). The VRTG underwent a VRT with BTs-N, whereas the TCRG received a standard cognitive treatment. Each treatment session lasted 60 minutes and was repeated three times a week for 8 weeks. All of the patients were evaluated by a specific psychometric battery before (T0) and immediately (T1) after the end of the training. VRTG and TCRG had a significant improvement in cognitive functioning and in mood, but only VRTG presented with a significant increase in cognitive flexibility and shifting skills and in selective attention. In conclusion, our results suggest that VR may be a useful and effective approach for the rehabilitation of patients with TBI, leading to better cognitive and behavioral outcomes.

Effects of Soccer Kicking Training Using Virtual Reality on Kicking Performance in Boy Soccer Players

PURPOSE: Adoption of virtual reality (VR) into sports, games, and educational settings has become popular in recent years, but no evidence regarding VR’s effects on athlete’s performance has been elucidated. This study evaluated an efficacy of VR soccer kicking training system for kicking performance in young soccer players. METHODS: A total of 24 experienced boy soccer players enrolling in a elementary school soccer team was recruited for the 6 months study, and divided into two groups; VR training group (VR-G; n=13, 11.8±1.0 yrs, 148±7.5 cm, 39.0±7.9 kg) and outdoor training group (OT-G; n=11, 11.4±3.4 yrs, 152±9.7 cm, 45.2±10.2 kg). Before (M0) and after (M6) the study, they were tested. For the test, they kicked a ball, in which a sensor was installed, to a curtain screen on which targets were marked by a beam. The VR room was sized 12×8 meter. Using the data of ball speed and target hitting accuracy, a scoring point was calculated for kicking accuracy (Ka) and speed (Ks). They were also tested on a soccer field for measurement of kicking accuracy (Kfa). For the test, they practiced twice and kicked 5 times for measurement. During the study, they were trained for two phases; regular and extra training. For the regular training, the team was trained 4 times/week in a soccer field for 120 min/session. For a total of 15 sessions of extra training, OT-G practiced only kicking on the field, while VR-G did in a VR room. RESULTS: For VR-G, Ka, Ks, and Kfa increased from 53.6±9.5, 26.1±11.8, and 18.6±14.9 at M0 to 62.9±10.0 (t=-6.138, p<.001), 38.0±13.2 (t=-2.396, p<0.05), and 31.9±16.0 unit (t=-2.442, p<0.05), respectively. For OT-G, Ka, Ks, and Kfa were not changed from 58.8±8.9, 35.9±15.5, and 19.6±13.6 at M0 to 63.1±5.7, 29.1±10.0, 22.2±12.8 unit, respectively. No differences were found in 3 kicking variables at M0 and M6 between two groups. CONCLUSION: The regular soccer training and the extra kicking training improved the kicking speed and accuracy in VR-G, while OT-G maintained their performance. VR soccer kicking training program could be a potential substitutional and additional training model for young soccer players. (This research project was supported by the Spors Promotion Fund of Seoul Olympic Sports Promotion Foundation from Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, project # s072016122016)

A Novel Virtual Reality Technique (Cervigame®) Compared to Conventional Proprioceptive Training to Treat Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Despite the potential benefits of virtual reality technology in physical rehabilitation, only a few studies have evaluated the efficacy of this type of treatment in patients with neck pain.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of virtual reality training (VRT) versus conventional proprioceptive training (CPT) in patients with neck pain.Methods: Forty four participants with nonspecific chronic neck pain were randomly assigned to VRT or CPT in this assessor-blinded clinical trial. A novel videogame called Cervigame® was designed for VRT. It comprises of 50 stages divided into unidirectional and two-directional stages ordered from easy to hard. CPT consisted of eye-follow, gaze stability, eye-head coordination and position and movement sense training. Both groups completed 8 training sessions over 4 weeks. Visual analogue scale score, neck disability index and Y-balance test results were recorded at baseline, immediately after and 5 weeks post-intervention. Mixed repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyze differences between mean values for each variable at an alpha level of 0.05.Results: There were significant improvements in all variables in both groups immediately after and 5 weeks after the intervention. Greater improvements were observed in the visual analogue scale and neck disability index scores in VRT group, and the results for all directions in Y-balance test were similar in both groups. No side effects were reported.Conclusion: Improvements in neck pain and disability were greater in VRT than CPT group. Cervigame® is a potentially practical tool for rehabilitation in patients with neck pain.

