Virtual reality-based therapy for the treatment of balance deficits in patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility and safety of utilizing a commercially available virtual reality gaming system as a treatment intervention for balance training.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial in which assessment and analysis were blinded.


METHODS
An inpatient rehabilitation facility.


METHODS
Interventions included balance-based physical therapy using a Nintendo Wii, as monitored by a physical therapist, and receipt of one-on-one balance-based physical therapy using standard physical therapy modalities available for use in the therapy gym.


RESULTS
Participants in the standard physical therapy group were found to have slightly higher enjoyment at mid-intervention, while those receiving the virtual reality-based balance intervention were found to have higher enjoyment at study completion. Both groups demonstrated improved static and dynamic balance over the course of the study, with no significant differences between groups. Correlational analyses suggest a relationship exists between Wii balance board game scores and BBS scores for measures taken beyond the baseline assessment.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides a modest level of evidence to support using commercially available VR gaming systems for the treatment of balance deficits in patients with a primary diagnosis of TBI receiving inpatient rehabilitation. Additional research of these types of interventions for the treatment of balance deficits is warranted.
Craig Hospital, Research Department , Englewood, CO , USA.
Jeffrey P
JP
Cuthbert
Kristi
K
Staniszewski
Kaitlin
K
Hays
Don
D
Gerber
Audrey
A
Natale
Denise
D
O'Dell
D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018910:Video Games; D063367:Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy / Q000379:methods