Virtual reality-enhanced partial body weight-supported treadmill training poststroke: feasibility and effectiveness in 6 subjects.
Walker ML, Ringleb SI, Maihafer GC, Walker R, Crouch JR, Van Lunen B, Morrison S. Virtual reality-enhanced partial body weight-supported treadmill training poststroke: feasibility and effectiveness in 6 subjects.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the use of a low-cost virtual reality (VR) system used in conjunction with partial body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) was feasible and effective in improving the walking and balance abilities of patients poststroke.


METHODS
A before-after comparison of a single group with BWSTT intervention.


METHODS
University research laboratory.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 7 adults who were within 1 year poststroke and who had completed traditional rehabilitation but still exhibited gait deficits. Six participants completed the study.


METHODS
Twelve treatment sessions of BWSTT with VR. The VR system generated a virtual environment that showed on a television screen in front of the treadmill to give participants the sensation of walking down a city street. A head-mounted position sensor provided postural feedback.


METHODS
Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) score, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score, and overground walking speed.


RESULTS
One subject dropped out of the study. All other participants made significant improvements in their ability to walk. FGA scores increased from mean of 13.8 to 18. BBS scores increased from mean of 43.8 to 48.8, although a ceiling effect was seen for this test. Overground walking speed increased from mean of .49m/s to .68m/s.


CONCLUSIONS
A low-cost VR system combined with BWSTT is feasible for improved gait and balance of patients poststroke.
Walker
Martha L
ML
School of Physical Therapy, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA. mlwalker@odu.edu
Ringleb
Stacie I
SI
Maihafer
George C
GC
Walker
Robert
R
Crouch
Jessica R
JR
Van Lunen
Bonnie
B
Morrison
Steven
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*; D016138:Walking