A Novel Virtual Reality Technique (Cervigame®) Compared to Conventional Proprioceptive Training to Treat Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background:Despite the potential benefits of virtual reality technology in physical rehabilitation, only a few studies have evaluated the efficacy of this type of treatment in patients with neck pain. Objective:The aim of this study was to compare the effects of virtual reality training (VRT) versus conventional proprioceptive training (CPT) in patients with neck pain. Materials and Methods: Forty four participants with nonspecific chronic neck pain were randomly assigned to VRT or CPT in this assessor-blinded clinical trial. A novel videogame called Cervigame® was designed for VRT. It comprises of 50 stages divided into unidirectional and two-directional stages ordered from easy to hard. CPT consisted of eye-follow, gaze stability, eye-head coordination and position and movement sense training. Both groups completed 8 training sessions over 4 weeks. Visual analogue scale score, neck disability index and Y-balance test results were recorded at baseline, immediately after and 5 weeks post-intervention. Mixed repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyze differences between mean values for each variable at an alpha level of 0.05. Results:There were significant improvements in all variables in both groups immediately after and 5 weeks after the intervention. Greater improvements were observed in the visual analogue scale and neck disability index scores in VRT group, and the results for all directions in Y-balance test were similar in both groups. No side effects were reported. Conclusion:Improvements in neck pain and disability were greater in VRT than CPT group. Cervigame® is a potentially practical tool for rehabilitation in patients with neck pain.

Effects of virtual reality training on limb movement in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy

To study the effects of virtual reality (VR) training on the gross motor function of the lower limb and the fine motor function of the upper limb in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. Thirty-five children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to VR training group (n=19) and conventional training group (n=16). The conventional training group received conventional physical therapy and occupational therapy for three months. The VR training group received VR training and occupational therapy for three months. Grip and visual-motor integration subtests in Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 were used to evaluate the fine movement in patients before and after treatment. The D and E domains of the 88-item version of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were used to evaluate the gross movement in patients before and after treatment. Before treatment, there were no significant differences in grip, visual-motor integration, fine motor development quotient, scores of D and E domains of GMFM-88, MAS score, or BBS score between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, all the indices were significantly improved in the VR training group compared with the conventional training group (P<0.05). VR training can effectively improve the gross motor function of the lower limb and the fine motor function of the upper limb in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy.

삼차원 가상현실 운동 프로그램이 노인의 시공간적 보행변수에 미치는 효과

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the virtual reality training (VRT) using 3-dimensional video gaming technology on spatiotemporal gait parameters in older adults. METHODS: The study participants were divided into two groups: the VRT group and the control group. Those in the VRT group were enrolled in a VRT, which was conducted for 60 min per day, two times a week, during the 6-week research. The Wii-Fit balance board game was used for the VRT intervention. The VRT consisted of 6 different types of games, namely, jogging, swordplay, ski jump, hula hoop, tennis, and step dance. A 3-dimensional TV was used for 3-dimensional display. Participants in both the groups received 3 sessions of fall prevention education, at the first, third, and fifth weeks. Their gait parameters were measured by using OptoGait. RESULTS: After 6 weeks of the VRT, the spatial gait parameters of the participants, that is stride length and step length, were significantly improved compared with those of the control group participants (p

Effects of virtual reality training using Nintendo Wii and treadmill walking exercise on balance and walking for stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of virtual reality training using Nintendo Wii on balance and walking for stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Forty stroke patients with stroke were randomly divided into two exercise program groups: virtual reality training (n=20) and treadmill (n=20). The subjects underwent their 40-minute exercise program three times a week for eight weeks. Their balance and walking were measured before and after the complete program. We measured the left/right weight-bearing and the anterior/posterior weight-bearing for balance, as well as stance phase, swing phase, and cadence for walking. [Results] For balance, both groups showed significant differences in the left/right and anterior/posterior weight-bearing, with significant post-program differences between the groups. For walking, there were significant differences in the stance phase, swing phase, and cadence of the virtual reality training group. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that virtual reality training providing visual feedback may enable stroke patients to directly adjust their incorrect weight center and shift visually. Virtual reality training may be appropriate for patients who need improved balance and walking ability by inducing their interest for them to perform planned exercises on a consistent basis.

