Continuation of balance training for stroke subjects in home environment using virtual reality

Abstract

The objective of telerehabilitation is a continuation of the rehabilitation process in the subjects ' home whilst allowing the therapists and physicians the possibility to follow the progress remotely. In this article a pilot project with virtual reality based tasks for dynamic standing, frame supported, balance training is presented. Six stroke subjects participated in the preliminary study. The subjects performed the therapy fi ve times a week, each time for up to 20 min, over a period of 3 weeks. The results were evaluated by objective game parameters as track time, number of collisions and clinical instruments Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up & Go and a 10 m walk test. The outcomes demonstrated a signifi cant improvement of all parameters. However, the follow-up after 2 weeks demonstrated that functional improvement could be possible on a longer term if the subjects continue with targeted tasks for an extended period of time. Additionally, the balance training could be continued at the subject ' s home instead of the hospital, which would decrease the number of outpatient visits and reduce related costs.

Scoping review of outcome measures used in telerehabilitation and virtual reality for post-stroke rehabilitation

“…In addition, when apprising the articles by Cikajlo et al. (2011), 16 Cikajlo (2014) 17 and Holden et al. (2007), 18 questions 4 ( Were the groups similar at the start of the trial?)…”

“…were excluded as they could not be rated by answering ''Yes/no/can't tell'' since they are aimed at quantitatively reporting the treatment effect; thus, we did not rate these questions, so the total number of the questions to be considered was 9 rather than 11. In addition, when apprising the articles by Cikajlo et al (2011), 16 Cikajlo (2014) 17 and Holden et al (2007), 18 questions 4 (Were the groups similar at the start of the trial?) and 5 (Aside from the experimental intervention, were the groups treated equally?)…”

Virtual Reality System for Rehabilitation of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Preliminary Study

“…VR is now recognized as a powerful tool for the assessment and rehabilitation of both motor and cognitive impairments and provides a unique medium for the achievement of several requirements of effective rehabilitation: controlled conditions, repetitive practice and feedback about performance (Riva, 2003;Burdea, 2003;Gaggioli et al, 2009;Halton, 2008;Raspelli et al, 2012;Cipresso et al, 2012;Pallavicini et al, 2013). In addition, VR offers boundless variations of augmented feedback, objects, and allow the users immersion in attractive environments (Cikajlo et al, 2010;Berger-Vachon, 2006) so that VR remains motivating and entertaining (Rand et al, 2009). Few virtual rehabilitation systems have been developed for motor rehabilitation using full-body interaction.…”