Use of virtual reality to enhance balance and ambulation in chronic stroke: a double-blind, randomized controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine an additive effect of virtual reality on balance and gait function in patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke.


METHODS
Twenty-four adults with hemiparetic stroke were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 12) or a control group. Both groups underwent conventional physical therapy, 40 mins a day, 4 days a week for 4 wks. The experimental group received an additional 30 mins of virtual reality therapy each session. Balance performance was determined by the Balance Performance Monitor and Berg Balance Scale tests. Gait performance was determined by the 10-m walking test and Modified Motor Assessment Scale, and spatiotemporal parameters were obtained using GAITRite. Analysis of variance and correlation statistics were performed at P < 0.05.


RESULTS
In the balance test, the experimental group had improved Berg Balance Scale scores, balance and dynamic balance angles (ability to control weight shifting) compared with the controls (P < 0.05). In the gait performance test, the experimental group showed significant improvements in velocity, Modified Motor Assessment Scale scores, cadence, step time, step length, and stride length (P < 0.05). Improvement in dynamic balance angles was correlated with velocity and cadence (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that virtual reality has an augmented effect on balance and associated locomotor recovery in adults with hemiparetic stroke when added to conventional therapy.
Kim
Joong Hwi
JH
Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Rehabilitation Science, Yonsei University, MaeJi-Ri, Wonju City, Kangwon-do, Republic of Korea.
Jang
Sung Ho
SH
Kim
Chung Sun
CS
Jung
Ji Hee
JH
You
Joshua H
JH
D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance; D020127:Recovery of Function; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014584:User-Computer Interface