Thinking it Through: Mental Rehearsal and Performance on 2 Types of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Simulators

Simulation-based training (SBT) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCCY) provides an opportunity for junior residents to learn the procedure in a safe, nonthreatening environment. Mental rehearsal (MR) has the potential of augmenting skill acquisition. This project investigated the correlation between MR of LCCY with performance on 2 different types of simulators: a procedural task (PT) training model and virtual reality (VR) machine. Prospective, quasi-experimental design with purposeful sampling. Postgraduate years (PGYs) 1 through 3 general surgical residents underwent standardized, distributed SBT in LCCY on either a PT trainer or a VR machine with group-based MR undertaken before 2 SBT sessions. Participants completed a pre-MR and post-MR session mental imagery questionnaire (MIQ) containing 8-items using a 7-point Likert-type scale. Data related to VR objective measures and PT video-based performances were also collected. Total scale mean scores were calculated for the first MR session and the second MR session and were compared using the t test. Pearson correlation analysis of MIQ scores with performance scores was determined. Louisiana State University Health New Orleans Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This health sciences center is a tertiary care, academic state institution located in the Southeastern United States. A total of 21 PGYs 1 through 3 general surgery residents participated. They were purposefully divided into the PT and VR training groups to allow for even PGY distribution. Of the 21 participants, 19 completed both training sessions (n = 10 for PT [PGY1 = 4, PGY2 = 4, PGY3 = 2] and n = 9 for VR [PGY1 = 4, PGY2 = 3, PGY3 = 2]). After the Bonferroni adjustment, significant gains in the MIQ items related to confidence, visual imagery, and knowledge of the procedure were found. VR performance data demonstrated some statistically significant improvements. A significant negative correlation was present between the two-handed clip-and-cut VR task and MIQ gains. Group MR in LCCY before SBT on a VR machine is related to improved performance time for the VR two-handed clip-and-cut task. MR may be a useful adjunct to SBT LCCY. Future work will look at the translation of these skills to clinical practice.

Effects of conventional neurological treatment and a virtual reality training program on eye-hand coordination in children with cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of conventional neurological treatment and a virtual reality training program on eye-hand coordination in children with cerebral palsy. [Subjects] Sixteen children (9 males, 7 females) with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy were recruited and randomly assigned to the conventional neurological physical therapy group (CG) and virtual reality training group (VRG). [Methods] Eight children in the control group performed 45 minutes of therapeutic exercise twice a week for eight weeks. In the experimental group, the other eight children performed 30 minutes of therapeutic exercise and 15 minutes of a training program using virtual reality twice a week during the experimental period. [Results] After eight weeks of the training program, there were significant differences in eye-hand coordination and visual motor speed in the comparison of the virtual reality training group with the conventional neurological physical therapy group. [Conclusion] We conclude that a well-designed training program using virtual reality can improve eye-hand coordination in children with cerebral palsy.

Cervical kinematic training with and without interactive VR training for chronic neck pain – a randomized clinical trial

Impairments in cervical kinematics are common in patients with neck pain. A virtual reality (VR) device has potential to be effective in the management of these impairments. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of kinematic training (KT) with and without the use of an interactive VR device. In this assessor-blinded, allocation-concealed pilot clinical trial, 32 participants with chronic neck pain were randomised into the KT or kinematic plus VR training (KTVR) group. Both groups completed four to six training sessions comprising of similar KT activities such as active and quick head movements and fine head movement control and stability over five weeks. Only the KTVR group used the VR device. The primary outcome measures were neck disability index (NDI), cervical range of motion (ROM), head movement velocity and accuracy. Kinematic measures were collected using the VR system that was also used for training. Secondary measures included pain intensity, TAMPA scale of kinesiophobia, static and dynamic balance, global perceived effect and participant satisfaction. The results demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) improvements in NDI, ROM (rotation), velocity, and the step test in both groups post-intervention. At 3-month post-intervention, these improvements were mostly sustained; however there was no control group, which limits the interpretation of this. Between-group analysis showed a few specific differences including global perceived change that was greater in the KTVR group.This pilot study has provided directions and justification for future research exploring training using kinematic training and VR for those with neck pain in a larger cohort.

가상현실 훈련이 노인의 하지 근활성도에 미치는 영향

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of virtual reality training on muscle activation in the elderly. METHODS: The subjects were 32 healthy elderly people aged between 65 and 80, who were divided into the VR(virtual reality) training group(n=17) and the control group(n=15). The Virtual reality training group engaged in a 30-minute exercise session using Wii Fit three times a week for eight weeks. Virtual reality training group used the Ski Slalom, Table tile, Balance bubble programs. low-extremity muscle activation of the two groups were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: To investigate the effects of the training on lower-extremity muscle activation, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, vastus lateralis were measured. The results revealed that the activation of gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior significantly increased(p<.05), which indicates virtual reality training is effective in improving the activation of the muscles involved in the movement of the ankle joint. CONCLUSION: Virtual reality training is effective in improving the healthy elderly's activation of the muscles involved in the movement of the ankle joint. Thus, virtual reality training can be proposed as a form of fall prevention exercise for the elderly.